Take A Summer Break: 3 Temporary Care Options for Your Aging Loved One

Summer often brings a full calendar—family gatherings, long-awaited vacations, and opportunities to reconnect with the people and activities you enjoy. And it should. Making time for yourself is not a luxury—it’s part of maintaining your well-being.

For family caregivers, however, this season can bring mixed emotions. The desire to step away for a weekend or a longer trip is often accompanied by concern about how your loved one will manage in your absence. That tension is common—and valid. Nearly 60% of family caregivers experience burnout, which only further proves how essential it is to prioritize your own physical, emotional, and mental health in order to continue providing quality care.

This is where respite care can make a meaningful difference. Designed to provide short-term support, respite care ensures your loved one continues receiving attentive, reliable care while giving you the time you need to rest and recharge. The right option depends on your loved one’s needs and the length of your time away.

So if you’re ready to make the most of your summer, read on to get our guide on the best temporary care options for your aging loved one. 

1. In-Home Respite Care: If your loved one is most comfortable with receiving care in their own home, then in-home respite care may be the right option for your time away. A professional caregiver can step in to help with daily needs such as personal care assistance like grooming, dressing, and toileting, as well as meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and transportation to appointments. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip away or simply need an extra set of hands once a week, respite care is a great solution for filling in the gaps throughout the summer, while keeping your loved one’s day to day consistent. 

2. Adult Day Programs: Adult day programs provide a structured, social setting for older adults during daytime hours. The days are fully supervised and often include social activities, meals, light exercise, transportation, and health services for senior members. You can find these programs offered at local recreation centers, senior living facilities, or even standalone agencies. Adult day centers are a great way to enrich your loved one with meaningful social engagement and enjoyable activities. At the same time, you can also take advantage of this reliable window of time to focus on your own commitments, or simply embrace the time away from your daily care duties. 

3. Facility-Based Respite Care: If your loved one requires more comprehensive support—or if you’re planning an extended time away—facility-based respite care may be the best fit. Many senior living communities offer short-term stays with access to 24-hour personalized care, private accommodations, meals, medical oversight, and structured activities. This level of care can be particularly beneficial for individuals living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, other chronic illnesses, or mobility challenges, providing a safe and supportive environment around the clock. 

The Bottom Line

Remember, that self-care is not selfish. When you give yourself time to rest or recharge, you return more present, patient, and prepared. 

By choosing the right respite care option this summer, you’re not only supporting your own well-being but also ensuring your loved one continues to receive thoughtful, consistent care.

If you need a hand with finding respite care services, Open Arms can help. Schedule a free assessment or call (847) 272-4997 today.