I have been researching possible facilities that do short-term respite care with the hope of taking a few days "off". Last week I visited one that would not be good for my husband, the noise level (TV and music) were louder than he can tolerate. Because he has EOAD, he is easily overstimulated by loud noises because his hearing is intact, but brain is not.
Then today I remember a quiet faciity I had visited several years ago. It has a great reputation and is known outside of our state. I called them, and yes, they do allow respite stays. The problem is, they cannot guarantee a bed for particular dates a month or two away. So I asked what families do? How can they make plans for a trip? The answer was--"we will keep in close touch with you as time goes on--if a bed opens up a week or two before your trip, you will have to "reserve" the bed for the dates you want by paying for the extra week or so before it." The daily rate is $325 for ALF-level care; there is a $500 one-time processing fee. So you can see that paying for an extra week or so would really add up. She said what families do, in reality, is end up just increasing the number of days the person stays in the facility, since they are paying for it anyway. I have never put my husband anywhere for respite and am not interested in having him start off with more than 5 days.
Has anyone heard of this system before? Is this an industry standard?
Wow! I never heard of that. We visited two ALF facilities recommended by the social worker at our specialist's office. She even told me which facilities to avoid at this time because of staff turnover. I said what dates I need and that's what has been reserved. I took my husband for 4 days last summer. He's going for 5 days this week. You may want to check further. I paid $160 day for a locked dementia care unit. No other charges. We had to have a physical within 90 days and a chest xray. We're in Michigan.
I have found something similiar. I was trying to find something around New Year's and kept hearing at least a five day minimum and call us back two weeks before. Tough if you are trying to plan ahead and purchase an airline ticket! I gave up for now.