Providing elder care to somebody you love, such as a parent, spouse, sibling, or even a close friend is a wonderful act. It is a gesture of love and a sacrifice. You are going to get worn out, no matter how minimal support is or how great that connection happens to be with this other senior.

When you need respite, some time to yourself, a chance to take a break, what happens to that individual who needs assistance? Do they struggle on their own? If that’s the case, you are not really going to be able to relax.

You will constantly worry about them, wonder if they are safe, if they are okay, or if you are doing the wrong thing. The longer you act as a caregiver to somebody in your family or a close friend, the more likely you are going to deal with intense stress. Stress can increase the risk of serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, and anxiety related conditions.

Assisted living is a wonderful alternative that can provide this family caregiver with the type of respite care he or she needs to recuperate. An older senior who may have been considering assisted living as an elder care option often have the chance to take advantage of respite stays at these communities.

Why would respite care be a great choice?

First, it helps the family caregiver get the time he or she needs to recover from all the stress and strain of the work they do in caring for that individual.

Second, it provides the aging senior an opportunity to see what assisted living would actually be like. For a new assisted living community that provides respite options, an individual can stay for just a few days or several weeks.

This is about a short-term stay rather than a long-term commitment. For somebody who has difficulty committing to moving into assisted living permanently, mostly because they don’t know very much about it, this provides them a perfect opportunity to check things out, get a lay of the land, and see what types of activities and other options are available.

Do all assisted living communities offer this?

No, just as each assisted living facility is different from the next, not all will be able to or willing to provide respite style short-term stays for aging seniors.

For the family caregiver, when they need time to rest, recharge, and reset following months or even years looking after this aging individual, respite care for the senior provides them the time off they need to not just rest and relax, but also not have to worry about the senior when they are not stopping by regularly to support him or her.

During the winter, respite services is a great option, too, that can help ward off the winter blues. When the weather turns cold, blustery, and people spend more time indoors, the risk of depression can increase, and choosing to stay surrounded by other seniors and have options for various activities every day is a great way to help keep those blues at bay.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a move to Assisted Living in Grayhawk, AZ please contact the caring staff at MD Senior Living today. 480-267-9200