5 Tips for Peace of Mind While Traveling as a Senior Caregiver

If you’re the primary caregiver for your senior loved one, you need to take time away to rest, relax and recharge. However, leaving them behind can make you feel selfish, and lead to anxiety and worry.

Don’t cancel your trip just yet! With the right planning and support system, you can take much-needed time away and have peace of mind that your loved one is safe and well cared for. 

Here are our 5 top tips to give you peace of mind about your senior loved one while on vacation. 

1. Plan Day Trips or Shorter Trips 

There are so many places to explore along the Gulf Coast, many within easy driving distance, including Pensacola, Tallahassee and Mobile, as well as must-see parks like Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, Blackwater River State Forest, Tate’s Hell State Forest and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. 

Destin also isn’t far from popular overnight or weekend travel destinations like New Orleans, Orlando and Miami.

Even if you’re only gone for an afternoon or a weekend, travel provides a much-needed break from the demands of senior caregiving. And it can also have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health by reducing stress and preventing burnout. When you feel better, you’ll be able to better assist your loved one. 

2. Divide Daily Responsibilities with Trusted Friends or Relatives 

When you’re the primary caregiver for your senior loved one, friends or relatives who step in to assist you may not know your loved one’s routine or everything you assist them with. If you have multiple people helping you, you can create a two-column chart. 

• On the left side, list everything you do in a day. This may include meal preparation, light housework, personal care tasks or running errands. 
• On the right side, list the friend or family member who will assist with the task. 

This will help ensure your loved one’s needs are covered while you’re away. 

3. Share Your Itinerary and Loved One’s Important Information

After finalizing who will be caring for your loved one, make sure to share important details about your trip, such as flight numbers and hotel information. Similarly, make sure that the temporary caregiving team for your loved one has all their details, including:

• Name and contact information for their doctor and pharmacy
• Insurance cards
• Schedules for medications, meals and sleep

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, consider contacting your loved one’s healthcare team and let them know you’ll be away. 

4. Prepare Your Loved One for Your Time Away

For older adults, a change in their routine can be worrisome. But preparing them for this change as much as possible will help ease any anxiety. 

• Let your loved one know that you’ll be away. Be firm in your decision to take time away, and reassure them that trusted friends and family will care for them while you’re gone. You can also remind them that they’ll enjoy spending time with someone different and that you’re looking forward to spending extra time with them when you get home. 
• Practice your loved one’s new routine with friends and family. If your loved one needs help with transfers or using the bathroom, practicing these duties will help everyone feel more comfortable. 

5. Seek Professional Assistance, When Needed

Taking time away from your loved one can be more difficult if they have a memory condition or serious health concerns. That’s where Visiting Angels Destin can help, through our dedicated and compassionate senior home care services that provide peace of mind. You’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about your loved one’s safety or comfort.

We can fill in while you’re away, helping with non-medical services such as specialized care or just checking in every now and then. Here are just a few of the trusted services we offer:

• Companion care that provides emotional and social support. This is ideal for seniors who want company but don’t need additional help with daily living tasks. 

• Personal care for assistance with grooming, bathing, dressing, light housekeeping or preparing meals. We can tailor our level of care to match your loved one’s unique needs. 

• Respite care that provides temporary, short-term home care while you’re away. Respite care is often available as often as you need it. 

• Alzheimer’s care and dementia care providing specialized support for memory conditions. Our qualified home health care aides will help your loved one with day-to-day tasks while ensuring they remain safe and comfortable at home. 

With the help of Visiting Angels Destin, you can travel with confidence knowing your senior is receiving the compassionate care they deserve. To learn more about how we can help you and your loved one, call us at 850-424-3363 or contact us online to request a free, in-home consultation.