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Planning a summer vacation? Here are the top 3 reasons to consider a respite stay for your mom or dad

Anyone who loves a senior understands the importance of being informed on senior issues, and so do we. Our News You Can Use posts are meant to help seniors and their families as they learn and transition together through the physical and emotional changes brought on by aging.

With summer just around the corner, you might find yourself daydreaming about summer vacation, and, if you’re a caregiver,thinking about who will take care of your mom while you’re away. Here are the top three reasons to consider respite, a short-term stay in an assisted living apartment, your mom or dad during your summer vacation:

1) Peace of mind
Vacations are meant for rejuvenation and relaxation, and there’s nothing relaxing about worrying that your mom might have fallen and no one was there to help her up, or that your dad hasn’t eaten all day since no one cooked for him. Residents using respite get all of the benefits of senior living residents do, including an onsite caregiving staff, meals and housekeeping, so you can rest assured that if your parent needs anything while you’re gone, someone will be there to help.

2) They need a vacation too!
Have you ever considered that maybe your mom needs a vacation just as much as you do? Whether your mom and dad live alone or with you, it’s easy for them to fall into a daily rut. Retirement communities that offer respite care include amenities like activities, group outings, swimming pools, and exercise rooms that your mom and dad can enjoy as much as they want during their stay, so you both get some R&R.

3) Who doesn’t love a test drive?
During a respite stay residents have the same activities and amenities, and enjoy the same meals as senior living residents, it’s a great way to “test drive” a retirement community. So, if you’ve talked to your mom or dad about senior living but they’re hesitant to make the move, a respite stay would give them the perks of community living without the commitment. Who knows, it might be the perfect way for them to adjust to a move to senior living!

Ready to give respite a try? Find a Milestone community near you to get started!