Choosing to live in a senior community is sometimes a tough decision to make. However, for many reasons, staying in their own homes might be difficult or impossible for some elderly individuals. Those who are apprehensive often wonder how they will adapt to the changes involved in moving into an assisted living community. As individual needs and preferences change, the short term stay option helps remove some of the headaches associated with transitions, whether they are moving from house to house, or from one community to another.
Short term stays, also known as trial stays, allow adults to reside in senior living residences for a limited amount of time, often for weeks or months.
While it is nice to have a regular home to return to and there are many advantages to staying with family and friends, short term stays can offer a similar type of care while being more conducive to independent living. For some, spending the night or even staying for an extended period in a senior living community can be a pleasant and reassuring experience.
Many studies have been conducted recently that document the benefits of short term stays in senior living communities. According to these, adults over the age of 55 who live independently but briefly in a retirement residence reap a wide array of benefits.
For those who are considering a trial stay in a senior housing community, here are some of the benefits that both the elderly and the family caregiver can get from this kind of environment:
Allows time for assessment
A short stay in a senior living community gives elderly adults and families alike some time to evaluate and plan their next steps. Trial stays make it possible for them to conduct quick assessments of whether or not a loved one feels comfortable. They require no commitment or preparation, so individuals can come and go as they please. It is an ideal alternative for those who want to get a glimpse into the kind of life that they can expect at a retirement home.
The time spent at a retirement community allows older individuals to try out new surroundings, meet people and see how they fit in. A short term stay can help older people decide if they are ready to remain at home on their own or place them closer to a medical facility or urgent care center, which is essential in the event of a health crisis.
Increases socialization opportunities
Staying in a retirement community allows older adults to socialize more. When seniors live with other seniors, they are able to get the support that they need and even feel safer in their homes. Additionally, this provides an opportunity for the elderly to have better dining experiences, especially for those who don’t usually have regular companions at mealtimes. They also get to enjoy having an around-the-clock staff available to them — this can help eliminate feelings of loneliness that many seniors experience.
Some of these assisted living communities invite residents to participate in a broad range of social activities, neighborhood events, and enrichment programs that are sure to keep them busy and active. In some instances, the sense of community that gets established during this period encourages individuals who participate in trial stays to stay in retirement homes permanently.
Preserves independence longer
While there are some misconceptions about retirement communities taking away an elderly individual’s independence, it actually helps with maintaining said independence while also making life easier for them.
Most independent living communities have professionals who are available around the clock to provide assistance when needed. This means that seniors get to appreciate the privacy of having their own spaces and homes, in addition to removing the stress and hassle that comes with the upkeep.
Provides peace of mind
Children who live with their aging parents may not feel comfortable leaving their elderly loved ones alone when they have to travel far away for a short period of time. In cases like this, staying at assisted living facilities would offer them peace of mind when children or caregivers have to go out of town. The availability of 24-hour staff at these communities would assure families that their loved ones would be well taken care of.
Offers respite
Trial stays are also available for older adults who are merely looking for a break from the mundane everyday tasks that come with homeownership, including repairs, cleaning, maintenance, yard work, and cooking. Since some communities provide fully furnished rooms and around-the-clock assistance, seniors are free from doing household chores during their stay.
Aside from the elderly, short term stays also give families and/or caregivers some well-needed physical break. During this period, they can also find some time to do other activities that would help them relieve the stress and fatigue that have accumulated from taking care of their loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a retirement community may be a daunting and stressful idea for many. However, trial stays provide a viable option for those who are thinking about how they are going to spend their days while in retirement. A short term stay in a senior living community is a great way to find out whether a particular facility is an excellent match for an aging loved one.
Aside from this, it also brings other benefits for both seniors and their families, such as an increase in opportunities to socialize with others. Trial stays are also a good choice for seniors who might need assistance in their day-to-day lives but do not want to let go of their independence totally. In addition, it is a great fit for those who are going out-of-town for a short period but are uncomfortable with leaving their aging family members alone.
Finally, staying at a retirement facility is also a way through which both the elderly and their caregivers could take a break. While seniors who live alone can enjoy some time away from doing household chores, those who live with other family members can also provide some respite for their regular caregivers, even for just a short period.
Bahama Bay Club offers a senior care community for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years worry-free. Visit our website today to learn more about living at Bahama Bay Club.
