Your vacation from your company job is usually planned. Can that work if you are also a caregiver?

This question is most difficult to answer but essential to think about. The answer is: of course, we have two unending jobs so, then here are the real questions:

How do we plan for them? How do we ensure we can leave our loved one, our responsibility, and "go away on vacation because it is the summer?" Or are we planning a family trip that includes everyone? These are two different situations, and both require careful thought and planning.

Here are some thoughts: and remember….if your responsibility is for a person who suffers from dementia, an aging parent, or a person with a chronic illness, or cancer, much of the basic planning is the same

Start thinking about what is needed if you plan to go on vacation. Will you take your loved one with you? If so, there are many details you should consider, such as: do you need to reserve an accessible room? What mobility equipment will you need: canes, or perhaps a wheelchair; many changes of clothes and a very logical and carefully thought through schedule. Remember, people who need ongoing care at home will definitely need it at a vacation site and perhaps on vacation even more.

As the vacation site is usually new to the patient, it carries some challenges for them, which can cause increased stress for everyone. The surroundings are different; the food and bed are different. Many familiar things are not there. If you are dealing with a dementia patient, you may not know what they are thinking because their memories may not be as reliable as we expect. So, there could be anxiety in a new location.

Are your Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney, and Wills updated, signed, and in your possession? If you are driving to your vacation location, check on your automobile insurance coverage in case of an accident; and if you are traveling out of the country, check on your medical in

Buy Trip Insurance: it is a good idea if you are going out of the United States or on a cruise.

A good suggestion for the situation where your loved one is with you: keep the explanations short and don't say: "Dad: you remember this lovely resort; we have come here many times." Instead, comments like: "How lovely it is here; the flowers are just gorgeous: I am so glad we are visiting" make it so simple and don't require a memory that might have already disappeared.

Wheelchairs at the airport: can be requested in advance. It is not possible for someone with mobility problems to walk the required distance at the airport. The airlines are conscious of these needs; just ask for them.

Bathrooms: don't ask your loved one if he/she needs to visit the restroom. "Please come with me; I am going to the ladies/men's room."

Keep your daily itinerary short, with many breaks, and stay hydrated. Dehydration in the summer heat is always a health problem.

That may be outside professional caregivers who have a history of caring for your loved one, family, neighbors, and friends. Some details to consider: is there enough food in the home to cover the days you are away? If not, can you work with a food delivery company like PeaPod and prepay for needed groceries? You don't want to have an open-ended credit card available because, although you will undoubtedly only hire someone who is trustworthy and bonded, credit cards can be very tempting.

Make sure that the same activities that occur when you are home continue when you are away. For example: if you take your loved one to an adult daycare program or the Senior Center, be sure the substitute caregiver can do this. ones

Be sure to post both your schedule and your loved one's the on the refrigerator door and include emergency telephone numbers of those who could be needed in an emergency.

Remember, leaving your patient with someone is stressful, although you most definitely need to take a break, so do your best to stay as calm as possible. It's OK to feel stressed, but it is also more than OK to have a vacation.

 Please enjoy and take a lot of pictures.

And, of course, Caregivers-Wellbeing Consulting Services are available for you. We can be reached at www.caregivers-wellbeing.com and 508-380-2042.