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Not Sure You’re Ready for Assisted Living? Try Respite Care First

Everyone needs a break every now and then. Maybe your mom needs a break from cleaning the three-bedroom, two-bathroom house she lives in by herself. Or perhaps you need a break from stopping by your childhood home every other day to make sure food isn’t bad in the refrigerator or to drive your mom to a doctor’s appointment.

If caring for your aging parent is putting stress on your relationship, then it’s time to explore assisted living. However, if your loved one is safe and healthy at home and neither of you is sure it’s time for assisted living just yet, try respite care first.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving while your loved one gets to test the waters of assisted living. Also known as short-term stays, respite care visitors receive the same comforts and amenities as assisted living residents, including:

  • A private apartment with a modern kitchenette, walk-in shower, and spacious living room
  • Assistance with activities of daily living, including medication management
  • Anytime restaurant-style dining from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Daily programs, including bowling, movie nights, shopping outings, bus trips, spa days, and live music

Why Is Respite Care Beneficial for You and Your Loved One?

Many caregivers take advantage of respite care only once they’ve started to notice signs of stress or exhaustion. A break now can ward off burnout later by empowering caregivers to regain a sense of balance in their lives.

For instance, you could use your short-term break to spend time with other friends and family; take care of errands, such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut, or going to the doctor; get out of town for a long-awaited vacation; or just relax and do nothing.

Respite care services are also helpful if your loved one is considering making the move to assisted living. It provides them with the chance to interact with others having similar experiences, spend time in a safe and supportive environment, and participate in social activities.

How Do You Pay for Respite Care?

One of the biggest concerns families have about respite care is the cost. But there are costs associated with caregiving at home, too. Nearly half of family caregivers have cut back on leisure spending, such as eating out or going on vacation, because of caregiving expenses, and they spend nearly 20 percent of their annual income in out-of-pocket costs related to caregiving.

Plus, you know that your parent will eventually need help. The earlier you start planning, the more time you have to investigate resources that may help cover the cost.

Although most respite services are not typically paid for by Medicare or private insurance plans, there is financial assistance, such as scholarships, sliding scale fees, or government programs, if you need help paying for respite care.

If your loved one receives veterans benefits, they might be eligible for respite care services that pay for a person to come to their or for them to go to an assisted living facility while you take a break.

Some local Alzheimer’s Association chapters also offer respite scholarships for people with dementia.

Ultimately, respite care is a great opportunity for you to take care of yourself while your loved one explores whether assisted living is right for them.

If either of you is still unsure, it might be helpful to learn more about what it’s actually like to live in assisted living. Download our eBook, “What Is Assisted Living Really Like?” to learn about the ways assisted living has changed over the years, what a typical day in assisted living looks like today, the staff you’ll usually meet in assisted living facilities, and how assisted living actually feels like home.

 

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The Arbors® and The Ivy™ at Ellington are not affiliated with or related in any way to Arbors of Hop Brook Retirement Community in Manchester, Connecticut.

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Have you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

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No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


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Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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