Respite Care for Seniors: How it Works and Benefits
Caring for an aging loved one is a heartfelt commitment, often filled with both joy and challenge. Family caregivers devote their time and energy to supporting others, but even the most dedicated caregiver needs a moment to rest or manage other responsibilities. That’s where respite care becomes essential, a solution offering short-term relief while ensuring a safe and enriching experience for the person receiving care.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin, we understand how demanding caregiving duties can be. Our warm and welcoming community offers respite care services that are personalized and designed to bring peace of mind to families and caregivers alike.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is a form of temporary relief that gives primary caregivers the opportunity to take a break from their daily responsibilities. Whether needed for a few hours or several days, respite care programs provide professional care to a senior while their usual caregiver steps away.
At Lakewood, respite care isn’t just about coverage, it’s about continuity. We provide the same person-centered care that our full-time residents receive, ensuring each guest is treated with dignity and attentiveness.
How Respite Care Services Work at Lakewood
Respite care at Lakewood offers flexibility to accommodate a wide range of caregiver needs and personal routines. We offer short-term stays that include access to our full range of amenities and services, from nutritious dining and engaging activities to health monitoring and personal care assistance.
Our staff collaborates with families to create a tailored care plan that aligns with the senior’s daily routine and specific health needs. This is especially helpful when caring for someone living with chronic health conditions, developmental disabilities, or recovering from a medical procedure.
Whether it's to accommodate medical appointments, travel, or an emergency basis need, we’re here to provide respite care that families can rely on. Our team offers more support when life becomes overwhelming for both you and your loved one.
Why Family Caregivers Need Respite
Being a family caregiver can often feel like a full-time job, one that doesn't come with scheduled time off. Over time constant caregiving can affect a person’s mental health and relationships.
Respite care can help by offering:
A chance to focus on self care, such as rest, health appointments, or simply spending time with friends.
Time to manage other responsibilities like work or parenting, especially when children or parents rely on your presence.
Support during unexpected situations such as a terminal illness in the family or travel plans that cannot be rescheduled.
Emotional recovery and relief from the intensity of caregiving duties.
Without opportunities to recharge, caregivers may experience burnout, impacting not only their well-being but also their ability to provide effective support to the person receiving care. Taking time to simply rest can make a profound difference in your health and your ability to keep taking care of others.
A Safe and Enriching Environment for Your Loved One
When your loved one visits Lakewood for respite care, they enter a secure, nurturing community that feels like home. Our organized programming includes supervised activities such as fitness classes, devotional readings, crafts, and even trips to local clinics to deliver dog biscuits with our therapy dogs.
We also offer sensory-based experiences through our Sensory Spa and VR Bucket List Program, ideal for seniors who benefit from multi-dimensional cognitive engagement and calming environments. These activities are especially valuable for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Our goal is not only to maintain but enhance the quality of life during each stay, providing reassurance that your loved one is in capable and caring hands.
The Many Benefits of Respite Care Programs
For primary caregivers, the ability to step away temporarily from daily caregiving provides more than just physical rest. It supports emotional balance and long-term sustainability in the caregiving role. For the person receiving care, it introduces a refreshing change of pace in a safe environment with new experiences and reliable professional care.
At Lakewood, respite care services include:
Daily living assistance: help with dressing, bathing, grooming, and more
Delicious meals that follow brain-healthy MIND Diet principles
Access to our community’s full calendar of activities and workshops
Clean and health-conscious surroundings with ionized air filtration
Comfortable accommodations that help make overnight stays feel relaxing and safe.
Respite Care for Different Situations
Our respite care programs are available for a variety of life scenarios. You may need a few days away for medical care of your own, or a trusted place for your loved one to stay while attending a wedding out of state. Some caregivers use occasional respite care throughout the year to remain energized and emotionally available for their family members long-term.
We also support emergency respite care when unexpected situations arise. Whether you're handling a crisis involving other family members or experiencing personal health issues, knowing there’s a trusted team at Lakewood ready to help can bring invaluable peace of mind.
In some cases, families turn to respite services as a way to explore the Lakewood community before committing to a full-time arrangement, giving the person receiving care a chance to become familiar with our surroundings and our team.
Respite Services vs. Other Support Options
While group homes, adult day centers, and in-home home health aide services may provide varying degrees of support, respite care within a structured community like Lakewood offers comprehensive, around-the-clock assistance.
We differ from larger nursing home settings by maintaining a smaller, more intimate environment with personalized attention and meaningful engagement. Our approach respects individual history and routine, giving families confidence that their loved one is more than just a resident, they're part of our extended family.
Families who are considering respite care often have questions about affordability and support. Our team is happy to speak with you directly to explore what options may be available in your situation.
Experience Peace of Mind with Respite Care at Lakewood
When you're caring for a loved one, it’s natural to feel a mix of pride and pressure. Lakewood’s respite care programs are here to help lift that weight, whether for a weekend or a few weeks, so you can return to your caregiving role with renewed energy and a stronger support network.
Let us help provide respite in a way that feels personal and enriching. We invite you to discover how Lakewood’s vibrant community can serve as a trusted partner in your caregiving journey.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and explore our respite care offerings firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my loved one is eligible for respite care at Lakewood?
Eligibility is typically based on the individual’s care needs and availability within our community. We’ll conduct a brief assessment to ensure we can meet their health and personal care requirements during their stay.
2. How far in advance should I schedule respite care?
Availability for respite care can vary. We recommend contacting our team as early as possible to discuss your needs and explore upcoming availability within our community.
3. Does respite care include support for seniors with mobility issues?
Yes. Our staff is trained to assist with mobility and daily living tasks such as walking and using adaptive equipment. We ensure every guest receives attentive and respectful support.
4. Can my loved one participate in all activities during their stay?
Absolutely. Guests are welcome to join our community’s daily and monthly activities, including fitness sessions, social gatherings, therapy dog visits, and more. Participation is encouraged but always based on interest and ability.