does this type of facility exist?

DHVT

My wife is somewhere between mild and moderate Alz at this stage, now officially diagnosed. She can take care of hygiene, read, have a conversation, take a walk.... but can't fill some basic needs, like making meals or writing a check.

Our situation has been going on for a year or two, and as her only caregiver I'm starting to feel the need for a break. I have an airline credit that will expire and I'd like to use to visit my sister.

I wonder if there's are places that provide temporary care and feel more like a hotel or resort than a hospital. It would be for about a week. They would need to make sure she takes her meds at the right time, has food and some companionship, and stays safe. It's basically what a resourceful and attentive relative would do, if we had one to make the offer.

If not, I can look into live in or morning-to-evening care. It would have to be someone who does enough but not more than she really needs.

Rescue mom

Many many ALFs in my area (S. FL) are more like resorts than hospitals, while providing services, meals, activities, supervision,  give meds, etc. They truly can be attractive, not at all hospital-like, really like a resort. I would be very happy to stay in one myself.

For temporary respite care you’re talking about, though, it gets a little tricky, and a lot expensive. Many if not most IME require a 2 week minimum (you don’t have to stay that long but you pay that long) AND it’s on a “space available” basis, with spaces for that being limited.  A few allow one week, but charge more. Cost very close to having an agency aide stay in the home, again IME, unless the agency just makes some quick stops to check and give meds. 

COVID has also been a big roadblock with respite in facilities.

If I were you, I’d call some facilities in your area that look nice (I assume you’d want to see wherever she stays) and ask if they provide this respite stay, and under what conditions. Don’t know about elsewhere.

harshedbuzz

DHVT-

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of your DW's ability to function as well as she is now is having a set routine in a familiar place with a caregiver who understands her well enough to provide only the prompts and supports needed. Change any one of those pieces to the puzzle and she may need a higher level of care that you think she does. 

A nice assisted living sounds like it might seem like the right level of care, but she'd need to not only track when meals are served, she'd have to find her way there independently at the appropriate time. Socialization might be difficult if the conversation and activities planned are geared towards those who haven't had a cognitive shift. 

By midstages, I would opt for a nicer MCF. I wonder if you could choose a place with both a MCF and either Personal Care or Assisted Living Most places have a minimum stay, so you might want to place her a week before you go to make sure the level is working giving you time to tweak it before you go. 

HB

Cynbar

I arranged respite for my DH at a local assisted living/memory care facility. They evaluated him and decided on memory care, which was fine by me (I'd rather err on the side if too much care rather than not enough.)It was a lovely facility, beautifully decorated, very good food, attentive staff.Yes, it was more like a hotel than a nursing home. I was worried he would have a hard time adjusting, but he really didn't. They did have a minimum, I think it was 2 weeks but I wanted longer anyway (I was recovering from surgery.) I toured several facilities, most would guarantee a bed in advance. There was some paperwork that they sent to his PCP and he needed a TB test, but that was it. I have been thinking of doing it again so I can get away, once COVID dies down a little.

MN Chickadee

It may depend on where you live. In my city, which is not super huge, we do have a couple facilities that fit this description. They have a minimum for respite, I think it's around 10 days. They are campuses with multiple levels of care (AL,MC,SNF) and evaluate the person and choose what level of care they think they need. They are nice looking places and you could pass them off as a senior hotel or something to ease the PWD's mind. I agree with others, you may not know what level of care she will need once she is without your intimate knowledge of her needs and wants and in new surroundings. I would err on the side of caution so if she struggles there is more care ready to go, which would be the case at most facilities. And then you can enjoy your trip and not worry so much about her well being. Your local chapter of the Alz Association or its support groups may know what places offer respite in your area.

eaglemom

I think your looking for a respite care type of facility. With Covid protocols in place I do not know how facilities are handling it. You can call the ALZ Helpline 800-272-3900 and ask to speak with a care consultant. They should be able to point you in the correct direction.

eagle