Guilt-Free Traveling Without Your Senior Loved One
For family caregivers, the prospect of a vacation can be a bittersweet one. The chance to unwind and recharge is desperately needed, but the worry of leaving your senior loved one behind can easily cast a shadow over any travel plans. Here's the good news: with careful preparation and a little help from friends, family, and professional in-home care agencies like Visiting Angels of Coral Springs, you can enjoy your much-deserved vacation while knowing your loved one is safe and cared for.
Planning is Key: Assigning Trusted Helpers
The best way to ensure that you have a smooth and low-stress trip is to plan ahead. Support networks are a vital element of this, and can make your trip planning much simpler. Reach out to reliable family members and close friends who are familiar with your senior loved one's needs. Delegate tasks like medication reminders, grocery shopping, or preparing meals. Schedule a visit or two to provide companionship and ensure their well-being.
Empower Your Team: The Itinerary and Cheat Sheet
Once you’ve assembled your caregiving team, provide them with all the tools they’ll need to ensure your loved one receives proper care while you’re away. Create a comprehensive daily schedule outlining your loved one's needs. Include information like medication times, preferred meals, and any scheduled appointments. This clear roadmap will ensure everyone involved is on the same page. Additionally, you should create a handy "cheat sheet" with important information like emergency contact numbers, medical information, insurance information, and a list of your loved one's medications.
Prepping the Team for Your Trip: Communication and Preparation
Make sure to communicate with your loved one’s temporary care team about all potential concerns and responsibilities. Schedule individual meetings with each caregiver to thoroughly review your loved one's routine to ensure they know how to help facilitate it while you are gone. If possible, try to have a trial run before you leave to ensure they have all the details down.
Don't Forget Yourself: Taking Time for You
As a caregiver, it's essential to maintain your own well-being. Recharging and recuperating from time to time is a key part of avoiding caregiver burnout and continuing to provide outstanding care for your loved one.
While on your trip, communicate with your support network about acceptable communication. Set clear boundaries so you can relax without having to check your phone or computer every moment of the day. When you’re finally on your vacation, focus on activities you enjoy. Whether you’re excited to see the sights in Orlando, read a new page-turner on Delray Beach, explore the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, or simply catch up on sleep, make sure your vacation itinerary is focused on the things you want to do.
Visiting Angels is Here to Help
With a properly prepared team, care plan, and healthy boundaries, you can get some rest and relaxation without having to worry about your loved one’s day-to-day care. If you need additional assistance, consider partnering with a reputable home care agency like Visiting Angels of Coral Springs. Our trained professionals can provide your loved one with a wide array of services, including personal care assistance, medication management, mobility help, and more. With a professional caregiver looking out for your loved one, you’ll have added peace of mind while on your trip! We can create an individualized in-home care plan to address all of your loved one’s nonmedical care needs while you’re on your trip–or any time you need our help.
Learn More About How Visiting Angels Can Assist While You’re Away!
To find out more about how our professional caregivers can assist you with caring for your loved one, contact our team at 954-688-9342 or via our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation care consultation. One of our caregivers will come to your home to speak with you and your family about caregiving options, costs, scheduling, and more. Reach out to Visiting Angels of Coral Springs today!