This post was written and prepared by Markentum Digital Marketing.
Respite care is an often overlooked resource. In fact, only 15% of family caregivers utilize respite care services. Many of the individuals who choose to take advantage of respite care only view it as beneficial for family caregivers. While respite care can help prevent caregiver burnout and offer family caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities, it also benefits seniors! It allows individuals to have a “trial stay” at a potential senior living community before committing to moving in and making that transition. Respite care immerses an individual into the community lifestyle. So, why should you use respite care as a trial for senior living?
You Can Meet the Current Residents
Researching communities online and reading reviews are helpful tools for getting an idea of what life is like in a community. However, the only way to know for sure is to talk to its current residents! By doing so, you can hear people’s honest opinions about the community and the lifestyle that it provides. When you stay in a community, even for a short period of time, you can engage with full-time residents and get an authentic feel for life in the community.
Additionally, using respite care before you commit to moving in allows you to form friendships. Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are common when moving into a new home. Utilizing respite care allows you to develop relationships with current residents. This will make your transition into the community more comfortable.
Participate in Community Activities & Events
We all have our own unique interests and hobbies. Senior living communities do their best to offer activities and events that cater to a wide range of interests. As a respite stay guest, you have the same access to community activities as a full-time resident. You can fully immerse yourself in the community lifestyle and see if the community offers activities that align with your interests. This is also a great way to find people in the community who share your interests.
Experience the Living Spaces
You would not commit to moving into a new home without looking at it first. A senior living community is no different, but you get to go one step further when you use respite care as a trial stay for senior living.
Through respite care services, you are able to stay in a room or apartment similar to the one in which you would be living. You can get a feel for the space and decide if the layout makes you feel comfortable and suits your needs.
Receive Care & Support
One of the most significant considerations when choosing a senior living community is the quality of care you will receive. Any community can say that they offer quality care, but you can put this claim to the test by utilizing their respite care services.
During your stay, you will be able to determine if the community offers the right level of care and support you need. Take note of the quality of care you receive during your stay. This is likely how you will be treated if you decide to transition into the community as a full-time resident.
A few questions to consider include:
- Are the caregivers friendly?
- Are they attentive?
- Do you feel like your unique needs are being met?
This respite care stay also gives you the opportunity to form relationships with the caregivers in the community, and can provide you with confidence in knowing that they understand your personal needs before you make the move.
Respite care provides numerous benefits and is a great way to test a community before committing to a move. If you are looking to transition into a senior living community, explore Stellar Senior Living’s communities near you.
This post was written and prepared by Markentum Digital Marketing.
