Don’t look now… but summer is here! Memorial Day Weekend is just a couple days away, the last day for most schools happens over the next couple of weeks, and vacation season is upon us.
Vacations can be a fun, joyous time for the family to relax and make new memories together, but it can be a stressful time, too. Planning to meet everyone’s needs while away from home can be a challenge – but if you are a family caregiver, the stress increases if you don’t have a clear plan for how to care for and support your loved one while you are getting the respite you need.
You CAN get away and now your loved one will be safe and cared for – here’s how to get started.
Vacation Concerns
If you feel anxious about leaving your parents or loved ones while you are on vacation, it’s important to take a closer look at why you are feeling anxious. What is the source of your apprehension about going away?
First, assess your situation. Do you have a parent or loved one living with you in your home? If you go away for a week or two on vacation, will you be leaving that person alone in the home? What level of support are you giving them? Write down what needs to be done every day to care for them.
Perhaps your parent or loved one is living on their own, but you are the most frequent source of support. Maybe they have a weekly medical appointment that can’t wait, a dog that needs to be walked every day, or they just need some companionship.
Make a Plan
Once you know exactly what is needed while you’re away, you’ll be able to make a plan to meet your loved one’s needs. Here are some things to think about:
- Medical appointments – move to dates outside your vacation window if possible
- Medication support
- Meals and nutritional support
- Personal hygiene support – showering or bathing, dental care, getting dressed
- Pet care – type of pets and care needed
- Lawn care
- Housekeeping
- Exercise assistance
- Companionship
- What other needs are important to your loved one?
This may sound overwhelming, but you don’t need to do it alone! The staff at Assisting Hands of Cincinnati can help you create a plan to ensure the best respite care for your loved one – and to ensure you enjoy the relaxing, rejuvenating vacation you deserve.
Home Care Professionals to the rescue!
The highly experienced, well-trained home care professionals from Assisting Hands of Cincinnati are available to make sure your loved ones are well-cared for while you are away.
The importance of vacation time cannot be understated. You DO deserve a break! Don’t feel guilty about needing some time away – we are here to support you and ensure you have peace of mind while getting the refreshment you need. Don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll put your family’s respite care in place this summer.
