When You Have to Go But They Can’t: Traveling with a Loved One Who Can’t Travel
Caring for an elderly loved one comes with daily choices, and some of them are tough. One of the biggest dilemmas families face is what to do when you need to travel—but your loved one can’t.
Maybe it’s a wedding out of town, a work trip, or even a long-overdue vacation. But your loved one may not be mobile, might require special care, or simply wouldn’t be safe or comfortable on a long journey.
The good news is: you do have options—and you don’t have to feel guilty for making plans. With the right support and preparation, you can ensure your loved one is safe, well cared for, and even enjoying themselves while you’re away.
Here’s a guide on what you can do, what services are available, and how to plan with peace of mind.
Option 1: In-Home Care While You’re Away
If your loved one is most comfortable at home (and many are), in-home care may be the ideal solution.
Two main options:
Hourly home care – A caregiver comes in for set hours each day to assist with meals, medications, hygiene, companionship, and safety.
24-hour or live-in care – A caregiver stays full-time in the home to provide round-the-clock support.
Why it works: Your loved one gets to remain in a familiar space, maintain their routine, and receive personalized care.
Tip: Work with a trusted home care agency that can tailor a plan for the days you’re away, including check-in calls, medication reminders, meal prep, mobility support, and more.
“Aging adults tend to feel more secure and independent when they remain in their own homes with proper support.”
— National Institute on Aging
Option 2: Respite Care at a Facility
Some assisted living or skilled nursing facilities offer short-term stays—also known as respite care—for seniors whose caregivers are traveling or need a break.
What it includes:
24/7 professional supervision
Help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
Medication management
Meals, social activities, and more
Why it works: Respite care offers peace of mind with professional, around-the-clock care. Your loved one may even enjoy the change of pace and the chance to socialize.
Tip: Visit the facility ahead of time (if possible) to ensure it’s a good fit and to prepare your loved one emotionally. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, meal options, and how personal routines are supported.
Option 3: Have a Family Member Step In
If professional care isn’t an option, another family member or close friend might be able to help. This may require coordinating medications, meals, and transportation in advance.
Why it works: The presence of someone your loved one already knows and trusts can be reassuring. It’s also more cost-effective than hiring full-time care.
Tip: Leave behind a printed care plan with medication instructions, emergency contacts, routines, allergies, and key preferences.
Option 4: Bring a Caregiver With You
In some cases, you can travel with your loved one—as long as you’re not doing it alone. Some home care agencies offer travel companion caregivers who can accompany you and your loved one during trips.
These caregivers can help with:
Mobility and transfers
Toileting, bathing, dressing, and medications
Meal preparation and feeding assistance
Safety and fall prevention in unfamiliar places
Why it works: You get to bring your loved one without sacrificing your own ability to relax or focus on the trip’s purpose.
Tip: Choose accommodations that are ADA-accessible, and plan for downtime and flexibility.
Tips for Traveling Without Your Loved One
Even with the right care in place, traveling without someone you normally care for can feel stressful or emotional. Here’s how to make the experience smoother for everyone involved:
📝 Create a detailed care plan
Medication list and dosage schedule
Doctor names and contact info
Daily routine and preferences
Emergency instructions
Food preferences and allergies
📱 Stay connected
Set up video calls or regular phone check-ins. Even a quick “Hi, I’m thinking of you!” can bring comfort.
📸 Send photos
Ask the caregiver to send pictures or short updates of how your loved one is doing—relaxing with a cup of tea, walking in the garden, or enjoying a puzzle.
❤️ Ease the guilt
Remind yourself that rest and personal time are essential for long-term caregiving. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
“Respite is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for caregivers’ mental and physical health.”
— Family Caregiver Alliance
What If Your Loved One Has Dementia?
Travel decisions become even more delicate when dementia is part of the picture. Change in environment can be disorienting and increase confusion.
In this case, in-home care or respite stays in memory care facilities are often better than travel.
Special considerations:
Choose caregivers trained in dementia care
Keep routines consistent
Provide familiar items (favorite blanket, photos, music)
Limit new stimuli or unfamiliar environments if possible
“Routine and familiar surroundings help reduce anxiety in those with cognitive decline.”
— Alzheimer’s Association
Start Planning Early
Don’t wait until the week before a big trip to figure things out. The sooner you plan, the smoother it’ll go—for both of you.
Start with these steps:
Assess your loved one’s needs (mobility, medication, supervision, etc.)
Explore care options in your area
Talk openly with your loved one about what’s happening and why
Coordinate care providers, medications, and emergency contacts
Build in flexibility and backup support if needed
Final Thoughts
It’s okay to leave.
It’s okay to take a break.
It’s okay to choose what’s best for everyone—not just your loved one.
With thoughtful planning and the right support, your loved one can remain safe, supported, and even enjoy themselves while you travel.
Whether it’s through professional home care, respite stays, or the help of family, the key is compassionate coordination. You’re not abandoning them—you’re caring for them by caring for yourself too.
Sources:
National Institute on Aging. (2023). Home Care for Older Adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/home-care
Family Caregiver Alliance. (2023). Respite Care: Support for Family Caregivers. https://www.caregiver.org
Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). Travel and Alzheimer’s. https://www.alz.org
AARP. (2022). Planning a Short-Term Stay in Assisted Living. https://www.aarp.org
