Say Yes To Traveling This Summer!

Don’t Cancel Your Travel Plans!

Summer is upon us! For many when summer arrives the urge to get away from home for a few days or more can become top-of-mind or a momentary wishful thought. Hold on, do not let that idea slip away!

If you are a family caregiver responsible for an individual with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities who cannot travel, you CAN take a break without worrying who is going to step in and do everything you do daily. You do have plans and arrangements to make, but these are not insurmountable. It really boils down to three steps.

Step#1 -- Finding the right person:

Finding the best person fit for the job can be overwhelming but, here are some guidelines to help you accomplish this goal.

The first and obvious thing is to consider a family member, friend, or neighbor (who you trust) to fill in for you. Obviously, this would be the best option since your loved one is familiar and comfortable with them. If that is not possible don’t fret, there are a few more places to look.

If you are working with a home care agency investigate if they provide overnight and/or respite care while you are away. One essential tip is to confirm that the homecare agency that you entrust your loved one with is licensed, bonded, and insured. If you are working with a support coordinator talk with them because they are a source of help.

And finally, identify respite facilities that provide short-term care arrangements where your loved one can go during the time you are away.

Step#2 -- Arming caregiver with important knowledge

Once you have found your fill-in caregiver, plan some time to walk them through the home to acquaint them with their temporary surroundings as well as the daily routine required for caring for your loved one. Consider having them shadow you for a day, which will give them a bird’s eye view of your routine.

Here are essential items your coverage person should have while you are away. Make a notebook or folder that includes the following:

 primary and secondary emergency contacts,

 list of other family contacts,

 physicians (with phone numbers and addresses), preferred hospital and pharmacy,

 list of all medications and when should be taken,

 other documents, possibly including power of attorney, living will, advance directives, and Do Not

Resuscitate (DNR) order, and

 insurance cards.

Step #3 One final note:

You did your due diligence, found the right person, have taken them through the daily routine, and prepared them for any emergency. Your departure date is set and now it is your time to relax and have a well-deserved change of scenery. “Taking a break from caregiving is a necessity,” notes Santa Fromm, Director of Support Services with Gold Medal Home Health, Wayne, NJ. “You carry the weight of responsibility physically and mentally, and taking time for a vacation provides your brain and heart time to reset.”