Vacationing Without Your Senior? 4 Tips for a Guilt-Free Trip!
Do you sometimes feel guilty for even thinking about taking a vacation without your senior loved one … much less actually doing it? If so, you are not alone. Even if you do somehow manage to squeeze in a weekend getaway, you probably spend most of it worrying anyway, right?
These feelings are perfectly normal and they cause many family caregivers to put off vacations altogether because the emotions and anxiety that come along with them don’t seem worth the trouble. Unfortunately, not taking the time you need to relax and unwind can lead to exhaustion, stress, and caregiver burnout.
What if we told you that there was a way for you to take that well-deserved vacation—without the guilt? Keep reading to learn more as well as for some terrific weekend getaway ideas!
4 Tips for a Guilt-Free Trip!
These four tips can help ensure that you can plan some time away without having to worry about your senior loved one.
1. Call in the Reinforcements: Your Trusted Family and Friends
Although you might feel funny asking, your trusted family and friends would probably be more than honored to step up to the plate and help out for a weekend or even a week so you can get some time away.
Try this … write a list of all of the daily tasks you currently do for your loved one. This list should include everything that is absolutely necessary for their care, such as help with bathing, cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc. If there are things that can wait, such as running errands, leave them off or cross them off the list.
After asking your family and friends if they are willing to help, assign each task. If there are gaps in your plan or things that aren’t covered, keep reading, we’ve got you!
2. Create a Helpful ‘Cheat Sheet’ and Share Your Itinerary
Put together a helpful ‘cheat sheet’ of your loved one’s important information, including:
- Contact information for their healthcare providers
- Insurance cards and other information
- Preferred pharmacy
- Medications and regimens
- Meal schedule
- Sleep schedule
Once you’ve lined up your trusted care team, you will want to share this cheat sheet with them as well as your travel itinerary and your contact information so that you can be reached if they have any questions or concerns. Be sure to also contact your senior’s healthcare providers to let them know that you’ll be away.
3. Talk to Your Loved One and Schedule a Test Run
Next, it’s time to let your senior know that you are planning a getaway. Let them in on the care plan, keeping in mind that they may have concerns. If they are upset, explain to them that you need some time for yourself and that they will be well cared for in your absence. Stay firm, letting them know that you will look forward to telling them about your trip when you return home.
Have the team who is filling in while you are away practice their care duties with your senior, including transferring and toileting, until you are all comfortable.
If a professional caregiver is part of the care team, they’ll meet with both of you before you leave to make sure everyone feels assured and confident.
Related Reading: 10 Realistic Ways to Manage Caregiver Stress
4. Utilize Technology to Monitor Well-Being and Stay Connected
Another way to help give you peace of mind is by utilizing technology to monitor your loved one and to stay connected. Smart cameras and other smart home devices can help you monitor what is going on in your absence and scheduled video calls can help reduce your anxiety about leaving.
It is important to remember that taking time for yourself is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for you to maintain your health and well-being and it will ultimately enable you to be a more effective caregiver.
With careful planning and taking advantage of the resources that you have available to you, there is no reason not to take that vacation and enjoy it knowing that your senior loved one is in good hands.
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.
Let Visiting Angels Southbridge Help When You’re Away
The experienced caregivers at Visiting Angels Southbridge can help assist with your senior’s personal care needs as well as with all of the other activities of daily living so that your loved one is safe and remains content while you are away. This can supplement the help provided by family members and friends or it can replace it.
For seniors living with a complex condition like dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease, our specialized services extend beyond caring for their physical needs. Give Visiting Angels Southbridge a call today at (508) 764-6700 or Contact Us online to schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation today.
Taking time for yourself isn't selfish, it’s actually one of the best things you can do; feeling recharged and rejuvenated will help you better assist your loved one. And, they might even enjoy the chance to visit with someone new.
Weekend Getaway Ideas Near Southbridge, MA
For a weekend getaway near Southbridge, MA, you're looking at some beautiful options that blend natural beauty with New England charm. Here are a few destinations to consider:
Portsmouth, NH: This historic seaport town offers rich history, charming brick sidewalks, and a vibrant culinary scene. The Strawbery Banke Museum provides a glimpse into the area's colonial past, while Prescott Park is great for a scenic stroll.
White Mountains, NH: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the White Mountains feature breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives like the Kancamagus Highway. Resorts like Loon Mountain and Mount Washington offer a range of activities from skiing in the winter to mountain biking in the summer.
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH: The largest lake in New Hampshire is perfect for boating, fishing, and enjoying waterfront dining. Towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro offer quaint shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the lake.
Portland, ME: Known for its vibrant arts scene, outstanding restaurants, and waterfront views, Portland is a great city getaway. Don't miss the historic Old Port district, the Portland Head Light, and the chance to indulge in some of the best seafood in New England.
Acadia National Park, ME: For a nature-filled retreat, Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island offers rugged coastlines, forested trails, and stunning vistas from Cadillac Mountain. Bar Harbor, the gateway to the park, is a charming town with great accommodations and dining options.
Ogunquit, ME: A small but lively town known for its beautiful beach, the Marginal Way coastal walk, and a lively arts scene. It's a great destination for those looking to relax by the sea or explore local art galleries.
Kennebunkport, ME: This coastal town exudes New England charm with its historic homes, sandy beaches, and boutique shopping. It's especially popular in the summer but offers a quaint experience year-round.
These destinations in New Hampshire and Maine are within a reasonable driving distance from Southbridge, MA, and offer a variety of experiences from outdoor adventures to cultural explorations. Whether you're looking to hike in the mountains, enjoy the coastline, or explore charming New England towns, these options provide a wonderful escape for a weekend or even an extended stay.
Give Visiting Angels Southbridge a call today at (508) 764-6700 or Contact Us online to schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation today.