How to Go On Vacation When You Are a Caregiver

It’s perfectly natural to dream about spending a few days or weeks in another state or country. Whether you’re escaping the cold, reconnecting with friends, or seeking a change of pace, time away is something many people look forward to.

If you’re also supporting a family member as a caregiver, planning time away can take thoughtful coordination. But it’s absolutely doable—and well worth it. You don’t have to choose between your well-being and their care.

Caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking time to explore, reset, or simply enjoy a new environment helps you stay strong, present, and healthy. With respite care at Mitchell Hollingsworth in place, you can travel with peace of mind while knowing your family member is surrounded by compassionate support and meaningful experiences.

Planning for Extended Travel When You’re a Caregiver

When you’ve made the decision to spend time away, preparation is key. Start with an open, reassuring conversation with your family member. Share how this time away will help you recharge, stay healthy, and continue being a steady, caring presence in their life. Reassure them that you’ve found a temporary care option that’s both safe and enriching.

Coordinate with other family members or care partners to share your plans and keep everyone informed. Decide together how and when you’ll stay connected—some families opt for regular video calls, while others prefer updates from the community’s team members. Knowing you’re staying connected can ease concerns on both sides.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is a form of temporary senior care offered by hospice companies where your family member stays in a senior living facility for a short term typically 5 days, but sometimes more. This service is designed to support families and is a great solution for caregivers planning time away. It’s a solution for caregiving coverage and a chance for your family member to enjoy connection, support, and a change of scenery in a welcoming environment.

During their stay, your family member will receive the support they need while you take time to rest and refresh. They’ll receive help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or eating, and benefit from the same compassionate, around-the-clock care that full-time residents enjoy.

They’ll also be invited to partake in meals, social gatherings, and community events, creating opportunities for connection. Respite care is about more than ensuring your family member receives the support they need; it also ensures they have a fulfilling experience.

How Respite Care Supports Comfort, Safety, and Connection

Our staff members prioritize each person’s safety and happiness, whether they’re a full-time resident or there to receive respite care services. Here’s what your family member will have access to and enjoy during a respite care stay:

Personalized Support and Safety

Every person receives an individualized care plan based on their health needs and preferences. From medication management to assisting with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, caregivers are there 24/7 to make sure your family member feels secure and cared for.

Engaging and Enjoyable Environment

We offer numerous personalized activities and events. These events are tailored to each person’s interests to enrich their lives, help them discover new interests, and pursue their passions. Each month, we have a full calendar of events and activities for residents to participate in.

Delicious and Healthy Meals

Balanced meals are an important part of the respite care stay experience. Your family member can enjoy meals rooted in good nutrition and also make mealtime something to look forward to. We provide a variety of options for each meal, including accommodations for dietary needs and personal preferences. We also offer snacks throughout the day to enjoy at their own schedule. Additionally, every meal is served in a welcoming dining room that encourages connection and conversation. It's a chance to share a table, enjoy friendly company, and feel like part of a welcoming community.

Social Engagement

Socialization is key to healthy aging. It can help reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other chronic conditions, which is why senior living communities are designed around social engagement opportunities, making it effortless to strike up a conversation with neighbors. Your family member can meet new people by attending scheduled events, gathering in shared social spaces, and even having a meal in the dining room. Meals are often social events, enabling residents to bond with each other over a meal every night.

Supportive Services

Your family member will have access to the supportive services they require, ensuring continuity of care with the services they currently receive. Compassionate caregivers are available 24/7 to offer assistance with daily tasks, respond quickly to urgent medical needs, and provide continuous support. When off-site medical appointments are needed, transportation is arranged so your family member can make important appointments without stress.

Personalized Plans

Even if your family member is staying for a short time, care is never one-size-fits-all. A personalized care plan is developed with input from them and you, ensuring support they receive is aligned with their needs, preferences, and goals. This means they’re empowered to choose how they spend each day—whether it’s joining in on a favorite activity, enjoying quiet time, or getting involved in a new interest. Support is there when needed, but independence is always respected. For example, if your family member prefers to dress themselves but needs help with medication management, their care plan reflects that. If they want to skip an afternoon activity and enjoy coffee and conversation with a neighbor, then that’s honored too. Your family member’s preferences and comfort guide the experience, and the care team listens, supports, and adapts. Even during a short stay, the focus is on creating an experience that feels personal, fulfilling, and rooted in dignity.

Letting Go of Guilt and Gaining Peace of Mind

Caring for someone you love can be deeply meaningful—but it also takes energy, focus, and time. If you’re feeling hesitant about stepping away, know that investing in your own well-being strengthens your ability to keep showing up with compassion.

With professional support in place, you can embrace time away knowing your family member is in good hands and is surrounded by experienced caregivers, friendly neighbors, and fulfilling daily experiences. You'll return reenergized, and they’ll benefit from support that encourages both comfort and connection.

Respite care can also serve as a gentle introduction to senior living. A short-term stay gives your family member a firsthand look at community life, helping them build familiarity and relationships without pressure. If long-term care becomes a future consideration, that foundation makes all the difference.

Even if a permanent move isn’t on the horizon, respite care offers a flexible, uplifting way to support your loved one and yourself.

Source:Temporary Senior Care: How to Go On Vacation When You Are a Caregiver