When your loved ones start easing into their golden years, you may need to accept the reality of residential care for them whether it’s focused on memory care, respite care, or assisted living. It can be confusing for your loved ones as they enter this new phase of their life, and we understand the same goes for their caregivers, especially if they’re unsure what service is the best fit. Here, we’ll be breaking down the two main forms of senior care for you – respite care vs. assisted living.
Respite Care Vs. Assisted Living – Benefits of Respite Care
The key difference between respite care and assisted living is basically the duration. Respite care is short-term and can be arranged for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your loved one is recovering from an injury and temporarily requires more assistance than you can provide. Maybe they want to give assisted living a go but aren’t too sure about how they’ll like it.
Or it could simply be that you’ve started noticing signs of stress or exhaustion in yourself and wish to seek support. A break as soon as one feels overwhelmed can ward off burnout down the road by empowering providers to regain a sense of identity outside the caregiving role and balance in their lives – whether they use this opportunity to travel, catch up with other loved ones, or take an uninterrupted nap.
Although respite care is short-term, you can expect a similar level of care you would receive as a long-term resident. Respite care guests are usually able to take full advantage of the amenities in the senior community, too, like social and recreational activities, and all medical care on hand.
Respite Care Vs. Assisted Living – Benefits of Assisted Living
In most circumstances, a move to assisted living is permanent. Assisted living communities offer your loved ones a broader spectrum of personalized care within a residential setting. This hugely benefits loved ones who crave an independent and flexible lifestyle while still wanting a higher level of support with their day-to-day activities.
Generally, they may be of sound health, but need assistance with preparing meals, housekeeping, laundry, showering, and even medication management. A full calendar of activities and events on top of complimentary scheduled trips to nearby shopping and dining areas with friends are common benefits of residing within a senior community long-term. Guests under this program will also be assured the privacy they need if they prefer to keep to themselves.
Choosing Respite Care Vs. Assisted Living
Both programs allow your loved ones to maintain their independence while benefiting from the protective and friendly environment of a senior living community. You may want to consider assisted living if your loved one is looking for permanent care. For temporary care with all the advantages of assisted living, respite care may be the best fit.
Why Choose The Summit?
If you’re a caregiver searching for respite care or assisted living services for your loved one, consider visiting The Summit. With a wide range of amenities and services, our warm and secure community offers like-minded individuals the ideal environment to enjoy their golden years to the fullest within proximity of all the care they may need.
For more information about our range of services or to schedule a tour, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
