Caring for an elderly family member can be stressful, which makes self-care important. Many caregivers refuse to go on vacations because they worry about who will take care of their loved one while they’re away. Luckily, options like other relatives and respite care at assisted living communities can keep your family member safe and healthy while you take a much needed break.

Things to Consider When Planning Your Vacation

How to Find Someone to Fill In

You might have more options to find someone to fill in than you think. Siblings or other family members might be able to take on the responsibilities. However, your family might not live close to you or be up for the task. 

If you’ve already hired a home health aide for your loved one, you might be able to pay them extra to stay overnight. 

Another option is to find a local assisted living facility that offers respite care. This type of care allows them to stay in an assisted living facility for a few days or even a few weeks. If your loved one has medical needs, this is a safe option.

Preparing & Staying in Touch

Since you know best, you’ll want to make sure that whoever is caring for your loved one has all of the information. Write down instructions as thoroughly as possible, including their daily routine, directions to make their favorite foods, and emergency protocols. Create a list of their medications, their doctors, and emergency contacts.

Before you leave, decide on the level of contact you want to have during your vacation. You might choose only to be contacted in emergencies, which will be less of a disruption. If it would make you more comfortable, though, you can check in daily or leave yourself open to questions from the caregiver.

Dealing With Guilt

You might feel guilty about leaving your loved one for a little while. If you’re worried that something might happen, just remember that this is possible whether you’re there or not, and if something did go wrong, it’s not your fault.

Your relative will almost certainly not resent you for needing to live your life and get a breath of fresh air. Remember that although you’re a wonderful caregiver, a family member or a respite care worker will do a great job, too.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing or respite care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.