צוות iSavta | 13.11.2019

 

Many people take a trip to the beach or to the mountains in summer. This is a time when they have excursions with friends and the time when they engage leisurely activities with their families. However, many caregivers spend their summers with their patients or loved ones. But, they also need to get some time off just like everyone else.  It requires careful planning to be able to achieve a worry-free vacation as a caregiver while you are away having fun with family and friends. You may consider some tips below on how you could spend your summer travelling to other places.

 

Plan Ahead

Before you go, search for the local tourism website if any. Aside from the tourist attractions, check out if there are grocery stores and nearby medical facilities such as clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the destination and have that information ready while traveling. 

 

Be realistic

If you are traveling with your patient that has limited mobility, search for a place that they would enjoy based on their interests without compromising their health. Choose a destination that is accessible to the abilities of your patient. For persons with limited mobility, places with paved streets clear, leveled roads, and clean paths would decrease the chance of obtaining an injury.

 

Caretaking shifts

If you are not traveling with your patient, ensure that there are family members or friends who could change shifts in taking care of your patient while you are away. Notify these relatives or friends in advance so that they will have ample time to arrange their schedules too. Set a schedule so that those available can spend a few hours in providing care and support to your patient.  Also, make sure to designate tasks such as medical management, personal hygiene assistance, meal preparation, and home cleaning and maintenance appropriately. They should also have access to important information like medication schedule, emergency and the medical team’s phone numbers, a list of the patient’s medical conditions. If there aren’t enough relatives or friends who could do the caregiving tasks, you could always check for adult care facilities such as home health agencies and nursing homes to guarantee your patient’s health is still a priority while you are having a vacation.

 

Security Regulations

Be updated with the rules and regulations of airlines, trains, and buses, especially if you are traveling with your patient.  Inspections can be strict in security travel counters, thus it is necessary to know the different travel policies for those with disabilities/medical issues to avoid having a problem while in transit.

If you are having vacation without your patient, still keep in contact with them.  Both of you will feel worried because you are used to having each other. Regular communication will lessen the anxiety and provide relief between you are your patient.