There is a growing trend in senior living for older adults needing some daily assistance to live temporarily in an assisted living community. These short-term visits are often referred to as respite stays. A respite stay in senior living refers to a short-term stay at a community, typically ranging from a few weeks to a month, and sometimes longer.

As part of the respite stay, an individual will move from their home residence to the assisted living community and receive a fully furnished apartment. The idea is for the individual to get help with activities of daily living while receiving all-inclusive services, such as meals, housekeeping, personal care assistance, transportation and access to amenities and other services available to the community’s residents.

In addition, the individual will usually have access to nursing and medical support, so they receive help with medications, mobility and other health-related needs. While the individual is living at the community and getting the essential support they need, they can participate in daily life at the community, socializing with other residents, taking part in wellness programs and other educational or entertainment activities.

Common reasons for a respite stayThe most comment reason for a respite stay is that the individual is undergoing a post-hospital or injury recovery. During a rehabilitation period, the individual might not have a local support network, and it is just safer to get help from an on-site care team with additional access to outside services like home health, hospice or physical therapy.

Additionally, a respite stay can offer family caregivers a break to take care of their life. Caregiving can be incredibly taxing for families, and a short-term break can allow them to visit family, take care of their own medical needs and appointments, or even recharge their batteries via a vacation. And sometimes, the primary caregiver has a medical challenge and cannot care for their loved one – a respite stay can allow the caregiver to recover without worrying about their loved one.

Sometimes, families will suggest a respite stay for their loved one as a trial stay at an assisted living community. The respite stay allows the individual to give life at the community a test run with minimal commitment. After the stay, if the individual feels the community fits their needs, they will work with team members for a longer-term lease, where they can personalize their own space with their furniture and belongings.

Respite stays are for seniors, familiesRespite stays are a flexible and supportive option for both seniors and caregivers, offering peace of mind and high-quality care on a short-term basis. They can also be a lifesaver for families, offering critical support in several ways. Caring for an aging loved one can be emotionally and physically exhausting. A respite stay gives caregivers time to rest and recharge to avoid burnout, take care of personal obligations (work, travel, family) and focus on their own mental and physical health.

During the stay for the senior, their family knows their loved one is in a safe, supervised environment, receiving professional care, and socialization and wellness activities they normally would not while living at home. It’s common for a senior to join a community such as Jackson Creek Senior Living, whether as a respite stay or long-term resident, and have families comment that mom or dad seems much more vibrant after the move. This can be due to the balanced, daily nutrition, activities being offered, and the ongoing connection to other residents versus isolation at home.

It can take a little time, just like it would for any move, for the person to settle into the new environment and the respite stay. Some seniors take time to adjust or feel homesick—especially if the stay is unplanned. But even then, team members are usually trained to help them feel welcome and supported quickly. Even if a senior is hesitant at first, a respite stay often opens the door to a better understanding of what senior living is really like—and that can be a turning point for both them and their family.

Elizabeth Girling is vice president of operations for WellAge Senior Living, which manages Jackson Creek Senior Living in Monument and other locations statewide. She has two decades of experience working with families and older adults.