I need to place my mom while I take a trip. Any advice?

Home hospice agencies have arrangements with NHs and ALFs for regular respite. That’s how I found my DH aunts ALF when I needed one due to an emergency. Some keep a room available for this purpose. Her room was around $4,200 which included meals. It was smaller than the regular rooms but was great for her as she is bedfast. She had private aides for a few hours per day so didn’t need much help for the extra services that would have boosted the charge. It did include changing her during the night so depending on what your mom needs help with will determine the cost at an ALF. You can probably get a list of licensed facilities from your local Area Agency on Aging. Then when I called the ALFs they filled me in on other options in the area.

Near me there are a few AL/MC facilities and board&cares that offer respite. It is very expensive but less so than hiring 24/7 in home caregivers. And it is worth it to get a break, being able to relax knowing she would be taken care if. What I didn't realize that for the places I considered, I would need to basically have mom admitted into the facility (with all the same paperwork as a regular admission). It was a lot of paperwork and a doctor visit as well. I don't know if respite care is the same in other areas. Just something to ask about.

Some assisted care facilities offer respite care. It's expensive but so worth the break when leaving for vacation. The one close to me had a 30-day minimum and was $6,000.