Care and peace of mind for family caregivers

Caring for an aging loved one is a meaningful responsibility, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Whether you need time to recharge, travel, attend to work, or take care of your own health, Gurwin’s respite care programs provide a safe and supportive solution. While you take a well-deserved break, your loved one will receive the same compassionate, high-quality care Gurwin is known for.

Respite care is available at:

  • Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville – our primary location for short-term overnight and extended respite stays
  • Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center’s main campus in Commack – offering daytime caregiver respite through our award-winning Adult Day Health programs

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care provides short-term, temporary professional care loved ones with medical needs, designed to give family caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities. Care can be provided for just a few hours during the day in our award-winning adult day care programs, overnight, or even a few weeks at a time at our skilled nursing center in Holtsville, Long Island.

Families often turn to respite care when:

  • A caregiver needs to travel or be away from home
  • A caregiver is recovering from an illness or medical procedure
  • Caregiving responsibilities have become overwhelming, and rest is needed
  • Medically complex younger adults or seniors with medical or cognitive care needs would benefit from additional socialization and structured activities

Respite care supports the well-being of both the caregiver and their loved one. While caregivers gain peace of mind and time to rest, tend to their own personal health needs, or take care of other responsibilities, their loved ones enjoy professional care, opportunities for engagement, and a safe change of environment.

Types of Respite Care at Gurwin

Extended/Overnight Respite Care

Offered at Island Nursing and Rehab Center, our overnight respite program provides caregivers with flexibility and reassurance. Loved ones stay in a skilled nursing setting that offers:

  • 24/7 nursing care and medical oversight
  • Assistance with personal needs and activities of daily living
  • Nutritious meals and snacks prepared onsite
  • A full schedule of recreational and therapeutic activities
  • Comfortable accommodations in a safe, welcoming environment

A short-term stay at Island can last from can be tailored to each family’s unique needs, ranging from a few days up to two weeks.  This option is ideal for those who are planning to travel, focusing on their own health recovery, or requiring extended time to recharge.”

What a stay looks like: Residents enjoy structured days filled with activities, mealtimes, social opportunities and individualized attention. Families can feel confident knowing their loved one is receiving the same attentive, skilled care as Gurwin’s long-term residents.

Daytime Respite Care

At Gurwin’s main campus in Commack, respite care is available through our Adult Day Health programming. These structured programs provide professional care and engaging activities for those frail elderly or medically complex older adults who require supervised care during the day, allowing caregivers the freedom to work, rest or handle personal responsibilities.

Day respite includes:

  • Socialization with peers and recreational programs
  • Nutritious meals and snacks
  • Supervised medical care and health monitoring in our medical model program
  • A secure and supportive setting, including memory care accommodations in our social adult day program.

A typical day might include morning exercise or music therapy, a nutritious lunch, afternoon group activities such as games or art, and opportunities for rest before returning home.

Respite Care Services

Whether a loved one participates in our day program or stays overnight, they receive personalized attention and comprehensive support.

Medical and Nursing Support (Medical Model ADHP and Skilled Nursing Facility)

  • Medication monitoring and administration
  • Coordination with physicians and specialists when needed

Personal Care and Daily Living

  • Assistance with dressing, grooming and toileting
  • Help with mobility and transfers
  • Support tailored to each person’s level of independence

Meals and Nutrition

  • Meals plus snacks, planned by dietary staff
  • Options to meet medical or religious dietary needs

Therapeutic and Recreational Activities

  • Group and individual activities to stimulate mind and body
  • Opportunities for social interaction and companionship
  • Therapeutic recreation led by trained specialists

Memory Care Accommodations (Social Adult Day Program)

  • Secure environments designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
  • Led by a Certified Dementia Practitioner and staff trained in person-centered communication strategies and effective memory care approaches
  • Activities tailored to cognitive abilities and changing needs

Why Families Choose Respite Care on Long Island at Gurwin

Peace of Mind for Caregivers
You can step away with confidence, knowing your loved one is receiving expert, compassionate care by specially trained staff in a secure setting.

Compassionate, Skilled Staff
Our nursing and support teams are specially trained to meet the needs of older adults, including those with complex medical conditions or memory loss.

Safe, Comfortable Environments
Our campuses are designed to provide a welcoming atmosphere, with modern, accessible facilities, recreational spaces, and secure environments.

Trusted on Long Island
For nearly four decades, Gurwin has been recognized for quality and compassion, serving families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Future Care Options

Many families discover Gurwin through respite care and stay because we grow with you as healthcare needs evolve.  Our complete continuum of senior healthcare and living options ensures smooth transitions at every stage. One trusted partner, from respite to long-term care, so you never have to start over somewhere new — continuity of care when and where you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Respite Care on Long Island

How long can my loved one stay in respite care?

Options range from a daily in our Adult Day program, and up to two weeks in our overnight respite care program at Island Nursing and Rehab.

What services are included?

Respite care includes medical supervision, assistance with activities of daily living, nutritious meals, therapeutic recreation, and secure, supportive environments.

Do you provide respite care for individuals with dementia?

Yes. Both our day and overnight programs can accommodate those with memory care needs, with specialized staff and secure spaces.

How do I arrange respite care?

Families can contact our care team to discuss needs, complete required paperwork, and schedule a stay or day program enrollment.

Is there a minimum stay required?

For overnight respite at Island, stays are typically at least a few days. Day programs in Commack can be scheduled as little as one day a week.

What is the difference between respite care and long-term care?

Respite care is temporary, designed to provide relief for caregivers. Long-term care is ongoing, with residents making Gurwin their permanent home.

How do I pay for respite care?

Medicaid covers respite care services at Island Nursing and Rehab Center and our Medical Model Adult Day Health Program. Our Social Adult Day Care program for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia is available as private pay. Contact our care team to discuss payment options specific to your situation.

Respite care services through both our Island Nursing and Rehab Center and our medical model Adult Day Care program are covered by Medicaid. For families seeking a social model approach for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia diagnoses, our Gurwin Adult Day Care program is available as a private pay option. 

Contact us for more information about our Long Island Respite Care Programs and Services.