Caregivers need breaks, too. Whether it’s a long weekend, a family reunion, or your first real vacation in years — taking time for yourself matters. But if your loved one is currently enrolled at Penn Village, you might be wondering: What happens while I’m away?
The good news is, we’ve helped many families just like yours take stress-free time off. Whether your loved one can remain in their normal routine or needs temporary support, we’ve got flexible options to make it work — including short-term respite stays when needed.
Let’s walk through the different paths available so you can plan your time away with peace of mind.
Option 1: Continue Adult Daycare Services with a Loved One’s Help
If your loved one is able to remain in their home during your trip — either independently or with the help of a friend or family member — Penn Village can continue services as usual.
Here’s how we make that possible:
- We can adjust our transportation pickup and drop-off locations to match the temporary caregiver’s home in the Philadelphia area.
- Your loved one stays in their routine, surrounded by familiar faces, activities, and structure.
- We’ll continue to provide breakfast, lunch, and a snack, ensuring they return home nourished and well cared for.
For many families, this is the ideal solution: their loved one maintains comfort, connection, and consistency — while the caregiver enjoys their trip without worry.
Option 2: Keep Services Going If Your Loved One Can Be Home Alone
In some cases, the client may not need someone to stay with them — just support during the day. If they’re able to safely stay home alone in the evenings, we can still provide:
- Daily transportation to and from Penn Village
- Full access to our structured program
- Regular meals and supervision
- A built-in community that keeps them engaged and supported
Because they’ll return to a familiar home and be surrounded by a routine they know, your time away will feel less disruptive for everyone involved.
Option 3: Consider a Short-Term Respite Stay
If your loved one cannot be safely left home alone — and no other family or friends can step in — a short-term respite stay may be the best solution. This ensures they receive around-the-clock support in a licensed care setting while you’re away.
Respite stays can range from a few days to a few weeks and are often used in cases where:
- Your loved one has dementia or memory loss
- They require assistance with medication, mobility, or hygiene
- They are a fall risk or unable to follow basic safety instructions
You can rest easy knowing your loved one will be well taken care of while you’re away — and welcomed back into their Penn Village routine when you return.
Want to learn more? Explore our respite care support services.
What Is a Short-Term Respite Stay?
A short-term respite stay provides temporary care in a residential facility. It’s designed to give caregivers a break — whether for travel, illness, work, or just to recharge — while ensuring the person receiving care remains safe and supported.
Typical services during a respite stay include:
- A private or shared furnished room
- Meals and snacks
- Medication management
- Personal care support
- Structured activities and light exercise
- 24/7 trained staff
Many families find that their loved one actually enjoys the change of scenery and new social opportunities — especially if the respite care setting includes group programming similar to Penn Village’s adult day services.
When Should You Use a Short-Term Respite Stay?
While adult daycare is typically the preferred solution, there are times when a short-term respite stay becomes necessary — especially if safety is a concern.
Here are a few common examples:
- Your loved one requires constant supervision and cannot be left alone at night.
- No one is available to manage medications, meals, or mobility support at home.
- Transportation to and from Penn Village isn’t possible for the duration of your trip.
- There’s a temporary medical need that requires more care than adult daycare can provide.
In these cases, a licensed respite care provider can bridge the gap — giving you the confidence to take your trip, knowing your loved one is in good hands.
Keeping Your Loved One’s Routine Intact
At Penn Village, we believe that consistency is key. Even when caregivers are away, we aim to help our clients maintain a sense of:
- Routine: Daily structure and programming reduce confusion and support cognitive function.
- Familiarity: Seeing the same faces, riding the same van, eating the same meals — it all matters.
- Social connection: No one is left alone or isolated. Clients engage in games, music, group activities, and more.
By continuing adult daycare services during your time away, your loved one stays grounded — and you return to a happier, healthier homecoming.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve the Break
Caregiving is a full-time commitment — but it doesn’t mean you should never take time for yourself. Whether your loved one continues their Penn Village routine with a little support from friends or needs a temporary respite stay, we’re here to help.
Learn more about our respite care options or contact us to talk through the best fit for your upcoming trip.