Respite Suites Ease the Stress of Recovery
Did you know that United Active Living’s two communities have trial stay and respite suites available for anyone who needs a little extra care after an illness or who wants to see what living in an older adult community is all about? The respite/trial stay suites – one at Fish Creek and two at Garrison Green – are intended to help you recover from surgery, to provide a supportive environment while your caregiver is away, or to give you a taste of living in one of our communities.
“Our respite services are very flexible,” said Kera Redlack, United’s director of health and wellness. “Anyone can use them, and the reasons are varied. Perhaps a spouse needs a break from caregiving, or you are recovering from surgery and the home environment may not give you the rest you need. Whatever your circumstance, our respite suites are there for you.”
A respite stay includes three professionally prepared meals each day, a private furnished suite, and access to all of United’s amenities including art studios and musical performances. Should you need additional health care, our professional nursing staff can create a plan for you.
“Spending a few days or a couple of weeks in our respite suite, which can also be used simply as a guest suite, is a great way to experience the community,” said Carolyn Smith, active living advisor, Fish Creek. “People gain a better understanding about what living in an older adult community would be like, and when they go home many people tell us they really miss the community.”
Maddison Klein, active living associate at Garrison Green agrees. “I think the experience of a short-term stay really helps someone get over any nervousness about living in an older adult community. A respite stay also helps the family understand the support the parent will have in the community, which gives them peace of mind.”
“When someone chooses to stay with us, we will do a wellness consultation with them when they come in,” said Kera. “Our focus in this case would be to determine their immediate needs and short-term goals. From that, we develop a wellness plan for them. This helps us determine whether there are any food allergies, what medications they require and whether they might need help showering or getting dressed. At the same time, we introduce them to the community and answer any questions they may have about meals, programs and their time with us.”
Kera knows there is increasing demand for respite stays in a community setting rather than in hospital or at home. “Generally, respite stays are used by families to give the caregiver a break or as a trial stay to see what life would be like in one of our communities.”
At United, you will find a range of independent, assisted and memory care lifestyle choices, world-class arts and culture programs, fine and casual dining that fits your lifestyle and your schedule. Our kitchen is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with no restrictions on meal times or table assignments.
Photos by United Active Living. Videos by Sherana Productions.
Don’t hesitate to talk with one of our active living advisors about life in a United community. They can arrange for a tour at your convenience. If you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community, send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a future visit. We are happy to help!
To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.
Or, to find out more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.