Respite Services

“Just a short stay meant so much.”

A relaxing room for you or a loved one

There is often a need for temporary housing for older adults from the community-at-large and from within the resident population in a Touchmark community. The reasons for a short-term stay are varied. Sometimes a temporary condition or situation creates the need for respite care, e.g., a remodeling of the family home, a need for support or care during an illness or during recovery from a surgery, etc. At other times, a family providing support for an older adult may need to have a break from the day-to-day commitment to give them “time off” or to go on vacation.

Under any of these circumstances—and others—Touchmark communities can provide temporary placement for respite residents. By definition, respite services are short-term and specific to the needs of each client.

Respite Services—Touchmark’s Philosophy and Program

Criteria for admission as well as discharge are defined in each community’s policies and procedures. The criteria vary from state to state and sometimes from one location in a state to another.

The following respite services are provided as part of the daily rate at each Touchmark community, with no additional charge. (Note: There is some variation at each community, depending on a building’s staffing, services, and/or state regulations.)

Services provided by a licensed nurse

Licensed nursing assessment initially and ongoing through the duration of the respite stay
Licensed nurses on staff
Review and follow-up of staff observation reports

Health monitoring

Staff provide basic health referral information
Regular weighing of resident
Regular monitoring of vitals: blood pressure, pulse, respiration
Transportation for scheduled medical appointments twice per week (available through transportation schedule; see department for restrictions)
Care conference with residents, families, staff, and legal representative, if appropriate
Resident education on appropriate health and wellness choices
Emergency response/evacuation assistance 24 hours a day
Pendant/emergency call/telephone training
24-hour care-giving staff available

Housekeeping

Basic housekeeping is provided on as-needed basis. Some charges for supplies may be incurred.

Life Enrichment/Wellness

Initial interview with Life Enrichment/Wellness staff within first 30 days of residency for anyone who is at least a one-month client
Verbal reminders to participate in events/activities of choice three times per week
Scheduled transportation to shopping, sightseeing, and local events (see Life Enrichment/Wellness calendar)
Monthly birthday dinners, entertainment, and other celebration events
Supervised Stepping Out walking program
Participation in selected Life Enrichment/Wellness program classes, activities, and events