Most people picture assisted living as a permanent move—a one-way door that leads only to more advanced levels of care. But assisted living can absolutely be temporary, and is often just one step on your loved one’s road back to health and independence.
Here at Cottage Grove Place, there are three ways to do it: a short stay to recover after surgery or a hospital visit, a respite break that also lets you experience the community firsthand, or a simple month-to-month residence with no long-term contract. Here’s how each one works.
Recovering after surgery or a hospital stay
The need for a temporary assisted living stay often arises when a parent is being discharged after surgery, a fall, or a hospital stay, and going straight home feels like too much, too soon.
That’s what our Respite Rehab Care program is for. It includes a furnished apartment within our Assisted Living neighborhood, and is meant to give someone a comfortable, supported place to heal rather than managing recovery alone at home.
An all-inclusive respite apartment—currently $280 per day—includes:
- A furnished apartment with private bath, TV, and Wi-Fi
- Three chef-prepared meals a day
- 24/7 care and security
- Access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Activities and social programming
- Housekeeping and laundry
The idea is straightforward: with the everyday logistics handled, the focus can stay on getting stronger. You can learn more about the program alongside assisted living at Cottage Grove Place.
A break for caregivers, and a way to try the community first
Recovery isn’t the only reason for a short stay. Respite care also gives family caregivers a planned break—during travel, a busy season, or simply to rest—knowing their loved one is safe and looked after in the meantime.
It also happens to be the most honest way to get a feel for a community before making any larger decision. Some respite guests end up staying on after experiencing the daily rhythm firsthand, but there’s no expectation either way. You can read more about using respite care to test-drive assisted living.
A month-to-month residence, no contract required
Here’s something many people don’t realize: you don’t have to sign a LifeCare contract to live at Cottage Grove Place.
LifeCare is still your best option to set predictable costs and guaranteed access to every level of care for the years ahead. It’s designed for people who plan early, usually while they’re still living independently, and it involves a health and financial review to set up.
But life doesn’t always offer that head start. Many people overlook the freedom and benefits of independent living, and don’t arrive at assisted living until they need it. If that’s your situation, the door is still open to assisted living, just on a monthly fee. It’s the same residence, dining, and care team as anyone else’s, and if a short stay is all you need, you’re free to leave when you’re ready rather than moving on to another level of care.
For planning purposes, here’s a look at what senior care (including assisted living) really costs at every level, and over time.
Short-term vs. long-term care: what’s the difference?
The difference comes down to how long the care lasts and what it’s for. Short-term care has an end point—recovery after surgery, a respite break, or a trial stay—after which you head home or decide the next step. Long-term care is ongoing support for needs that aren’t expected to change.
One point that trips people up: skilled nursing can be either. The same Health Center at Cottage Grove Place provides short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay and long-term nursing care, so it isn’t only a long-term option.
You don’t have to know which one you need on day one. A short stay can simply be a short stay. And if needs do change over time, a full continuum of care is already in one place, which spares families a second move to an unfamiliar community. See what long-term care costs, and how long you may need it.
Finding the right fit
If you’re recovering from surgery or a hospital stay, Respite Rehab Care is the place to start. If a caregiver needs relief, or you’d like to experience the community before committing, a respite stay does that too.
The simplest next step is a conversation—we’re glad to talk through which option fits your situation. You’re welcome to schedule a visit or get in touch whenever you’re ready.
