“Respite care” is the name for a short-term, temporary care stay which gives family members time away from their caregiver activities. Thus, respite care is provided "to" your loved one, but it is to some extent "for" family members.

There are many reasons caregivers seek respite care for loved ones:

• To tend to other professional or family responsibilities.
• To obtain rest and relaxation and to “re-energize” for their caregiving obligations.
• Because they’re thinking of more permanent outside care for their loved one, and short-term respite care is an excellent way to familiarize them with other care providers beyond the family and home.

The quality of respite care should equal or improve on the care provided at home. If you haven’t reviewed the assisted living* section, we urge you to do so. You’ll find many of the same considerations apply to Respite care.

Ranking respite care capabilities

To assist you in evaluating respite care capabilities, we have created a simple "check-off" list for you to print and fill out. Your responses will help you in discussions and decision-making with your loved one, family, friends, and care providers. We recommend that, if you call or visit us at Renaissance Gardens, you refer to the list when you speak with a Renaissance Gardens health care counselor.

View and Print List

*Assisted Care in Massachusetts