Caregiver Considerations for a Worry-Free Holiday

Are you going on a summer holiday? Use this checklist to ensure you’re leaving your care recipient in good hands so you can vacation worry-free. Proper preparation allows you to relax and enjoy your time away, knowing everything is taken care of at home.

First, identify a trusted family member, friend, or neighbour to be an emergency contact or to run errands when needed. Consider arranging for someone to visit regularly while you’re away. If your care recipient is accustomed to daily visits, it might be beneficial to hire homecare support to maintain their routine and provide extra peace of mind.

Ensure you leave your caregiver support person with:

• A copy of your travel itinerary with contact information for each stop.
• Extra keys for the house, mail, car, etc.
• A contact list for your care recipient's physician, pharmacy, Power of Attorney.
• Insurance information.

Print a copy of your itinerary and travel contact information and stick it on the fridge or somewhere easy to find. Include other important contacts, like your handyman, plumber, and mechanic, to cover all bases. Stock up on groceries, especially their favourite foods, and ensure all prescriptions are filled and sorted if necessary.

Consider creating a detailed daily schedule for your care recipient, outlining meal times, medication schedules, and any other routines they follow. This can help your support person keep everything running smoothly. You might also want to write down any specific instructions or preferences related to their care to avoid any misunderstandings.

With these preparations in place, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your much-needed holiday, confident that your care recipient is in good hands. Proper planning can make all the difference, allowing you to recharge and return refreshed, knowing everything at home is taken care of.