Opportunities to experience community life, caregiver respite, and temporary care needs are all potential reasons for a short-term respite or trial stay in a personal care home community. The decision to transition into different levels of care can be a time filled with new questions and big changes. So, having the option for a temporary stay in a suitable community can be a great way to ease this transition while meeting an immediate need like caregiver respite.
Each community could have varying policies on what type of short-term stays they offer regarding their personal care services. So, you or your loved one should contact your desired community or communities to find their policies on temporary stays.
What Is a Personal Care Home?
Personal care home communities can be a great option for older adults who require assistance with daily living but do not require the level of medical care offered in a more advanced medical community. It’s important to note that these communities are not the same as nursing homes, which typically offer a much greater degree of medical care and are less focused on an older adult maintaining their independence.
A personal care home will vary in size, capacity, and amenities, but they usually offer a range of services, such as three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and social and recreational activities. Residents can also receive assistance with medication management, dressing, bathing, and other daily activities.
Purposes of Personal Care Home Short-Term & Trial Stays
There are a few different reasons why a short-term or trial stay in a personal care home may be beneficial for an older adult.
Opportunity to Experience Community Life
Living in a personal care home for a trial period gives an older adult a chance to experience what it’s like to live in a community of their peers. They’ll be able to participate in activities, make new friends, and will have access to amenities such as fitness centers and dining services. This sense of community can be especially important as we get older and can help reduce the risk of social isolation and depression.
Caregiver Respite
Short-term personal care stays offer respite for caregivers who may need a break from the responsibilities of caring for a loved one. This break can be especially valuable for family caregivers who may also be struggling to balance work and family responsibilities.
Temporary Care Needs
Personal care homes are staffed with professional caregivers who are trained to assist with activities of daily living, medication management, and other healthcare needs. By staying for a short-term stay, older adults can receive the professional care they may need without making a long-term commitment. For example, a short-term rehabilitation stay may be ideal if an older adult needs extra assistance following a medical procedure.
Things to Consider When Booking a Short-Term or Trial Stay
There are a few things to consider when booking a short-term stay in a personal care home.
Choosing the Right Community
When looking to book a temporary stay in a personal care home, it’s important to take time to research and explore various communities. You should take a tour and speak with the community representative about your loved one’s specific needs and preferences before committing to a stay.
Ensure that the community can cater to your loved one’s medical needs and daily living requirements. These stays can provide an avenue for gauging how compatible the community will be with your loved one’s needs.
Understanding the Short-Term & Trial Stay Agreement
You should review the agreement document thoroughly before committing to and booking a short-term stay. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the costs, payment methods, specific services included with the stay, and any additional requirements during the stay. Most communities offer aid with activities of daily living and personal care, but depending on the community, some may offer additional services such as transportation, housekeeping, and laundry, but there may be an extra charge.
Preparing for the Transition
It’s important to prepare ahead of time to help make the process as smooth as possible. Before the move, it can be helpful to have your loved one visit the community and become familiar with the staff and their new surroundings. It can be helpful to pack familiar belongings from home, such as family photos or favorite books, as a source of comfort during the stay.
Senior Living That Cares in Lebanon
Senior living doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing experience. There are different options for those unique situations that can arise in life, whether a caregiver simply needs a short break or an older adult wants to test drive what senior life in a personal care home is like.Contact us at Juniper Village at Lebanon if you or your loved one is considering communities in Lebanon. We’re happy to book you a community tour so that you can see what life is like in a Juniper Village community.