According to the RUSH University Medical Center, “Respite Care is temporary care of an impaired person on behalf of a caregiver. It allows the caregiver an opportunity to rest for a while.”

Short term stays are offered for a few days or several weeks. For a daily rate, each guest resident is offered the same 24 hour care, services and amenities as anyone else. Certain pre-admission assessments are still required to ensure all care requirements are understood.

For a caregiver this is a nice option when planning a vacation, business trip or in need of time to rejuvenate. For a person in need of care, a respite stay offers the opportunity to “try-out” the care and services and begin an adjustment of familiarity with staff if a more permanent arrangement should be needed in the future.