Just like it sounds, a short-term stay temporarily allows someone to stay in assisted living. Moving is a big decision, as is giving up a long-term residence. Coming in to try before signing long-term can be a useful way to help seniors choose where they’d like to spend their future.
Short-term stays offer choice and flexibility. From helping caregivers who need a break to supporting those recovering from surgeries, these brief stays can provide the extra help someone needs to return home healthy or refreshed.
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Recovery time from surgeries or hospitalizations can be variable, even if those surgeries are same-day. Proper healing can be complicated without a solid plan or support available around the clock.
Connie’s Short-Term Stay Experience:
Following knee replacement surgery and a short-term stay at Edgewood Hawks Point in Dickinson, Connie Williams is back to driving, walking without mobility aides, volunteering, and living an active lifestyle. Connie understood that recovering from knee replacement surgery alone could be very difficult, so she came to Edgewood for a short-term stay this past summer. Not knowing what to expect, Connie anticipated a two-week recovery; she stayed for under six weeks but reported having a great experience!
Connie was well-acquainted with Edgewood because she’d been visiting a friend at Hawks Point for several years. During one of their visits, she mentioned her upcoming knee replacement surgery over dinner (at Edgewood, we allow guests to join our residents for meals—just be sure to call ahead and let us know you’re coming). A helpful staff member overheard their conversation and shared with Connie that she could stay at Edgewood while recovering.
After working out the financial details and ensuring her cat, Boody, could join her, her mind was made up. While moving, even for a minimal amount of time, can cause anxiety for some, thankfully, Connie had a seamless experience.
Getting Acclimated:
“I wasn’t nervous at all. They showed me the room ahead of time. I had a whirlwind. School ended at the end of May (Connie volunteers at Hope Christian Academy). The next week, I had an MRI, went to Ohio to visit friends, and did laundry, and the next Monday, I took two days to move in, then had knee replacement surgery. I found it very helpful for the nurses to manage pain medications and attend to my ice machine every four hours.”
Connie’s experience at Edgewood was a success all the way around. She added,
“The meals were very good, and the service was great as well. They have a menu for meals, but if you don’t want what is on the menu, you can order whatever you want! Also, if you are going to stay there, you should check with the activity gals; they do all kinds of activities. They have once-a-month birthday parties, music, movies on Sundays, manicures, crafts, an exercise room, transportation to appointments and church, and a weekly trip to Walmart.”
Aside from excellent care for herself, Connie explained that the staff was also very kind to her cat, Boody (pictured above in Connie’s lap). Since her stay, Boody has sadly passed away at age 20. Connie was grateful for the years she spent with her beloved cat.
A big hit with the residents at Edgewood—Boody was somewhat of a local celebrity at Hawks Point! She walked the catwalk in a fashion show, modeling 15 outfits! Check it out for yourself by clicking on this Facebook Post.
Since recovering from knee replacement surgery, Connie is back to using stairs, driving, and enjoying an active lifestyle. She’s considering returning as a volunteer to call BINGO on the weekends. Additionally, if she opts for a second knee replacement surgery on her opposite knee, Connie says she will return for another short-term stay!
Common Reasons for Short-Term Stays
- Caregivers need to leave for winter/take a vacation or time off.
- Seasonal stays take the burden of chores off people’s plates and help encourage socialization and an active lifestyle.
- Home renovations can create unsafe or temporarily unusable spaces.
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, or speech therapies are needed for rehab/recovery).
- Additional healthcare support is needed following a new diagnosis, illness, injury, or hospital discharge.
- Overnight supervision or care is needed temporarily and unavailable at home.
- Spaces at home are inaccessible/unsafe due to being more than one level.
Falls, weight loss, depression, infections, and other common health issues can make living alone difficult. If residents begin new medications that require some supervision and monitoring, short-term stays can allow them to have the extra support they need temporarily to meet their needs.
Lastly, short-term stays can also be a great way to try before you buy—or at least before signing a long-term lease. Moving to senior living isn’t usually at the top of anyone’s list.
People often put off moving for as long as possible. Unfortunately, unaddressed health and safety issues can lead to decline or injuries for those who wait too long. Short-term stays can give residents a real feel for senior living before they sign a long-term lease, and they can get them the help they need sooner rather than later.
Selling a forever home and moving somewhere you’re uncertain about can be very emotional. Keeping your home while you try out senior living for a month or a few weeks can help you ease into making a long-term choice with confidence. It can also be a great way to meet new friends who have already moved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short-Term Stays:
Do People Get the Same Care & Services?
Yes (Sometimes they can even bring a pet)!
Do Some Residents Choose to Stay?
They sure do! Sometimes, short-term residents come in following surgeries multiple times. Others may return once they’re ready to shift into senior living full-time.
Can Families Still Visit?
Of course! At Edgewood, we offer additional community spaces where families can gather.
How Long Can I Stay?
You can stay as long as you like—a week, a month, or a season. Contact us to ask about our options, as they may vary in each community.
What Should I Bring?
We have almost everything covered, so residents can bring the items that comfort them, but there’s no need to pack the whole house. Leave the shovel, vacuum cleaner, and lawn mower behind!
Can I Continue to See My Own Medical Providers Off-Site?
Most certainly! Better yet, if residents need help communicating with providers or coordinating transportation, we can help.
If you’re interested in experiencing senior living before you sign a long-term lease, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com!
