How Elder Caregivers Can Take a Much-Needed Vacation
Caring for an elderly parent can be a full-time job. Elder caregivers might dream about taking a vacation but feel unable to fulfill those dreams. The good news is that with a bit of planning and the right strategies, you can take a much-needed break without guilt or worry. Beck, Lenox & Stolzer Estate Planning and Elder Law attorneys see so many spouses in this role and know how exhausting this 24/7 job is for them. The statistics on a elderly caregiver passing away before the one being cared for is sobering- approximately 30%. We can help figure how elder caregivers can take a much-needed vacation.
Why Is It Important for Caregivers to Take a Vacation?
Taking care of an elderly parent is physically and emotionally demanding. Without regular breaks, caregivers can experience burnout, stress and even health problems. This burden takes a toll on the elder caregiver and can result in care mistakes that also affect the elderly parents. A vacation offers a chance to recharge, relax and return with renewed energy to provide the best care possible.
Can You Find Coverage for Your Caregiving Duties while You’re Away?
According to Care, the first step in planning your vacation is finding someone to care for your parent temporarily. There are several options to consider:
Ask a Family Member or Friend
Family members or close friends can often step in to help. Care discusses how Carolyn Miller Parr, a family caregiver, asked her siblings to cover for her so she could take a trip. They enjoyed spending time with their parents and saw it as a mini vacation.
Similarly, Laurie from Boston asked her brother to extend his visit with their mother so she could enjoy a brief getaway. Although she only stayed at a local hotel, it was still a peaceful, rejuvenating experience.
Hire a Temporary Caregiver
If family and friends are not an option, consider hiring a temporary caregiver. Introduce them to your parent ahead of time to ensure that they are comfortable with each other. If you don’t have personal recommendations, try looking through an agency.
Look into Respite Care
Respite care is another excellent option. Many assisted living facilities offer short-term stays with professional care for elderly parents. While this is usually for the parent’s respite following an injury or hospital visit, it can also be for your respite. Research local facilities to find one that suits your needs.
How to Prepare a Temporary Caregiver?
Preparing the temporary caregiver is crucial for a smooth transition. Provide detailed instructions about your parent’s needs, from medications and meal preferences to daily routines and quirks. Laurie, who arranged for her brother to care for their mother, provided him with a comprehensive guide, including everything from medication schedules to household tips.
How Should You Handle Communication while Away?
Decide how you want to communicate with the temporary caregiver while on vacation. Some caregivers prefer daily updates, while others only want to be contacted in emergencies. Ensure that the caregiver has all the necessary information, including insurance details, medical records and emergency contacts.
How to Deal with Caregiver Guilt?
Feeling guilty about taking a vacation is common among caregivers. However, it is essential to remember that caring for yourself is crucial to being an effective caregiver. Overcoming guilt involves recognizing that you deserve a break and accepting that you can’t control everything.
Janet, from Homewood, Alabama, felt guilty about going on a pre-booked trip after her mother was diagnosed with cancer. However, she realized that worrying about worst-case scenarios was unproductive. By accepting her limitations, she was able to improve her well-being and better support her mother through hard times.
Start Planning Your Break
If you’re an elder caregiver who needs greater peace of mind, we can help. While our estate planning attorneys can’t plan your vacation, we can help you create a comprehensive plan for your elderly parents’ care and estate. Schedule a free consultation with us and secure your peace of mind today. We also can provide referrals to companies that offer care in the home. Our own marketing director was able to enjoy a trip away with her son and left with confidence that her husband was in good hands with a local home care company.
Key Takeaways
- Preventing caregiver burnout is a must: Taking a vacation helps prevent burnout and reduces stress, enabling caregivers to continue providing quality care.
- Find a temporary care solution: Family, friends, temporary caregivers and respite care facilities can provide temporary coverage.
- Make detailed preparations: Thorough preparation and clear communication ensure a smooth transition and peace of mind.
- Care for yourself and your parents: A break allows caregivers to recharge. This is just better for them and those they care for.
We can show how elder caregivers can take a much-needed vacation, knowing that they planned for it, hopefully, can come back refreshed.
Reference: Care.com (Mar. 2, 2024) “Yes, you can take a vacation — even if you’re caring for aging parents. Here’s how”
