Holidaying with older parents can be an immensely rewarding experience for everyone involved.
With a little bit of pre-planning, you can gather the family together and share an unforgettable trip, whether at home or abroad.
Holidaying with older parents can be an immensely rewarding experience for everyone involved.
With a little bit of pre-planning, you can gather the family together and share an unforgettable trip, whether at home or abroad.
In this piece, we'll discuss the benefits of holidaying with older parents and how to organise a successful trip.
What makes holidaying with older parents so beneficial?
Holidaying with older parents offers all sorts of social and health-related benefits.
Families tend to be spread further apart than ever before, so spending quality time together on special occasions can make all the difference.
Holidaying together can help stave off loneliness among older people, and therefore conditions like depression and anxiety. A holiday also provides a change of scenery, helping to enhance mood and stimulate the mind.
The intergenerational element is important, too. This might encourage you to try something you wouldn't ordinarily. And, if you have children, older parents can benefit from spending time with grandkids in all sorts of ways.
How to organise holidaying with older parents
To ensure your holiday plans come together smoothly, make sure you consider these important elements:
- Duration: Families today often prefer longer trips to older generations. Settle on a happy medium that won't cause disappointment (maybe 4-5 days), or decide to meet up for only part of a longer trip.
- Destination: Choose a location with a suitable climate, accessible spaces and plenty of culinary options. Prioritise selecting a destination where you can spend quality time together.
- Transportation: Try to choose less intense transport options (such as ferry, car or coach travel). When this isn't possible, call your travel provider ahead of time to discuss what extra support is available.
- Accommodation: Select a type of accommodation that's well-resourced and easily accessible. A hotel lets you take a more hands-off approach, while a self-catering apartment can keep you all together.
- Attractions: Look for attractions and activities suitable for all age groups. Keep your schedule flexible (including lots of rest/refreshment breaks) and don't be afraid to separate off to do different things during the day.
- Medication: Double-check your parents have brought all the medication they'll need during the trip, including some spares. Ask them to bring any relevant paperwork in case replacements are needed.
Live-in care makes holidaying easier for older people
Ensuring older people are able to travel and enjoy a well-deserved holiday is one of many beneficial aspects of live-in care.
With The Good Care Group, your loved one can travel independently, with family or friends alongside their dedicated care team.
The team of two carers will help with everything from planning a suitable trip, to supporting your loved one while they travel, to medication management and nutritional intake.
This model makes sure your loved one gets access to the same high standard of care both at home and on holiday, based on comprehensive oversight and support.
Learn more about how to ensure your loved one receives the support they need while on holiday by speaking to the friendly team at The Good Care Group.
