Recharging when you can’t take a vacation

For caregivers, taking a vacation is often a non-starter. Even if someone was to gift a caregiver a cruise or a resort stay, the effort it takes to find care for loved ones makes what should be a relaxing trip a stressful endeavor.

When I was researching options for Respite Care Share, I ran into that feedback time and time again. Who would watch my loved one? Even if I could find someone, I would worry about them the entire time I was gone.

Mini-breaks can really make a difference. I had last week off from work so I treated myself to a massage and a salt room treatment. I also visited a cat cafe, which always is a mood lifter. These were all short sessions, no longer than an hour, but they were effective self-care options.

So this holiday season, consider giving the caregiver in your life a local option for recharging. Some great options include gift certificates for a massage or other spa service, a restaurant gift card, or tickets to an entertainment event. As part of the gift, either offer to sit with the caregiver’s loved one, or find an adult day care or home health service that can provide care. The idea is to keep it short and simple and hassle-free for the caregiver. That way, they are more likely to use the gift and most importantly, enjoy themselves!