What is Respite Care?

Respite care at Golden Horizons provides temporary, short-term care for seniors. This can range from one day up to 30 days. It’s designed to give family caregivers a break or to support seniors recovering from an illness, surgery, or other health events. During respite care, seniors receive professional assistance from our team of quality care providers, enjoy social activities in our specially designed Golden Wellness Program, and benefit from the assisted living amenities such as our beauty salons, walking baths and whirlpools. Each respite room is also fully furnished with furniture, so the resident just needs to bring their personal belongings such as: clothing, towels, and toiletries. Respite is also a great option for individuals unsure of Assisted Living that want to test it out and see how they like it. If a resident moves in as respite and they do like it, it is a smooth process to transition over to a permanent status resident. Our respite residents receive the same services and care plans that our permanent residents do. We follow the same process of doing a nurse assessment on the potential resident to ensure we are providing the services they need. Once moved in, the resident will provide care services, are provided meals and snacks, activities, transportation, and so on. Our goal is to ensure the respite experience makes the individual feel as welcomed, cared for and at peace as possible. We also want the family caregivers to take the time they need, knowing their loved one is safe and taken care of. 

Why Chose Respite?

• Caregiver Relief: family caregivers often need a break to go on vacation, recharge, or handle personal matters. Respite care offers a safe environment for their loved one during this time away. We have met countless individuals who are exhausted, mentally, emotionally and physically who need a little time to themselves. It is never easy for the individual and family caregiver to see a change in their loved one as they age. It takes such a toll and is a lot of work to make sure your loved one is okay while caring for them. We aim to make that process easier and more helpful for all involved. Our team of dedicated professionals will make sure the individual is provided with the services they need to live a happy and healthy life while staying with us. 
• Recovery Support: after a hospital stay or surgery, seniors might need extra care and supervision from professionals which can be provided temporarily by us. We provide seniors with a more home-like environment to enjoy during recovery, as opposed to a nursing home which is more of a hospital like setting. With us, you are provided your own apartment (no sharing like in a nursing home), with the freedom to be as independent as you choose while also being provided care you need to get better. Our team follows a customized care plan that outlines the specific services we need to provide such as: medication administration, assistance with transferring, medications for an injury, bathing assistance, and so on. We want to make the individual feel comfortable and hopeful of a full recovery in our care. 
• Trial Period: respite care allows seniors and their families to experience our assisted living before making a long-term commitment. This can help them decide if the community is the right fit by getting used to the activities, meals, care services, living environment and other residents. So many elderly individuals still are stuck in the stigma of the past that assisted livings are like nursing homes. This is not true, as there are so many differences. If you or your loved one are unsure, trying to respite is something we recommend getting over that perceptive barrier and see what assisted living is truly like. We are sure you will find it to be a much better experience and environment than you think. 

Benefits of Respite Care:

• Professional Care: seniors receive care 24/7, 7 days a week from our trained staff, ensuring all their needs are met.
• Social Engagement: seniors can participate in activities and social events, reducing feelings of isolation and improving their overall well-being.
• Access to Amenities: respite care residents have access to the community’s amenities, such as dining, fitness programs, salon and recreational activities.
• Peace of Mind: families can rest assured knowing their loved one is in a safe, supportive environment while they take a much-needed break.

Transition from Respite to Assisted Living:

The familiarization of a respite stay allows seniors to become antiquated with our community, making a potential permanent move less intimidating and more comfortable. Respite also creates a smoother adjustment for seniors to adapt to the lifestyle and environment of the assisted living in a low-pressure setting, which can ease the stress of a permanent transition. Residents will build relationships and connections with other residents and employees that makes permanency smoother and helps the resident feel more confident in moving in. 

Regardless of the reason for respite, it provides a great option for residents to get a taste of all our community can provide. Each resident that joins as respite is treated with the highest levels of respect and dignity, will enjoy their own independence still and experience just how great assisted living is for seniors living out their golden years. For more information on our respite, give any of our communities in your area a call!