November is Family Caregivers Month. Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without the love and support we got from our families growing up. So, when they need our help, we want to be there in anyway we can!
The hard part is that when a family member requires a lot of help to stay safe at home, and their caregivers are raising families, too, there’s a risk for caregiver burnout. Emotionally, guilt may set in from feeling a strong sense of obligation, and those emotions can cloud better judgment.
Without balance and an adequate support network, caregivers may be at risk of losing sleep and not having time to care for themselves. When we go without what we need for too long, our immune systems tend to get the better of us.
Who hasn’t been in the midst of a big project or under major stress only to have to make time to nurse an ill-timed cold or flu? When caregivers are out of commission due to illness or injuries from stress, that creates additional problems to solve. Whether paid or unpaid, finding a support team can help everyone.
Finding Local Resources
Many of us have heard of home care agencies that can offer some relief, but there is also senior living. Senior living might often be contrary to what we think. Usually, senior living communities are associated with long-term moves our loved ones may not need or be ready to make. However, temporary support can be available within senior living, too.
Short-term stays allow people to stay in a senior living community without signing a long-term lease. They can be for a week, a month, a season, or a year—whatever they need. At Edgewood, our short-term stays include a temporary stay in a fully furnished independent living, assisted living, or memory care apartment.
Short-term stay residents are free to enjoy all the same services and amenities as our current residents including:
- 24-hour staffing & on-call nurse coverage
- Care from staff members with specific training in aging & memory care
- Nutritious, home-cooked meals & snacks
- Individualized & group activities
- Opportunities to socialize
- Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing & other activities of daily living
- Medication assistance
- Simplified move-in & visitation processes* in place to protect the health & wellness of our residents, employees & families
- Peace of mind that there’s always someone available to help
Short-term stays allow family caregivers to recharge while their loved ones have an enjoyable experience with delicious food and activities every day. Knowing that everything is taken care of can help caregivers take a break and feel fully present during their vacation or time away. If you’d like to learn more about Edgewood’s short-term stay options, please contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or visit a community near you for a tour.