I will be on a business-related trip for 2 weeks and my husband will go to an assisted living facility for respite care while I'm gone. Usually he has a caregiver with him, or I am working remotely from home and can assist him. We are looking at three local places so he will feel he has some choice. He is not happy with my being away but understands I need to be. He has some dementia, fall risk, gets confused at night, needs help with bathing, toilet and other daily living activities. I think he will enjoy being able to converse with other residents, maybe do some activities, but am concerned about his being out of his routines. I will ask some friends to look in on him. Wondering if I should pay our home care agency to spend time with him also, though that's an additional expense. If anyone has experience with this type of situation I welcome thoughts or advice.
I'm sure your DH will be fine. The 1st time is always the hardest - for you both.
You did so well involving him in the choice. Very thoughtful.
Just an idea.. Maybe there is a middle option between All New Place All New People & paying extra $$ for the known Aides?
Could 1 or 2 of the usual Aides be paid just to visit? For 'friendly visiting' rather than for usual duties - maybe once or twice a week. The agency may have minimum shift requirement (1 or 2 hrs?).
It would depend.
Would the cost be considerably cheaper than your usual weekly amount?
Would seeing a friendly well-known face be a good addition to his week? Or add confusion?
Would it help you to feel better?
He seems to get it, so I would give him a chance to apply this knowledge. I wouldn't bring in his home aides just yet--you're through an agency so who you get can change.