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Can Assisted Living Be Temporary?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
How Do You Arrange a Temporary Assisted Living Stay?
You can arrange a temporary assisted living stay by contacting communities and asking about their short-term care policies. Many communities require advanced notice to ensure adequate room availability, staffing or supplies, especially if you have specific dates when you need care. They may require you to book a minimum number of days and pay a deposit or community fee to hold your spot.
Inquire about the services they offer temporary residents to meet your loved one’s needs. For example, ask about daily meals, personal care or medical support, and access to community amenities and activities. Pricing for temporary stays varies depending on the community. Some charge per day, while others customize rates based on the level of care needed and duration of stay.
When to Consider Temporary Assisted Living
Temporary assisted living serves individuals in various scenarios. Some communities offer respite care to temporarily relieve primary caregivers from their duties. If you’re a family caregiver who needs a break from your responsibilities or has an upcoming vacation planned, a short-term assisted living stay ensures your loved one’s safety while you’re away. Seniors recovering from an illness or injury and needing daily living support while regaining their strength and mobility also may benefit from temporary assisted living. However, skilled nursing facilities better serve individuals needing 24-hour medical care or supervision.
Some assisted living communities offer trial stays to help prospective residents make informed care decisions. For anyone considering assisted living but unready to commit to moving, a trial stay provides first-hand experience with community life, affording the individual the opportunity to meet other residents and decide if that specific location meets their needs.