Traveling Without Your Senior? Make Your Trip Guilt-Free With These 4

As a family caregiver, you may feel guilty for even thinking about getting away, much less actually doing it. And, if you do manage to get away even for just a weekend, you know that you are probably going to spend the entire time worrying.

The emotions and anxiety you feel about leaving your senior behind while you take a trip or summer vacation are normal feelings that most family caregivers experience; however, taking an opportunity to relax and unwind is essential to your physical and mental health. Not caring for yourself can lead to exhaustion, stress, and caregiver burnout.

In this article, we are going to provide you with four tips that can help you take that well-deserved vacation—without the guilt! We also have some terrific weekend getaway ideas … keep reading!

4 Tips for a Guilt-Free Trip!

Use these four tips to plan your next getaway without having to worry about your senior loved one.

1. Enlist the Help of Trusted Family and Friends

Most family caregivers have family and friends that would be honored to step up to the plate for a weekend or even a week in order to help out. There is no shame in asking for help so you can get some time away.

Get out a sheet of paper and write down everything that needs to be done for your loved one each day while you are away. List all of the daily tasks you currently do for them, such as help with bathing, cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc. If there are things that can wait until you return, such as running errands, cross them off the list.

Next, assign friends and family members who have agreed to help cover each task while you are away. It might make sense for them to do things in shifts, or perhaps one person can handle all of the meals while another can help with bathing and grooming. Figure out a system that works best for your loved one.

Are there gaps in your plan? Things that aren’t covered? Keep reading, we’ve got you.

2. Share Your Travel Itinerary and a Helpful ‘Cheat Sheet’

Now that you’ve lined up your care team, you will want to share your travel itinerary with them, including the hotel you will be staying at and your contact information so that you can be reached if they have any questions or concerns. You will also want to put together a helpful ‘cheat sheet’ of your loved one’s important information, such as:

Contact information for their healthcare providers
Insurance cards and other information
Preferred pharmacy
Medications and regimens
Meal schedule
Sleep schedule

You should also contact your senior’s healthcare providers to let them know that you’ll be traveling.

3. Talk to Your Senior and Do a Test Run

Let your senior know that you are planning a trip and let them in on the care plan that you have put together for them. Keep in mind that your loved one may have concerns. Prepare yourself for the conversation, and don’t allow guilt to sway you. Let them know that you need to take some time for yourself and that trusted caregivers will be helping while you are away. Let them know that you look forward to spending extra time together when you return home.

If a family member or friend is filling in while you are away, you should have them practice care duties with your senior, including transferring and toileting, until you are all comfortable.

If a professional caregiver is coming to the home, they’ll meet with both of you before the trip to make sure you feel assured and confident.

Related Reading: 10 Realistic Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress

4. Utilize Technology to Stay Connected and Monitor Well-Being

In today's digital age, staying connected with your senior loved one while you are away is easier than ever. Utilize technology to make your trip guilt-free and give you peace of mind such as scheduling video calls or installing a smart camera or other smart home devices to help you monitor their safety and provide them with easy ways to communicate with you or to control their environment.

Leveraging these technological tools can help reduce your anxiety about leaving, as you'll have tangible ways to check in and ensure everything is going well back home.

Remember, taking time for yourself is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining your health and well-being, enabling you to be a more effective caregiver. By planning carefully and making the most of the resources available to you, you can enjoy a guilt-free trip knowing that your senior loved one is in good hands.

Gaps in Your Plan? Still Not Convinced?

If you are not comfortable enlisting the help of family and friends or if there are duties that they are not able to help with and you need a qualified person to help, a Visiting Angels caregiver can fill in the gaps.

Visiting Angels Can Help When You’re Away

Our experienced caregivers can help assist with private duty care and other activities of daily living, keeping your loved one safe and content while you are away. And, if your senior has a complex condition like Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease, our specialized services extend beyond caring for their physical needs. Give Visiting Angels Milford a call today at (508) 473-4300 or Contact Us online to schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation today.

Remember, taking personal time isn't selfish. You need a break to recharge. When you feel better, you can assist your loved one better. In addition, your senior might enjoy the chance to visit with someone new.

Weekend Getaway Ideas Near Milford, MA

For a weekend getaway near Milford, MA, you have several appealing destinations to consider, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Here are some popular options:

Mystic, Connecticut: About a two-hour drive southwest of Boston, Mystic is a charming seaside village known for the Mystic Seaport Museum, a recreated 19th-century seafaring village where visitors can explore the last wooden whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan. The Mystic Aquarium is another must-visit, housing beluga whales, seals, and penguins. Olde Mistick Village, with its array of restaurants and specialty shops, adds to the charm of this destination.
Newport, Rhode Island: Approximately a two-hour drive from Boston, Newport is famed for its Gilded Age mansions along Bellevue Avenue, such as The Breakers and The Elms. The town also offers beautiful waterfront views, seafood restaurants, and the famous Cliff Walk. Newport's harbor and its rich history make it a fascinating destination for a weekend getaway.
Berkshires, Massachusetts: For those who prefer mountains to beaches, the Berkshires in western Massachusetts are an ideal retreat. The region is known for its small towns, antique shops, great food, and the opportunity for hiking and enjoying the tranquility of New England. Art lovers will appreciate the Norman Rockwell Museum and the gardens of author Edith Wharton.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts: A bit further away but accessible by ferry or plane, Martha's Vineyard offers a mix of beaches, charming inns, and quaint towns. It's a larger island alternative to Nantucket, providing a blend of relaxation and exploration opportunities, from biking around the island to visiting the Aquinnah Cliffs.
Block Island, Rhode Island: Located off the coast of mainland Rhode Island, this nine-square-mile island is accessible by ferry and is known for its pristine sandy beaches, charming specialty shops, art galleries, and trails like the Clayhead Nature Trail. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a peaceful beach getaway.

Each of these destinations offers its own unique set of attractions, whether you're looking for historical sites, natural beauty, or quaint New England charm. Whether you prefer exploring seaside villages, relaxing in a mountainous retreat, or immersing yourself in the luxurious history of the Gilded Age, you'll find a perfect weekend escape not far from Milford, MA.

Give Visiting Angels Milford a call today at (508) 473-4300 or Contact Us online to schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation today.