Everyone Needs Time Off

by | Jun 19, 2018 | Prevention and Planning

There is nothing better than sitting on the beach, your toes in the sand, and good friends or family to share your day. So, take the time to plan ahead and enjoy your next vacation. If you find that putting together that plan is too overwhelming, reach out to Severino Health Advisors to help.

The summer months are typically the most popular time to take a vacation. Whether you are heading to the beach, a national park, on somewhere out of the country, vacations are a much-needed escape from the daily responsibilities of work and family.

For caregivers, carving out time to take a vacation can seem impossible. How can I possibly get away when my spouse or parents are ill and need my help? I hear this question often from my clients as they struggle with the desire to do something fun and relaxing. They are stuck deciding how to get away while also properly caring for their loved ones.

Experiencing much-needed time off is essential to prevent caregiver burnout and is a great way to recharge your batteries. You can get away this summer. All you need is some extra planning.

Consider these tips to get away:

  • Reach out to other siblings, friends, or other relatives to step in as a caregiver while you are away.
  • Consider hiring an in-home non-medical caregiver to make daily visits to your home or to provide 24-hour supervision.
  • Look at local assisted living facilities to see if they offer short-term respite options.
  • Hire a Health Advocate or Care Manager to help you find options for caregiving in your community.

Before you leave on your trip make a binder that contains the following:

  • Emergency contacts names and numbers.
  • List of physicians with phone numbers and addresses.
  • Name of preferred hospital and pharmacy.
  • Copies of living will, advanced directives, and Do Not Resuscitate Orders.
  • Insurance cards and picture ID cards.

There is nothing better than sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand surrounded by good friends or family to share the day with. Take the time to plan ahead and enjoy your next vacation. If you find that putting together a plan is too overwhelming, reach out to Severino Health Advisors to help.