Respite care, or short-term care, is becoming a valued option in modern caregiving. In today’s world, more family members are becoming informal caregivers and are balancing a lot on their plates. Respite care provides a temporary solution for those caregivers who need to focus on personal commitments, emergencies, or simply take a well-deserved break.
While respite care programs provide countless benefits to these caregivers, they also offer a myriad of benefits to the older adults who take part in these short-term stays. It allows them to experience the people, amenities, and support that come with an assisted living community.
Brickmont Assisted Living provides respite care programs at our communities throughout Georgia. We want to share some of the value that our programs can bring to guests and how respite care can be a great way to “test out” senior living!
What is respite care?
Respite care is a short-term care option and is often utilized when a primary caregiver is temporarily unavailable. In these situations, individuals are given professional support and assistance with whatever they may need, including grooming, mobility assistance, and medication management.
When offered at a senior living community, guests also have the opportunity to participate in community events, social gatherings, day excursions, and more.
Testing Out Assisted Living
If you’re unsure if an assisted living community is right for you or your family, utilizing a short-term respite care program can be a great way to test the senior living waters. By experiencing the support, amenities, and activities of an assisted living neighborhood, you can see how much a community has to offer.
Here are some benefits of using respite care as a test run for assisted living:
Experience a First-Hand Look
No matter how many times you tour a community, nothing gives you a better idea of how life will be there until you live there. By utilizing a short-term respite program, you can live in a community and experience everything first-hand - dining, living spaces, care staff, other residents.
This will provide a more realistic idea of life in the community, giving you an indication of what your life could be like, and hopefully answer any questions you may have.
No Commitment
We understand that moving out of your home and into a senior care community can be a big transition, and you might be hesitant to make such a change. The value of respite care is that it’s short-term with no commitment.
If you’re using a respite stay program as a test run for assisted living, make sure that you set a clear end date, remembering that when your stay is over, you can return home with no obligation to move. Knowing that your stay is temporary can help you relax and make the most of your time in the community.
Make Friends
One of the most beneficial parts of living in a senior living community is getting to know the diverse and vibrant people who live there. When you participate in a short-term respite stay, you meet your potential neighbors and build relationships with them. If you do eventually decide to move, you will already have friends to go back to!
Explore a New Area
Staying in a community allows you to explore a new area that you may not be familiar with. Most communities offer day trips and excursions to local attractions, destinations, and more. Brickmont Assisted Living communities are near shopping, dining, and parks, and are all located in the greater Atlanta area, so you will never run out of things to do!
Looking Forward to Senior Living
Transitioning to senior living is a significant change, but it should be viewed with excitement, not worry. By using respite care as a trial run for assisted living, you can familiarize yourself with a community, and experience how valuable the assistance and amenities can be. After you’re done with your short-term respite stay, you’ll be eager and excited to return to the community with no hesitation!
Brickmont Assisted Living has communities throughout Georgia that offer support, assistance, and stimulation. If you’ve been considering assisted living, we encourage you to try our short-term respite care. You’ll discover all that a Brickmont community has to offer!
Please note that not all Brickmont communities offer respite programs, and availability may vary. We encourage you to contact a member of our team to learn more about our respite care services!
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