Caregivers need a vacation sometime.

Caring for an elderly loved one is both uniquely special and challenging.

For those caring for their children and an elderly parent, there can be opportunities for unique bonds between grandparents and grandchildren.

If children are out of the house, it can be a time to enjoy old stories and make new memories.

While caring for a loved one can be a blessing to both parties, it can also be a full-time job for caregivers, and finding time away for a vacation or trip can be tricky.

Even caregivers need a vacation.

How Elder Caregivers Can Take a Vacation

Being the primary caregiver for a loved one does not mean you have to do everything yourself.

Taking time away for a vacation to rest is okay and often necessary.

While the idea of a vacation may seem like an unattainable goal, it is possible to achieve it with strategic planning and preparation.

Why Is It Important for Caregivers to Take a Vacation?

As I noted at the outset of this post, caring for an elderly parent is challenging.

Burnout is likely for those who do not get regular breaks.

The stress can even lead to health problems.

Yikes!

Ultimately, the stress and health problems can make it harder for you to fulfill your duties as a caregiver and can lead to mistakes that impact your loved ones.

Taking a vacation to relax and recharge is beneficial not only to you but also to your elderly parent.

Can You Find Coverage for Your Caregiving Duties While You Are Away?

According to Care, the first action you should take to prepare for a vacation is to find a temporary caregiver for your loved one.

How might you find someone to fulfill this responsibility?

Ask a Family Member or Friend

Family and close friends are often able and willing to help, given enough notice.

In the Care article, two individuals were able to ask siblings for help.

One family caregiver asked her siblings to provide support while she went on a trip.

These siblings enjoyed the visit with their parents and the time away from their own responsibilities at home.

Another caregiver was visited by her brother.

During the trip, she asked if he could stay a little longer and watch over her mother so she could enjoy a brief getaway.

Even though she stayed in town, she could enjoy some time at a local hotel.

Hire a Temporary Caregiver

Sometimes, family and friends are not an option.

In this case, you may be able to hire a temporary caregiver.

If you do this, you should introduce this person to your loved one before leaving them together.

By making introductions, you can ensure both parties are familiar and comfortable with each other.

If you do not have personal recommendations for this role, consider finding an agency.

Look into Respite Care

Some assisted living facilities provide options for short-term stays with professional care for the elderly.

Generally, this is used for respite following hospital visits, injury recovery, or outpatient surgery.

Even so, it can also be used to provide respite for caregivers.

Start by researching local facilities to locate one that can meet your needs.

How to Prepare a Temporary Caregiver?

You will need to provide detailed directions about your parent for your temporary caregiver to succeed while you are on vacation.

You should include information on daily routines, meal preferences, medications, and personal quirks.

Having a comprehensive guide will help your temporary replacement best meet the needs of your loved one.

How Should You Handle Communication while Away?

Discuss how you would like the temporary caregiver to communicate with you while you are on vacation.

Do you want daily updates?

Do you only want to be contacted in an emergency?

Be sure you provide all necessary information, such as medical records, insurance details, and emergency contacts.

How to Deal with Caregiver Guilt?

If you feel guilty about leaving your loved one while you vacation, you are not alone.

This is a common experience among caregivers.

Although guilt may arise, caring for yourself is essential to being an effective caregiver.

Remind yourself you need a break, and it is impossible for you to control and do everything alone.

You are limited physically, emotionally, and mentally.

What are Key Takeaways for Caregivers Planning a Vacation?

People need rest.

A vacation can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

As a result, you can provide better care to your loved ones.

Those who need some time away should find a family member, friend, temporary caregiver, or respite care provider to provide temporary care.

To set up your temporary replacement for success, be detailed in your preparations and communication.

Taking time away helps you recharge and care for your loved one better.

Your elderly loved one will also benefit from a change in their daily routine and interactions.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Harvest Law KC and the reader.

Reference: Care.com (Mar. 2, 2024) "Yes, you can take a vacation — even if you're caring for aging parents. Here's how"