Respite Care: Is it Right for your Loved One?
Respite care is a short-term stay in a Benchmark community that can benefit seniors and those caring for them in a multitude of ways. Following hospitalization, illness, injury, or surgery, respite care allows seniors to recover in a comfortable place with the assistance and amenities they might need. It’s intended for seniors who need help with daily living activities and can be utilized for a variety of reasons, including lifestyle change, transitions between treatment or medical services, or even a caregiver vacation. This essential service, widely available at Benchmark Senior Living communities, can also provide caregivers with some well-deserved rest, allowing them to recharge in between tending to their loved ones.
One of the most significant upsides to respite care is the comfortable and caring environment it provides. Benchmark communities are equipped to handle a variety of care needs and provide a range of services. Our trained associates can handle everything from helping seniors get showered and dressed, to managing their medications and transporting them to medical appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who require specialized care, need daily assistance, or could use some extra assistance with recovery.
Along with professional care, our respite guests also enjoy all the same amenities that our full-time residents do. They have access to the same delicious meals, comfortable well-equipped apartments, and enriching programming. While they’re with us, we make every effort to help our respite guests feel at home, which includes immersing them in our daily routines and activities. The variety of programming we offer can give seniors an opportunity to socialize with others and participate in activities that they may not usually have access to. It can also provide a change of scenery, which can be refreshing and stimulating.
Another upside to a respite stay with Benchmark is that it can help seniors determine if they’re ready to move into a community full-time. By experiencing short-term stays in a Benchmark community, seniors can become more comfortable with the idea of living in a community setting. They’re able to get a feel for the amenities and services available and start building relationships with staff and other residents. Additionally, respite care can often provide seniors with access to specialized support services that they may not have at home, such as physical fitness programs, medication management, balanced nutrition and social programming. Many of our respite guests enjoy their stays so much that they decide to transition to assisted living with us.
One common misconception is that respite care is only necessary for caregivers who are burnt out or overwhelmed. While respite care can certainly provide much-needed relief for caregivers in need of some rest, it is important to recognize all the ways that it benefits the person receiving care. Think of respite care like a break that benefits both parties – it allows them to recharge separately so that when they reunite, they’re both at their strongest.
Respite care can provide seniors with extra care, a change of scenery, and a sense of community. It can also provide their caregivers with some well-deserved rest. If you or someone you know is a caregiver, consider a respite stay at Benchmark Senior Living another tool in your first aid kit. It’s there in case you ever need additional support in caring for a senior or helping them recuperate from an operation, illness, or injury.
