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Holiday travels are anticipated events. But when caring for an aging loved one, leaving home to see the celebratory sights abroad may seem more like a dream than a plan of action. Caregivers, however, with a bit of planning, can make their holiday travel dreams happen.
Excursions during the holidays give families unique experiences, like seeing creative light displays and browsing the festive markets in exotic locations. Exploring new places instills a sense of wonder. Plus, travels to warm destinations offer an escape from the blustery Midwestern winters.
When caregiving for elderly parents and considering traveling during the festive season, family caregivers must decide between two options: 1) arrange to travel with the parent or 2) obtain coverage to ensure the senior receives care while the family caregiver is away from home.
How do caregivers travel with parents?
Seeing the holiday festivities while traveling with parents is a cherished event, one that is memorable across the generations. However, this option requires plenty of planning and understanding of the senior’s challenges, preferences, and limitations to be safe and enjoyable.
1. Schedule a Medical Checkup
Prior to the trip, schedule a doctor’s appointment for the senior to ensure they are fit for traveling and obtain vaccinations. Arrange for mobility aids, such as a walker, cane, or wheelchair, and make sure they are in good working condition. Purchase travel insurance to cover medical emergencies.
2. Take Breaks
During the travels with the elderly parent, take frequent rest stops to allow the senior to stretch, use the restroom, or walk. Offer neck pillows or blankets to keep the senior comfortable. Adhere to the parent’s medication schedule and always carry water and snacks to ensure hydration and nourishment.
3. Request Accessible Accommodations
When choosing lodging, the senior may require accessible accommodations, like ramps for wheelchairs and bathroom grab bars for support. A ground-floor room is more accessible for the elderly than upper floors requiring them to climb stairs. Contact the hotel in advance to confirm these amenities.
4. Plan Suitable Outings
Holiday activities range from physically demanding, such as ice skating, to relaxing, such as watching The Nutcracker ballet. Plan outings that cater to the senior’s ability level and interests. Remember to rest in between events to give the parent a chance to recharge.
How do caregivers manage care when spending time away from home?
A second option that may appeal to family caregivers is taking a trip away from home for a weekend, a week or longer. This requires leaving the aging parent at home. While seeming unsettling, this option is doable by securing caregiver coverage and facilitating communication.
Firstly, family caregivers must address the guilt that is likely to arise. Caregivers deserve a break from their ongoing responsibilities to refresh and take time for themselves. Let the aging parent know about the decision to take a holiday vacation, then make plans to obtain coverage.
1. Arrange for a Replacement Caregiver
Members of the caregiver’s family circle might elect to step in to provide vacation care. Siblings or other relatives are ideal choices as short-term caregivers. If the relatives live out of town, the temporary care they provide can be considered a semi-vacation for them.
2. Hire Respite Care
An alternate option is to hire a respite caregiver from a home care agency. These professionals step in where the family caregiver leaves off, ensuring uninterrupted care. Introduce the caregiver to the parent in advance so that the latter can become acquainted with the professional.
3. Communicate
Stay in touch with the fill-in caregiver while traveling for the holidays. Consider asking for daily updates and whether to be available to answer questions. Some family caregivers on vacation only want to be contacted in an emergency. Communicate these preferences to the temporary caregiver.
It’s critical to plan how the short-term caregiver will communicate with medical personnel, if necessary. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that a replacement caregiver be on record to receive health information and take the senior to the doctor.
4. Share Medical Information
Provide the replacement caregiver with the senior’s essential health care information prior to embarking on the holiday travels. These include a list of the older adult’s medications, nearest medical facility, their doctor’s name and contact info, insurance information, and any health conditions.
Seniors Care Over the Holidays from Assisting Hands Home Care
Caregiving responsibilities can be managed even when traveling during the holiday season. Whether the family caregiver elects to travel with their aging parents or leave them in the care of a temporary caregiver, the delights of the holiday season can still be enjoyed by all.
Remember that vacationing during the holidays prevents caregiver burnout and allows the family caregiver to return to their duties with vigor and a renewed outlook. Family caregivers who plan to take a vacation without their parents can entrust their care to Assisting Hands Home Care.
We are a reputable home care agency serving the elderly with dedication. Professional caregivers are tasked with a variety of nonmedical care services to promote the physical, emotional, and social health of seniors. Our hands-on support allows older adults to remain independent in the comfort of home.
Caregiver responsibilities include help with personal hygiene tasks, like bathing, dressing, and toileting. We give timely medication reminders and provide transportation and escort to local destinations, such as the medical clinic or pharmacy. Light housekeeping and fall risk assessments are included.
All of our professionals are licensed, bonded, and insured to give families and their aging loved ones peace of mind. Caregivers are also trained in CPR and first aid and know how to respond in an emergency. We fulfill your aging parents’ nonmedical care needs with attentive elder care.
When you have plans to travel this holiday season, choose Assisting Hands Home Care to fill in. Our home care agency is trusted by countless families and seniors in Medinah, IL | Glendale Heights, IL | Itasca, IL | Bensenville, IL | Elmhurst, IL | Villa Park, IL | Addison, IL | Lombard, IL. Call us at (630) 526-6522 to schedule a complimentary in-home consult today and ensure your loved one receives quality care.
