Need Temporary Assistance? A Short Term Stay In Assisted Living May Be The Solution
This option offers a comfortable, friendly, safe environment for a brief period of time. Guests enjoy private accommodations and excellent meals in a beautiful community, as well as the availability of assistance with daily living activities or medications. At most facilities the short timers enjoy the same amenities as full time residents such as:
Three delicious, well balanced meals served daily featuring a variety of menu choices
Personal assistance with daily needs like bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, and much more.
Snacks throughout the day
Weekly housekeeping
Social, educational, devotional and recreational programs
Scheduled transportation to doctor appointments
Daily afternoon socials
Concierge services
Trained staff available 24 hours a day
Wellness visits by a licensed nurse if necessary
Full service beauty or barbershop services are available, generally for an additional fee
Short term stays are based on space availability and the guest's ability to meet the community's admissions criteria. Length of stay requirements usually vary by location. One facility I contacted even offers a Day Stay program that features activities, homemade meals and medication management in half-day, less than 4 hours, or whole day, up to 8 hours or more increments. A Day Stay program can be arranged on a regular basis, for example, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and would be a great supplement for caregivers who may work part time or have appointments or their own scheduled activities.
This might be an excellent way for an elderly person to get a feel for all the services assisted living environments have to offer. Many seniors want to remain in their own homes as long as possible, but are starting to need a little extra help with daily activities. Arranging a day stay on a regular basis could be the way to introduce them to a new life style without making a long term commitment. Most assisted living facilities say that those who have visited on a temporary basis as a guest frequently come back as long term residents when the right time arrives.