One of the easiest mistakes to make, when you’re a family caregiver, is assuming you can’t turn to outside support, unless you give up this great responsibility. The vast majority of family caregivers in the United States today are doing this job out of a sense of duty, of responsibility. They feel like they must, otherwise their elderly mother, father or other family member will assume or claim they don’t care.

In reality, most family caregivers deal with a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety because of the work they do supporting somebody they love. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a break every once in a while? Wouldn’t it be a wonderful moment of reset to know your aging mother or father, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or other loved one is in good hands, even if only for a few days, overnights, or several weeks?

 

That’s exactly what respite care at assisted living can offer.

Keep in mind, though, that not all assisted living facilities will provide respite services. However, a growing majority of them do.

Each one is different, so it is vital that you reach out and connect with an administrator at a specific assisted living facility to find out what types of options they offer with regard to respite services.

For the most part, respite care means temporary or short term. One facility may offer the option of allowing an aging individual to spend a week or two at their facility, especially while family or friends who have been the primary support system are away or unavailable.

Others will offer overnight care options. That means you might be supporting your elderly mother during the day, but when you have to return home to your own responsibilities, such as caring for children, looking after the house, pets, and so on, she can go to an assisted living facility to go to sleep and then wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and energized, when you pick her up.

 

What benefits could a senior gain from assisted living?

There are numerous benefits that an elderly person could gain from a respite stay at assisted living. Keep in mind, many people have misconceptions about what assisted living is, does, and offers.

Even just spending the overnights at an assisted living facility in the neighborhood could help your elderly mother or father see what types of activities are available, get to know some of the other residents, and begin to realize just how wonderful this could be for the future.

This does not mean every single senior who takes advantage of respite care options at assisted living are going to be calling assisted living home in the future. However, when you understand the truth about what assisted living does, you may have a different perspective and view of things moving forward.

Whether it’s for you, your elderly mother or father, or other family members, respite care is a wonderful option to consider for seniors who need at least a little support right now.

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