On-site respite stays give seniors and their caregivers a refreshing break.
It’s not uncommon for adult children and other family members to help provide care and companionship for older loved ones whenever possible. Although the time spent together is often rewarding for both sides, it can also be stressful. Caregivers may need to take time off from work and their own family responsibilities to provide things like transportation to appointments, help with daily activities and medication management. On the flip side, those they care for may feel like a burden, leaving them with an overwhelming sense of guilt. Sometimes, a break from the daily routine and some new scenery can be good for both sides. Westerwood’s respite care offers an opportunity to give caregivers the break they need while ensuring their loved ones receive compassionate professional support.
An Easy Transition
Sallie Roman, Westerwood’s assisted living and memory care coordinator, has been a comforting presence at our Columbus senior living community for three years. She works closely with families seeking short-term and long-term care—answering questions, coordinating tours and helping to ease the transition. Sallie knows what it’s like. She had a lot of questions when her family was transitioning her father to assisted living, and unfortunately, she had to find many of the answers on her own. “I feel like no one helped us at my father’s community like we do at Westerwood. So I try to give back by sharing everything I learned so I can make the process easier for other families,” Sallie says. “I give families as much information and support as they need. It’s gratifying to me because I didn’t have that.”
This hands-on, relationship-focused approach helps make the respite care process smooth and stress-free. For many families, it’s their first introduction to senior living, and Sallie ensures it’s welcoming. She works with the team to tailor each respite stay around the needs of the individual, whether they require assistance with daily activities or are looking for companionship and socialization.
Relief for Caregivers
Caregivers somehow manage to juggle many responsibilities, but we understand that even they need support from time to time. Our respite stays provide essential relief for caregivers to focus on their needs, get some much-needed rest and catch up on the things they haven’t had time to do—all while knowing their loved one is in a safe, supportive environment. Although this provides a big relief for them, the benefits of respite care extend beyond the caregiver.
A Welcome Change for Seniors
For the seniors receiving care, respite stays offer social stimulation, access to wellness programs and a chance for independence they may not get at home—all in a safe environment. Meeting new people and participating in activities can improve mood, reduce feelings of social isolation and even spark new interests and a sense of purpose. “They don’t feel like they’re here temporarily. They’re part of the community for however long they’re with us,” Sallie notes.
In many cases, families discover that both parties return to their usual routines refreshed and rejuvenated by the experience—and their relationship is even stronger.
A True Sense of Belonging
At Westerwood, respite care is more than just a temporary stay—it’s a fully immersive experience that blends personalized attention with the comforts of community living. Whether someone is recovering from a hospital stay or a caregiver simply needs time to recharge, respite residents at Westerwood have access to multiple attending physicians and nurse practitioners throughout the day and a physician on-call round-the-clock. They enjoy the same high-quality amenities, services and social opportunities as all our residents. Our activities director will knock on their door and introduce themselves, inviting respite residents to participate in the day’s activities and offering to come back and get them if they’d like.
Respite residents also enjoy three meals a day—breakfast served in their room and the opportunity to socialize with other residents outside the room for lunch and dinner if they’re able. This socialization and sense of belonging—even for a short time—can have a lasting impact on a senior’s well-being.
A Steppingstone for the Future
Respite care at Westerwood also serves as a valuable bridge for families exploring long-term options. For some, it allows seniors and their loved ones to experience life at a senior living community without a long-term commitment. “It’s not uncommon for a respite stay to turn into a permanent move,” Sallie says. “Families are sometimes surprised at how much their loved one enjoys it here.” A short stay here could offer more than just a break—it might be the beginning of a whole new chapter.
Is Respite Care Right for You and Your Loved One?
At Westerwood, we make the process of determining your short-term senior care options as simple as possible. It starts with a simple conversation about the needs of you and your loved one, followed by an assessment to ensure respite care is right for you and the appropriate level of care is provided.
Ready to talk about your short- or long-term senior living needs or arrange a visit to our beautiful community? Contact us at 614-890-8282.
