How to Go On Vacation When You Are a Caregiver

Nov 27

Written by:

Jeffrey Grossman

Published:

November 27th, 2023

As a family caregiver, your commitment to your loved one's well-being is commendable.

However, the daily responsibilities can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Constantly juggling caregiving duties, personal life, family, and perhaps a career can leave you feeling drained and burnt out.

Weekends, typically thought of as a time for relaxation, often become an extension of caregiving duties for many. Caregiving is unlike a 9 to 5 job where you clock in and out; you’re likely working round-the-clock. But life is unpredictable, and there may be instances where your needs are at odds with your duties as a family caregiver.

You may think vacation is a “want,” not a “need,” but we disagree. In this blog, we will explore the critical need for respite care, specifically focusing on weekend and vacation care for the elderly.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is temporary home care for elderly adults designed to relieve family caregivers from their daily caregiving responsibilities. It can be provided by a friend, family member, neighbor, or professional. However, an experienced Caregiver will provide the best experience for the senior and the family caregiver. The senior receives high-quality care while the family caregiver has peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

This short-term break is essential for family caregivers who often face physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion due to the continuous demands of caring for a loved one. Respite care allows Caregivers to step away from their caregiving role, ensuring their loved one's needs are still being met.

Family caregivers may choose to use respite care for a variety of short-term scenarios:

Scheduled Breaks: Family Caregivers may schedule weekend senior care every week or once a month, to proactively prevent burnout and maintain their own well-being.
Vacations or Travel: When family caregivers want to take a vacation or travel, they can hire elderly care while on vacation, ensuring their loved one receives proper care in their absence.
Health or Personal Emergencies: In times of personal health challenges or unexpected emergencies, temporary in-home senior care handles family caregivers’ caregiving responsibilities during crises.
Special Occasions: Family Caregivers may use respite care to attend family events, celebrations, or important gatherings without worrying about leaving their loved one unattended.
Caregiver Burnout: When Caregivers feel overwhelmed, stressed, or on the brink of burnout, respite care provides a valuable opportunity to step back, rest, and regain perspective.
Medical Appointments or Procedures: Family Caregivers may use temporary home care for elderly parents when they need to attend their own medical appointments, undergo medical procedures, recover from surgeries, etc.
Work Commitments: Caregivers who balance caregiving with employment may use respite care to manage work commitments, attend conferences, or address professional responsibilities.
Self-Care and Mental Health: Weekend elderly care every once in a while allows Caregivers to prioritize self-care, engage in hobbies, or simply have some uninterrupted time for relaxation and mental well-being.
Trial Periods or Transition: Respite care can be used as a trial period to assess the suitability of professional caregiving services, especially if considering a more permanent care arrangement.
Social and Community Engagement: Caregivers may use respite care to participate in social activities, community events, or support groups, promoting their own social well-being.

You don’t need a “good reason” for using respite care. Whether it’s as emergent as a personal health crisis or simply going to coffee with a friend, your needs and wants are valid. The goal of any form of respite care, from vacation home care to temporary in-home senior care, is to offer support and relief.

As a family caregiver, you’re always concerned about another’s health and well-being; respite care acknowledges the importance of yours.

7 Steps to Help You Prepare for Vacation Home Care

Taking a vacation may seem like a distant dream for many Caregivers, but with thoughtful planning and the support of professional Caregivers, you can be relieved from elderly care while on vacation. Here’s a short guide on how to go on vacation when you are a Caregiver.

1. Plan Well in Advance

Start planning your vacation early. Consider the needs of your loved one, potential challenges, and the duration of your trip. Early planning allows you to make necessary arrangements for respite care and ensures a smooth transition.

2. Assess Respite Care Options

Research and explore respite care services available in your area. Choose a reputable home care agency, like Commonwise Home Care, that provides professional Caregivers who are experienced in vacation care for elderly adults.

3. Prepare a Detailed Care Plan

Work closely with the respite care provider to develop a comprehensive care plan. Document your loved one's routine, medical needs, preferences, and any emergency contacts. A well-prepared care plan ensures the substitute Caregiver has all the information necessary for a seamless transition.

4. Ensure Continuity of Medications

Double-check and organize medications in advance. Provide clear instructions to the respite Caregiver on medication schedules, dosage, and any specific requirements. Confirm that there is an ample supply of medications throughout the duration of your vacation.

5. Stay Connected During Your Vacation

While the purpose of your vacation is to relax and unwind, it's natural to want updates on your loved one's well-being. Establish clear communication channels with the respite Caregiver. Set expectations around what you’d like to know while you’re away and how often they should check in with you.

6. Release Control

It's natural to have specific routines and expectations for your loved one's care, but a professional Caregiver may not do things exactly like you do. Recognize that these differences don't diminish the quality of care; rather, they showcase the expertise and individual approach of the Caregiver. Trust that your loved one is in capable hands.

7. Take Time to Recharge

Once everything is in place, allow yourself to embrace the vacation experience fully. Use this time to recharge, focus on your well-being, and engage in activities that bring you joy. A rested Caregiver is better equipped to provide quality care upon return.

As a final thought, remember that taking a vacation is not a sign of neglect, but a necessary break to ensure you’re taking care of yourself.

Get Elderly Care While On Vacation

At Commonwise Home Care (Commonwise), we support your loved one wherever they call home with premium, personalized home care services. Every person is unique, and their care should reflect that.

Our expert geriatric care managers work closely with family caregivers to develop custom care plans for elderly adults. Then, Commonwise Caregivers use the care plan to provide the right assistance for your loved one. Whether you need a Caregiver to provide temporary in-home senior care so you can go on vacation or care for your loved one on a daily basis, call Commonwise to learn more about our caregiving services.

You deserve a break, and we’re ready to help you take it.