Respite Care For The Elderly

Donna Nichols • April 25, 2022
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Maybe you are afraid to inquire as to what it means because you think people will assume you should know that.

But how would you know if you’ve never come across it before?

I will try to clear up some of your questions below. Respite care is designed to provide relief to the caregiver and it can be arranged for as short as an afternoon (adult day care) or as long as a couple of months. Respite care can also be arranged for in-home, at an assisted living community, or at an adult daycare center.

How to get respite care for the senior in your life?

You can receive respite care for your senior by calling us at Assisted Living Made Simple! We can recommend the best places for respite care based on your loved ones’ unique situation.

If you are looking for in-home assistance or an assisted living community, we are here to help.

Call us today , we are FREE!

Who pays for respite care? Does Medicare pay or help pay for it?

Respite care, just like assisted living, is private pay. Medicare or Medicaid only picks up the tab if you are in respite care in the hospital or a skilled nursing facility for up to five (5) days in a row.

What are the benefits of respite care?

The number one benefit of respite care is to give the caregiver a break .

Caregiving is a full-time job and it is a tough job. It is very taxing on a person, physically, financially, mentally, and emotionally.

If the caregiver doesn’t take care of themself, they can’t care for their loved one.

Another benefit of respite care is, say you are thinking about placing your loved one in an assisted living community, but you’re not sure if they or you will like it.

Did you know that you can have your loved one do a respite stay (we recommend 30 days) at an assisted living community to see if they and you like it?

Generally, when this is done, the senior doesn’t want to leave.

They have made new friends and have so much to do all day and are thriving.

This shouldn’t make you, as the caregiver, upset. It should make you extremely happy; you can become a family member again and enjoy the company of your loved one without having to worry as much.

Finding Respite Care in Port Orange, FL

Which places offer respite care in Port Orange? It just so happens that our top five places assisted living communities also offer respite care.

Heritage Waterside

What our loved ones are saying about Heritage Waterside: “Since my mother doesn’t require assistance with her daily living, I hoped for her to live with us after my father passed. I quickly realized that I could not provide what she really needed, which was the socialization and activities she had with all of her friends at Heritage. She has been back now for a couple of weeks and is surrounded by the love of the staff and residents. She’s right where she needs to be and I can feel comfortable knowing she is loved and cared for. After over 3 years of experience with Heritage, I would still give them more than 5 stars, if I could.”

Brookdale Port Orange

What our loved ones are saying about Brookdale Port Orange: “My journey with Brookdale started 4 years ago when I needed a place for my mother, while I was away. I chose Brookdale because it was set up like a home, not an institution. Mom loved it there. I decided this was the right place for her. She had a lovely room, and the staff was beyond wonderful. Not to mention a chef on staff making wonderful meals. Brookdale became my extended family. I could call and ask questions, if needed and always received answers.

I would recommend anyone who needs care for their loved one will get it at Brookdale.”

Sunscape Daytona Beach

What is Sunscape about –  Sunscape™believes in and is dedicated to whole-person wellness, empowering you to live your best life and have every side of you shine. Here, you’ll flourish in a supportive environment that is focused on your physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being.

The Gallery at Port Orange

What is The Gallery about – The Gallery at Port Orange celebrates stories, memories, and milestones while exceeding daily care expectations for health and wellness needs through our My Activities program. It is a stimulating, engaging, and entertaining program, and one that is vital to the overall health and wellness of every one of our beloved residents.

Benton House

What our loved ones are saying about Benton House: “For the most part the senior living facilities in the area are satisfactory but it is the extra details and the added effort from the Benton Team that make my Aunt’s stay a very pleasant experience and a higher level of peace of mind for us.”

Finding Respite Care in Palm Coast, FL

Brookdale Palm Coast

What our loved ones are saying about Brookdale Palm Coast: I have had the opportunity to tour Brookdale Palm Coast and meet several staff. Great place and wonderful staff. Very informative and attentive to my needs.

Sabal Palms

What our loved ones are saying about Sabal Palms: “Staff truly cares about their residents. And will go the extra yard for their quality of life.”

Tuscan Gardens

What our loved ones are saying about Tuscan Gardens: “I am SO glad my parents are safe and sound at Tuscan Gardens of Palm Coast!!! The Management Team and Support Staff are A++ – starting at the Front Desk and all the way through the Campus!!! When my sister and I visit (mostly at separate times to ensure someone is visiting every few months – we both do not live in the area) we are made to feel like Family, just like the way they treat my Parents!!! Oh, and the entertainment, activities, and food is very good too!!! I cannot say enough about TGPC – Top Notch!!!”

Visit Our Top Palm Coast Assisted Living Communities

Finding Respite Care in Ormond Beach, FL

Brookdale Ormond Beach West

What our loved ones are saying about Brookdale Ormond Beach West: “Your loved one will be safe and respected and paid attention to. The staff is really caring. The managers set the tone. They have been caring through covid and hurricanes and the challenges of dementia.”

Ormond in the Pines

What our loved ones are saying about Ormond in the Pines: Wow! The renovations are beautiful, especially the dining room. Most of the staff have been there for many years and is a true testament to their dedication to making the lives of their residents so special

Visit Our Top Ormond Beach Assisted Living Communities

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.