Caregiving and Vacations
So you got your second vaccination shot, and you are planning a vacation. You might simply be staying home for a staycation or heading to a vacation home to relax on the deck and catch up on reading. Your parents either don’t want to or cannot go with you. Caregiving for your parents from a distance is a challenge and you don’t want them struggling in your absence.
If you are going away, your parents don’t have to struggle. You need to use these 3 tips.
1. Have a Caregiving Plan
You might have other family members stopping by. You may hire caregivers to provide care when you’re away. Either way, you need to have a care plan drawn up to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Write up daily and weekly chores that you’re helping your parents complete. Talk to family and see if anyone is free to help out. If not, you’ll need to make arrangements with professional caregivers. Don’t overlook tasks like medication reminders, appointment schedules, allergies, and dietary restrictions. It may be common knowledge to you and your parents, but a caregiver may not have any idea that there is an allergy or special diet.
2. Buy Needed Supplies for the Caregiver
Make sure prescription medications don’t need a refill. If your parents will run out while you’re away, have them refilled before you go. Stock up your parents’ groceries, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to ensure they won’t have to go without or make a rushed trip to the store.
3. Talk It Over With Your Parents
Be clear with your parents so that they know you’re going away for a few days. Please put it on their calendar so that they can’t forget. Reminders placed on the refrigerator and computer are also useful. When you’re discussing your plans, make sure they know who to call for help. If you are having a professional caregiver help them out, give them the agency’s contact information. Give them your information to know where you’ll be and how to reach you if there’s an emergency.
Have the Talk!
Caregiving service isn’t always available as a temporary fix for your vacation. A better strategy is to talk to your parents about establishing a relationship with a caregiver before you need one. This puts you in control of the transaction and ensures you get someone who is a good fit. This is one of the most proactive steps you can take to keep your parents happy and healthy…and allow you to go on your vacation worry-free.
