Jewish Home Lifecare :: Caring as individual as you

When You Need to Travel

When You Need to Travel

Sometimes it’s unavoidable – you must travel. Additionally, taking a vacation to relax is beneficial to both you and the person you are caring for.

With some organization, you can enjoy your time away without worrying about the person you regularly care for.

  • Talk about your plans in advance.  Explain that you will be setting up temporary care while you are away. Ask the person you care for about feelings and concerns, but don’t let feelings of guilt overwhelm you. Remember, you and your care recipient will benefit from your time away.
  • Arrange appropriate respite care while you are away.
  • Have a backup plan ready.

Arranging Appropriate Care

Daily Care. Think about how much help help is needed bathing, eating, and dressing.  Arrange for a home care worker to provide assistance if needed.

  • Food. Stock up on groceries or cook meals ahead of time. Locate a family member or home care worker to come to the home to prepare meals or to share the meal.
  • Medications. Make sure there will be enough medication and medical supplies. Arrange for a home care worker to administer the medication if needed.
  • Activities. Talk to your care recipient about what they plan to do during the day. An Adult Day Social Program offers meals, activities like games, cooking, singing, arts and crafts.  Click here to lean more.
  • Visitors. You can also enlist a “friendly visitor” from your family, church or local senior center to visit the home each day.  Click here to learn more about Jewish Home Lifecare’s Volunteer Program.

Back up & Emergency Plan

Locate familiar family or friends who can commit to providing back-up help while you are away. Discuss together then write down an emergency plan.  Give it to everyone involved. Be sure to include relevant contact information.

Resources

Jewish Home Lifecare Volunteer Program

in Manhattan: (212) 870-4940
in the Bronx  (718) 410-1271
in Westchester: (914) 864-5140
In the community: (212) 271-2500

Administration on Aging
Department on Health and Human Services National Family Caregiver Support Program
www.aoa.gov

National Alliance for Caregiving and Metropolitan Life
www.caregiving.org

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others – A Caregiver’s Survival & Renewal Guide
Lawrence M. Brammer, Ph.D. and Marian L. Bingea, M. A.
New York: Vantage Press, 1999