Planning a vacation can be exciting, but when you’re a caregiver for an older adult or a loved one living with dementia, it also comes with serious considerations. Should you bring them with you or plan for respite care while you’re away? Will they enjoy the trip or feel overwhelmed? How do you know what’s right for them and for the whole family?
Here’s a look at how to make an informed, thoughtful decision, with tips on travel, air travel, and alternatives like short-term stays at a trusted senior living community.
Should You Travel With Your Loved One?
Before booking a plane ticket or planning a road trip, consider your loved one’s current health, mobility, and emotional state. Some older adults thrive on travel and adventure. For others, leaving the familiarity of home can lead to confusion, anxiety, or physical discomfort.
Ask yourself the following:
- Is your loved one physically able to handle the journey?
- How well do they manage changes in routine?
- Will the destination be accessible and calm enough for their needs?
- Are you prepared to assist with medications, personal care, and possible medical situations while traveling?
If your loved one has advanced memory loss, limited mobility, or heightened anxiety in unfamiliar places, it might be best to consider a respite care option instead.
At The Kensington White Plains, we provide short-term stays with personalized care. Families can enjoy their vacations knowing their loved one is in good hands, surrounded by compassion, structure, and comfort.
Air Travel With Seniors or Loved Ones With Dementia
Flying with a senior requires careful planning. The noise, crowds, and pressure to keep on schedule can create stress or discomfort. Here are tips to make plane travel smoother if you do decide to bring your loved one:
- Choose non-stop flights whenever possible to minimize transitions
- Alert the airline in advance for mobility or medical accommodations
- Arrive early and use airport assistance services for wheelchair or escort support
- Pack essentials in your carry-on, including medications, comfort items, snacks, and activity books
- Stick to familiar routines, such as meals or rest times, even in transit
- Stay calm and reassuring, especially if your loved one becomes anxious or confused
Flying is doable for many older adults, but it’s not always the best option for those with moderate to advanced cognitive decline. There is no shame in deciding to stay close to home or choosing a supportive care option while the rest of the family travels
Is It the Right Time to Travel?
The answer depends on your loved one’s current condition and the type of vacation you have in mind. A quiet cabin near home may be suitable. A multi-city itinerary with lots of walking and unpredictable schedules may be overwhelming.
If you have any doubt, talk to your loved one’s primary care provider and consider their input. Keep in mind that your own needs matter too. Being a caregiver is a full-time responsibility, and you deserve the ability to rest and recharge.
The Kensington White Plains provides respite stays for this very reason. We welcome guests into our community for short-term stays that feel like home. While you’re away, your loved one is engaged with enriching activities, warm care, and supportive companionship.
What If You Decide Not to Bring Them?
Choosing not to bring your loved one on vacation is sometimes the most compassionate choice. That does not mean leaving them alone at home. The key is finding a place where they will be cared for in your absence.
This is where The Kensington White Plains stands apart. We offer a secure, comfortable setting with customized care plans and a full schedule of summer activities. Our team becomes your extended family, giving your loved one the same attention and kindness they would receive at home.
Families who try our respite program often tell us how relieved they felt once they saw how happy and safe their loved one was during their stay. Many return for future short stays or transition to full-time residency when the time feels right.
Tips for Caregivers Traveling With or Without Their Loved One
- Make decisions based on current needs, not just past traditions
- Communicate openly with your loved one about what to expect
- Involve your family in the planning process so you are not carrying the burden alone
- If staying behind, explore local options like The Kensington White Plains for quality short-term care
- Give yourself permission to enjoy your time away, knowing your loved one is well cared for
Let The Kensington White Plains Support Your Summer Plans
Whether you decide to travel with your loved one or explore a respite stay instead, the goal is the same: peace of mind and quality of life for everyone involved. The Kensington White Plains is here to support both caregivers and their loved ones with personalized care, companionship, and meaningful summer programming.
Schedule a visit or call us to learn more about our respite options and year-round care programs. You might discover that a short-term stay turns into something more, where your loved one finds community, purpose, and comfort every day.