Holiday tips and support for caregivers

Caregiver burnout is a common phenomenon, but as the person who looks after an elderly relative every day, it can be difficult to establish time for yourself to rest and recuperate. Holidays for carers can come with a wide range of emotions and practical considerations, but respite care can help.

There are two types of holidays a carer can take, either with the loved one they look after or on their own. It’s worth thinking carefully about the benefits of each approach to make sure breaks for carers truly offer some time to relax.

Having a holiday without the person you care for

A holiday without the person you’re looking after can feel almost impossible, but short-term elderly care is available to facilitate this situation. Respite services can give carers the time they need to properly unwind and ensure their loved one is well looked after in the process.

Arrange suitable cover for the care you usually give

One of the biggest tips for carers looking to organise respite care is to think about the level of care you usually give your relative or friend. Ask yourself whether they need help 24 hours a day or assistance at crucial times to get dressed, bathe or make meals.

There’s no need to enlist care above and beyond what you’re already providing and keeping to the usual routine will be better for the older person in question. Respite care for the elderly comes in various forms so you can choose the one that will best suit your circumstances.

Information to share to make sure my loved one is well looked after

To ensure everything goes smoothly while you’re away and to give yourself peace of mind, you should leave comprehensive information for the respite team, including:

• Medication
• Likes and dislikes
• Timings
• Door and access codes
• Allergies
• Dietary restrictions
• Mobility needs
• Personal care requirements
• Preferred communication methods
• Activities they enjoy
• Emergency contact details
• Primary healthcare provider

Do I still get a Carer’s Allowance if I have a carer’s holiday?

You will continue to receive Carer's Allowance for up to four weeks of holiday in every 26 weeks. To be eligible for this, you must have been providing at least 35 hours of care a week for a minimum of 22 of the past 26 weeks.

Having a holiday with the person you care for

An alternative method of getting away is enjoying a trip with the person you care for. Holidays for the elderly tend to be somewhat different to the type of vacation you’re likely to take on your own, but can still offer an opportunity to get away from the pressures of everyday life.

Things to consider when going away with a loved one you care for

Holiday tips for caregivers taking an elderly loved one on holiday with them include considering the following:

• Purchasing suitable travel insurance
• Choosing an appropriate destination
• Checking where the nearest hospitals are to your accommodation
• Making sure you have enough medication
• Checking accessibility in and around your accommodation
• Packing comfortable clothes
• Thinking about the heat and staying hydrated
• Asking for a medical check-up before departure
• Taking essential medical records with you
• Organising any appropriate vaccinations
• Considering the potential impact of air travel
• Thinking carefully about what they’ll eat
• Understanding whether you’ll be able to leave them alone at any time
• Ensuring it’s appropriate to change their routine and surroundings

Further support

If you’re looking for further information, advice and support on respite and caring for elderly loved ones, these resources could be useful:

• Respite care from Barchester
• What is respite care?
• Help and support for dementia carers
• Carer’s support from Age UK
• NHS support and benefits for carers
• Help and advice from Carers UK