Caregivers are some of the most special people in society and the love and assistance they give are impossible to quantify or repay. Whilst most caregivers are happy to look after their loved ones and never begrudge anybody for the role which they perform, looking after somebody 24/7 is still an incredibly physically, mentally and emotionally draining job.
Even the most selfless and dedicated carer needs to take a break every once in a while. Just to take some time for themselves. Sadly, far too many of these selfless people put far too much pressure on themselves. They even feel guilty for taking a trip and leaving their loved one behind. However, if there is anyone who deserves a break and a bit of time to recharge, it is a caregiver.
To help all these special people enjoy their time away, here is how to go on a trip guilt-free when you are a caregiver.
1. Book Your Loved One into a Respite Care Home
One way to ensure that your loved one is well looked after while you are away is to book them into a reputable respite care home. Many carers do not realize that this is an option because they believe that you have to book your relatives into a care home permanently. However, the experts at arcare.com.au/ explain that there are many care homes which will look after your loved one just for a week or two so that you can go away and enjoy a little vacation time to yourself.
Whilst it is only natural to worry about leaving your loved one alone with people they don’t know in an unfamiliar place, these organizations deliver the highest standards of care and know how to make temporary residents feel safe and welcome straight away. They have very high standards of food, 24/7 therapeutic and medical care, and organize social events for the residents so that they can make friends and have a good time. In order to put your mind at ease, make sure to start your care home research well in advance of your trip so that you can find the perfect place where your loved one will be happy and you won’t have to worry.
2. Get Another Relative to Help
If you are looking after a family member, one really simple solution is to reach out to another relative and take over caregiving duties from you just for a couple of weeks. Families see and appreciate when one member is looking after an elderly or sick loved one and so other relatives are usually happy to step up to give you a rest. If your loved lives with you usually, then you can either make arrangements for them to go to your relatives’ or for your relative to come and stay in your home while you’re away.
Many families often chip in together to pay the family member who usually takes care of their relative, so you can simply give that money to the person who is covering you and they will be able to take over your normal responsibilities. Maybe have them come and live with you for a couple of days before you go away on your trip so that they can see what you do each day and ask any questions.
3. Take Your Loved One on the Trip
There are many caregivers who feel like they cannot take their loved one away because they won’t be able to provide them with the same care that they can at home. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, as long as you plan carefully and choose the right kind of vacation. Hiring a cottage or self-catering accommodation can enable you to provide the exact same care whilst also allowing you a chance to get away from your house for a much-needed change of scenery. If your loved one is not able to take a long flight, look for local accommodation within driving distance where you will be able to relax and have a great time.
Caregivers are special people and every single one of them deserves a break. It can be so easy to make yourself guilty about going away to enjoy yourself while your loved one is relying on you but it is so important that you don’t let yourself think this way. Try one of the solutions in this article and you will have a wonderful guilt-free trip and come back feeling refreshed and happy.
