There is often a need for temporary housing for older adults from the community at large and from within the resident population in a Touchmark community. The reasons for a short-term stay are varied. Sometimes a temporary condition or situation creates the need for respite care, e.g., a remodeling of the family home, a need for support or care during an illness or during recovery from a surgery, etc. At other times, a family providing support for an older adult may need to have a break from the day-to-day commitment to give them "time off" or to go on vacation.
Under any of these circumstances-and others-Touchmark communities can provide temporary placement for respite residents. By definition, respite services are short-term and specific to the needs of each client.
As in assisted living environments, respite residents must be stable and predictable. They may have complex medical needs, but their needs can be met by the community staff the majority of the time. Furnished rooms are provided within the building to accommodate respite residents, and the health services staff and/or contracted agency staff from home health or hospice providers are used to provide the negotiated services.
As is the case in Touchmark communities offering assisted living, the emphasis is on individualized assessments and negotiated services from nursing and care-giving staff as agreed to by residents and their families. Individualized service plans detail the services and delivery, and staff use personalized task sheets to note the scheduled and unscheduled needs of each respite resident. For the purpose of clarity and mutual understanding, here are some key words/services and their definitions that are used in Touchmark communities providing respite services.
Assessment-Prior to moving into the community temporarily, each respite resident is given a health service needs assessment to assure that s/he is appropriate for the community's environment. This assessment tool is designed to meet various states' specific criteria that outline individuals considered appropriate for a respite program. Ongoing assessments are conducted to assure the services and care are appropriate for the changing needs of each resident.
Change of condition assessment-a change of condition is considered any event, illness, or injury that results in a change in a respite resident's level of health or functional status. A new health services assessment is done whenever a significant change of condition occurs that might require a different level of care and services.
Care conferences-are regularly scheduled meetings held with the resident, family member(s), staff, and a legal representative (if appropriate) to review the resident's needs and the care provided.
Full Life Wellness &Life Enrichment Program-is Touchmark's dynamic life enrichment program that encourages and supports residents to live happier, healthier lifestyles by becoming personally involved and engaged. Through partnering with Touchmark, respite residents are able to participate in the community's Life Enrichment/Wellness program to the fullest extent they choose and are capable. All Touchmark communities provide Life Enrichment/Wellness programming that is based on the identified strengths and interests of each resident.
Person-centered-is a term used to describe the philosophy of honoring the "self" of each person by respecting self-esteem boundaries and personal values in every encounter, interaction, and activity.
Person-centered activity-is an activity, event, or interaction that is planned and conducted around a person's life history, interest, needs, strengths, and skills. The individual engaging or inviting the person to participate in the activity has a personal and positive relationship with him/her.
Person-centered care-a culture in which a positive relationship is established that respects a person's life history and preferences; honors the person's identity; engages in meaningful activity with the individual; encourages an overall sense of well-being; and provides a positive and unconditional regard for the person.
Criteria for admission as well as discharge are defined in each community's policies and procedures. The criteria vary from state to state and sometimes from one location in a state to another.
The following respite services are provided as part of the daily rate at each Touchmark community, with no additional charge. (Note: There is some variation at each community, depending on a building's staffing, services, and/or state regulations.)
