Assisted Living Short-Term and Trial Stays: Your Options, Explained

Short-term assisted living allows seniors to receive community-based care for temporary periods of time — from days to even months. Seniors in a short-term stay typically enjoy the same assisted living benefits that a full-time resident would receive. And, short-term stays might also be available through communities that provide more involved care.

Benefits of short-term assisted living

One of the main benefits of short-term assisted living is that it allows caregivers the flexibility to take time off on their terms. Maybe you need a day to attend your own medical appointments, are planning a week of vacation, or need an extended break from caregiving to recover from a medical procedure. With a short-term assisted living arrangement, you will have peace of mind knowing your loved one is receiving the care they need.

Short-term assisted living can also help seniors transition back into their homes after hospitalization or injury. This is an excellent option if your loved one has been discharged from the hospital but they don’t feel quite ready to return to their own home. Some communities may even offer physical or occupational therapy. However, their services tend to be less intensive than the level of care provided at a senior living rehabilitation center or nursing home.

Another benefit of short-term stays is that they can provide an excellent opportunity for seniors to socialize at a prospective senior living community. This can help reduce their chances of relocation stress syndrome and help them get used to the new environment before a future move. Seniors can interact with the other residents and participate in social activities, such as games or arts-and-crafts sessions.

Short-term stays can also be a great way for seniors to visit and connect with old friends who may be living in a nearby community.

Short-term assisted living costs and services

Many communities will allow seniors to select which services they wish to pay for during their short-term stay. You can also choose the number of days your loved one will stay. However, some communities may require you to book a minimum stay, such as for two days, a week, etc. The price for short-term assisted living can range from $99 to over $250 per day depending on available amenities and the level of care that the community provides or that your loved one needs.

Short-term assisted living services typically provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing or eating. Assisted living communities might also offer some of the following additional benefits during short-term stays:

• Help with personal care and grooming
• Medication management
• Daily meal service
• Housekeeping and home maintenance
• Laundry service
• Regularly scheduled social activities

Some assisted living communities offer trial stays where seniors can experience what it is like to live at the community before deciding to move in. Trial stays are an excellent way to test a community to see if it meets your family’s needs. Your loved one can taste the food, get a feel for the other residents’ personalities, attend some events, and generally decide if the community is right for them. The main difference between a trial stay and a short-term stay is that for a trial stay, many communities may charge a flat rate and offer a select number of days during which the senior may visit.

Is assisted living the right fit?

Depending on the community, scheduling short-term assisted living can be done either online or over the phone. Do your research well in advance, though — several weeks or even months ahead, if possible. Knowing which nearby communities can take adequate care of your loved one for your desired duration before you even have a need takes the pressure off — you’ve already done your homework. Now, you can focus solely on getting ready for the stay.

One way to save time: Set aside time to complete the necessary paperwork. You may even be able to complete it days or weeks beforehand. Preparing for this task will help ensure your loved one receives all the services they want or need.

Another tip: Pack the essentials first. Set aside or note ahead all the medications — in sufficient amounts — that your loved one will need for their stay. Some communities might offer assistance with administering medication, so be sure to understand the community’s medication policy. Next, focus on essential personal items like combs, toothbrushes, toileting supplies, undergarments, and the right number of sets of appropriate clothing.

There’s a lot to think about, but with enough planning, you’ll be ready. Review this list of actions you can take before your loved one’s stay to be ready well ahead of time:

• Book far in advance. People often book short-term stays way in advance, especially for pre-planned vacations. This can make short-term stays harder to book during the holidays and summer vacation months, so don’t wait until the last minute.
• Understand the admissions process and stay requirements. Short-term stays may require you to fill out a substantial amount of paperwork. And, some assisted living communities have a minimum stay requirement. Whatever the length of stay: Even if your loved one is moving into an assisted living community for only a week, they will still need to have ready the required paperwork in order to meet state assisted living guidelines.
• Understand the cost and what’s included. Assisted living communities set their own rates, and these rates can vary substantially. Ask about what’s included in a short-term stay so that you are not left with any unexpected costs.
• Tour the community. Many communities will let you take a tour before your loved one’s stay. This can be an excellent opportunity to explore future long-term senior living options. Check out our handy assisted living touring checklist for more guidance.

Assisted living questions? Get expert help

Short-term assisted living is an excellent option for caregivers who need a break and for families that want to explore long-term senior living options for the future. One of the biggest benefits of short-term assisted living is that it can provide a bridge between in-home care and long-term residential options.

Need help finding short-term or long-term support? A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can help you identify your loved one’s assisted living preferences and find a community that fits your family’s needs, all at no cost to you.