Even If Dad Refuses Assisted Living, Did You Know There Are Ways He Might Just Be Convinced?

Your father may be well into his 70s or 80s and having some difficulty managing by himself. You don’t have the time or energy to continually devote to his every whim and need. Yet, you want him to be safe.

At the moment, though, he’s refusing every elder care option you throw at him. One of them may very well be assisted living. There are many misconceptions seniors and their loved ones have about assisted living, which often lead them to not even consider it as an option.

Yet, did you know that many assisted living communities offer other options besides a full commitment? Instead of your father moving in, selling his house or putting everything in storage while he does so, he may be able to experience what assisted living can offer, without the long-term or permanent commitment.

 

This is often referred to as respite care.

Respite care is all about providing the necessary support for either the senior or his or her primary caregivers, who are often family members. The majority of caregivers in the United States right now are family members, not professional, paid caregivers.

It’s often a spouse or adult child who steps up and steps in to be the support their loved one needs when they’re recovering from a hospital stay, medical emergency, surgery, injuries, or something else.

Too often, though, it starts out as just part-time, temporary, something for “just a few weeks,” but it often extends long beyond that timeframe.

These family caregivers get worn out. They’re often working full-time jobs, raising children of their own, or are advancing in years themselves, and the task of being physically and mentally and emotionally responsible for another person (a senior in this case) can wear just about anyone down quickly.

For these caregivers, a respite is a break. It’s time away. It’s an opportunity to step back, breathe, relax, unwind, and not have to worry about the safety, quality of life, and vitality of the elderly person they love.

 

What kind of respite care options may be available at assisted living?

If your father is willing to listen about this type of elder care, check out some of the facilities in the surrounding region. Some may offer overnight stay options.

That means your father could be dropped off in the evening, spend those evening hours getting acquainted with other residents, make new friends, and possibly even reconnect with old friends before going to sleep in one of the rooms. He could be picked up in the morning to return home where he would carry out his normal routine.

He may even be able to go there for a few days during the week. They don’t have to be consecutive days, either, not at all facilities.

Some facilities provide short-term stays, which may include a week, two weeks, or somewhat more.

This is a wonderful way to help your father recognize the value in assisted living and give you or another loved one the time off you need to recharge your own batteries.

If you or an aging loved one are considering a move to an Assisted Living facility near Daphne, AL, contact Ashbury Manor Specialty Care and Assisted Living at 251-317-3017.