Respite Home Research

Current Goals:

  • The oasis Institute is researching alternatives to traditional ‘Assisted Living’ to offer respite care for families choosing to keep their loved ones at home. 
  • Issues:
  • Address current elder population exploitation in extensive facilities pleasing to the eye for families but often not adequate for residents.
    • Address isolation when unable to drive.

Model:

  • A research model is currently conducted in Brewster, MA, in a private home. The base principle is a small family-style including a pod concept to address infectious control safety without isolation.

Research: 

The Institute is researching:

  1. The idea of activities in a pods-like classroom approach to address infectious disease issues. This approach of home schooling was used for children during the pandemic.
  2. Desired components necessary for cognitive stimulations as well as adaptation skills to decrease depression co-morbidity.
  1. Study the feasibility, town rulings, required licensing.
  1. Comparing other similar efforts.

Long-Range Plans:

If the initial pilot is successful and acceptable by Elder Affairs standards, the Institute plans to support individuals wishing to start similar homes. It plans to create an initial training and develop a support system for successfully managing such an endeavor.

Qualifications:

The Institute researchers work with leaders in the fields of Geriatric Research.

  • FCA The Family Caregiver Alliance has supported and sustained the important work of families and friends nationwide who care for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions for 40 years.
  • CGC The Care Giver Connect is designed to connect caregivers to us, to resources, and most importantly, to each other. 
  • Dice Approach with Founder Dr Kales.
  • Harvard Medical School
  • NCC The National Center on Caregiving works to advance the development of high-quality, cost-effective policies and programs for caregivers in every state in the country. Uniting research, public policy and services, the NCC serves as a central source of information on caregiving and long-term care issues for policy makers, service providers, media, funders and family caregivers throughout the country.
  • NYU Langone Family Support Program research has shown that caregivers who receive emotional and practical support experience measurable improvements in depression, stress, and physical wellbeing. Dr Mary Mittelman, Professor of Research, Department of Psychiatry and Rehab.