how to decide on nursing homes or assisted living facilities

Looking for senior care solutions often implies long-term care options. However, many independent living communities also offer short-term stays. A short-term stay, also called respite care, can solve many problems without you needing to check in to a community long term. Here are four reasons why you should consider short-term stays.

1. To Give Your Caregivers a Break

When friends or family provides care at home, the time will come when the caregiver may want a break. They may need a week to deal with issues or a month to go on vacation. No matter the reason, it's important that you continue to receive the care you need.

There are different ways to go about this. You can hire a temporary caregiver or go it alone if you're still independent. But if you don't like the idea of a stranger coming to your home to give you care, or if you need help with certain activities, you can consider respite care at an independent living community.

2. To Rehabilitate and Convalesce

If you're leaving a medical facility after a surgery or a long stay, you may want to stay somewhere while you recuperate. This is especially beneficial if you live alone because

• you may have to take medications regularly,
• you may not have the ability to perform certain activities until you're healed,
• and you may need guidance since medical procedures can often leave patients disoriented after anesthesia.

In all of these cases, you can consider respite care to help you while you mend.

3. For Daily Activity and Socialization

Some respite care services offer daytime care. This usually involves activities and socialization during the day or during specific hours. This is an ideal situation if your caregiver has to work at a certain time each day. It's also ideal if you simply want a place to go where you can socialize and maintain your physical fitness. And, according to berkeley.edu, this social time at an independent living community could actually improve your mental and physical health.

4. To See What Independent Living is All About

Usually, you can take advantage of all the services the community offers without having to commit to a long-term agreement. This will give you a chance to see what the facility has to offer and make a decision from there. You may want to talk with a place like The Village At Morrisons Cove for more information. Even if you don't stay long-term, the experience can help you figure out if this is a good option for the future.