Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming. With their unique and special needs, many caregivers often find themselves tired, stressed, and longing for a break. It can be challenging, especially if you’re a senior loved one’s primary caregiver.
For those who are able to go on a trip, that guilty feeling keeps them from enjoying their break. What if your aging parents forget to take their meds on time? Are they safe and eating properly? Should they cut the trip early? This is a common dilemma for senior caregivers. How can you enjoy that well-deserved vacation without feeling guilty of leaving your loved one behind?
Thankfully these days, there are senior care options that allow you to enjoy your travel without having to worry about your aging loved one. One of the most in-demand ones is assisted living services for seniors in Phoenix, Arizona. You can be sure that your senior loved one is well taken care of, happy, and safe even without your presence. Competent and compassionate licensed caregivers and nurses will make sure that their needs are met. They can fill in for you no matter the kind of senior care your loved one requires.
Now, all that is left is to break the news to your loved one and prepare them for the temporary living arrangement. Here’s how you can accomplish this:
Tell them about your travel plans
Informing them of your trip should be ahead of time and not just a day or two before you leave. Inform them of your departure and arrival date, as well as your contact details and travel information. This will assure them that they can still reach out to you and how. You can text them your travel dates, contact details, and itinerary, or print out these details and place them somewhere they can easily find.
Include them in the decision-making
Seniors often feel depressed when they fail to make decisions for themselves. To make them feel like they are still in control, include them in the decision-making process. Allow them to check out the assisted living facilities. This will help them visualize how it would be like to live in there—even if it’s just for the time being.
Open up to the new caregivers
It is not enough that you simply drop off your loved one to their new caregivers. You will need to talk to them in the presence of your aging loved one to establish rapport and trust. Give them a breakdown of your loved one’s needs. Don’t forget about their prescriptions and routines.
Reassure your loved one
Just because you’re confident about the safety and well-being of your loved one doesn’t mean that you should forget about checking on them every once in a while. Stay in touch and tell them about your whereabouts. By updating them regularly, they feel at ease, knowing that you are also safe. Make it a point to call or video-call them. They’ll feel a lot less worried, and this will make them feel that you still care about them even if you’re miles away.
Eradicating the feeling of guilt is not easy. But you deserve to take a break from your stressful, tiresome, and overwhelming role. Realize that we all have our own limitations. Don’t let guilt stop you from enjoying life. Take that break, but don’t forget about your aging parent’s well-being.
