8 Benefits of Short-Term Stays in Assisted Living

Millions of seniors throughout the United States receive care in their homes. Along with paid caregivers, currently, the AARP reports that 1 in 5 adult Americans provide unpaid care for family members. These arrangements can bring families closer together, strengthening bonds and allowing for intergenerational exchanges of love and wisdom.

However, caregivers may occasionally need time to take care of personal matters or relax. This is just one benefit of short-term stays in assisted living communities. There are many more, including some you may not have considered.

In this guide, we'll explore eight benefits of short-term elderly housing. We'll look at how both seniors and caregivers can benefit and how you can find the right community for your needs.

1. Professional Care

A short-term stay in an assisted living community gives you access to temporary senior care. You may temporarily require more care than your family can provide. You may have completed rehabilitation and need 24/7 support as you regain your strength and independence.

Trained associates are on hand 24/7 to care for all the activities of daily living, including the following:

• Going to the bathroom
• Showering and bathing
• Dressing
• Taking care of personal hygiene
• Eating and feeding
• Walking

You can rest easy and enjoy your stay, knowing that help is available whenever you need it.

2. Socialization Opportunities

According to Pew Research, around 23% of US seniors live alone and spend half their waking hours alone. While some time in our own company is enjoyable, too much can lead to loneliness and feelings of social isolation. If you ever feel this way, short-term stays at assisted living communities could be the answer.

The best retirement communities provide many opportunities for residents to socialize. These may include:

• Group outings
• Wellness classes
• Activity sessions
• Book clubs
• Movie nights
• Communal outdoor spaces

Engage as much or as little as you like with these activities. The choice is yours. But there is always something happening, meaning you need never feel isolated during your short-term stay.

3. Rest for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers delight in providing support to their family members. However, as the Cleveland Clinic explains, they are at risk of caregiver burnout. This is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can lead to other conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

Short-term stays at assisted living communities are important for caregivers to avoid burnout. They can help caregivers to relax without guilt, knowing their loved one is in safe hands. These opportunities are crucial for striking a healthy balance between meeting your loved one's needs and taking care of your own.

4. Safety and Comfort

The flexible care options provided during short-term stays mean you can feel safe and comfortable at all times. Apartments are designed with senior safety in mind without sacrificing style and comfort. You can rest easy knowing that associates are on call at all times of the day and night to help you with your personal needs.

5. Time to Weigh Your Options

Trial stays in assisted living communities are a great opportunity to evaluate your options without making a commitment. Transitioning to assisted living is a major decision. Experiencing the community firsthand can help you feel confident you are making the right decision.

While you are there, evaluate the following:

• Quality of care
• Amenities
• Social atmosphere

As you test the waters, imagine yourself living there full-time. Talk to your family about your experiences and invite them to come visit you to see the community for themselves. It's a great chance to give everyone time to adjust to the idea of assisted living and can take away much of the uncertainty seniors and their families may understandably feel.

6. Delicious Dining

If you love good food but are tired of cooking every day, short-term stays in assisted living communities can give you a well-deserved break.

Dining arrangements vary depending on the community, but may include:

• In-residence dining -- enjoy chef-prepared meals in the privacy of your own apartment
• Pantries where you can help yourself to food 24 hours a day
• Private dining rooms to enjoy meals with other residents

Short-term stays can help you get a feel for senior living flexibility. In-residence kitchens allow you to cook for yourself and enjoy family favorites. Yet, on-site dining options mean delicious food is never more than a phone call away.

7. Escape the Weather

For most of the year, our home is our sanctuary. But if you live in a part of the country that experiences severe winters, your home could become isolating and even dangerous.

So why not consider moving to short-term elderly housing that provides the comfort, warmth, and care you need during those harsh winter months? You can enjoy the changing seasons from the safety of a short-term stay apartment with all the amenities you need on one site. There's no need to set foot outside if you don't feel like it.

Staff on site will take care of all your needs, and you can return home when the weather improves.

8. A Change of Scenery

In the past, you may have enjoyed taking vacations and experiencing something new each year. Now, if you have daily care needs, going away can be hard. But what if you could access short-term elderly housing with full caretaker support in an exciting vacation destination?

Some short-term assisted living communities are located in the most exciting destination spots in the country. Would you enjoy a short break in the city that never sleeps? We have exactly the right assisted living community for you.

Upscale Short-Term Stays at The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights

The eight benefits of short-term stays discussed above have no doubt convinced you that they're a great option. However, not all short-term elderly housing is made equal. Some options take temporary senior care to another level of sophistication.

At The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, we provide more than short-term stays. We provide memorable experiences for seniors who enjoy the finer things in life. Located in one of NYC's most desirable neighborhoods, we have premium meals, an integrated wellness program, and even a virtual reality program to give you experiences you never imagined.

Contact us today to discuss short-term stays in Brooklyn, NY.