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Do you need a break from caregiving?  Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or a month.  The most popular respite services are home care, adult day services and stay by the day in a senior living community.

Short-term care

Respite care for the elderly can be a short-term stay at a senior living community.  This option is helpful when a caregiver needs to travel or have a planned medical procedure.  Communities will call this respite care or stay by the day.  The client pays a daily rate to live in the senior living community.  This rate will vary depending on the care services. Length of stay is typically 14 to 30 days.  Programs will have a minimum and maximum length of stay for respite.  Not all senior living will offer this option. Choice Connections will help you find a community that provides respite care.  Short stay care may be right for you if you need the following services:

• Around the clock care or supervision
• A safe, secure environment
• Health care monitoring or skilled nursing help
• Opportunity to try assisted care without the full commitment

Adult Day Services

Adult day services are available at adult day centers in the community.  Centers are usually open Monday – Friday.  They provide structured activities, health, and personal care support, but do not provide 24- hour care.  Some centers offer transportation to and from the program.  The benefit of adult day services is knowing a loved one is safe and cared for while the primary caregiver has “time off”.  Some programs offer specialty care for persons with dementia or other medical conditions.  Others offer culture specific care.  Most adult day services schedule care in advance. They do not typically offer drop-in care.   You pay for the number of days that are attended each week.  Adult day services may be right for you if you need:

• A safe, secure environment
• Stimulating activities
• Personal care like bathing and incontinence support
• Health monitoring
• Coverage while caregivers are at work

Stay by the day and adult day services are great care options before making a move to senior living.  They offer respite for the caregiver and can save you money.