Cottages of Green Valley provides respite care

Respite care is being offered at the Cottages of Green Valley for all levels of care including Alzheimer's residents.

The memory care and assisted living care facility located at 2620 Robindale Road in Henderson provides this service for stays ranging from three days to three weeks with no required long-term commitment.

"The word respite refers to short stay," said Trudy Andrews, the administrator for Cottages of Green Valley. "This can be like a vacation for seniors. The Cottages makes their beds, provide the meals and reminds them to take their medications along with help getting dressed, if needed."

According to Andrews, family members who provide care also need an occasional break, so the time away is much needed a few times a year.

"Providing care is a full-time job whether the loved one is staying at home or at the Cottages," she said. "While someone is taking that much needed break, they can bring their loved one here for care."

According to Andrews, the Cottages provides the same care for respite residents as it does for full-time residents. Many residents who visit come back to stay at the Cottages long term.

"They receive three meals a day, transportation, activities and 24-hour staffing. The respite lets them see what assisted living really is. They find it more comfortable and fun than they expected," Andrews said.

Andrews said those wanting to utilize the program need to make reservations 24 hours in advance. A daily fee is charged for the services.

"The summer is very popular for our respite care program because of the vacations that people take during that time of the year,"

The Cottages has gained attention because of its residential living style, which includes all single-story residences with no long corridors.

A high caregiver ratio ensures attention for residents, who average 83 years of age.

"There are 12 residents in each cottage," she said. "Residents have a better opportunity to socialize here. Meals are served family style meaning they are not in a huge dining room. This is a smaller and more intimate setting."

Additionally, the Cottages has two activity directors for a community of less than 100 residents.

"The key is to keep our residents active," Andrews said. "It helps keep their minds stimulated. The resident enjoys the same independence they had a home. In fact, some have more freedom here than they did at home."

Among the happy residents who first visited the Cottages on a respite basis is Pauline Bukantz.

"I didn't realize how much fun it would be to be with my peers," Bukantz said. "We do activities together, compare stories of our pasts and laugh at old jokes."

Further information can be obtained by visiting the Cottages of Green Valley from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, by calling 992-0000, or by visiting cottagesgv.com.

Scheduled evening tours are welcomed.