It’s perfectly natural to dream about spending a few weeks—or even a season—in another state or country. Whether you’re escaping the cold, reconnecting with friends, or seeking a change of pace, extended time away is something many people look forward to.
If you’re also supporting a family member as a caregiver, planning time away can take thoughtful coordination. But it’s absolutely doable—and well worth it. You don’t have to choose between your well-being and their care.
Caring for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking time to explore, reset, or simply enjoy a new environment helps you stay strong, present, and healthy. With temporary senior care in place, you can travel with peace of mind while knowing your family member is surrounded by compassionate support and meaningful experiences.
When you’ve made the decision to spend several weeks or a season away, preparation is key. Start with an open, reassuring conversation with your family member. Share how this time away will help you recharge, stay healthy, and continue being a steady, caring presence in their life. Reassure them that you’ve found a temporary care option that’s both safe and enriching.
Coordinate with other family members or care partners to share your plans and keep everyone informed. Decide together how and when you’ll stay connected—some families opt for regular video calls, while others prefer updates from the community’s team members. Knowing you’re staying connected can ease concerns on both sides.
Respite care is a form of temporary senior care where your family member stays in a senior living community for a short term. This service is designed to support families and is a great solution for caregivers planning extended time away, whether that’s a few weeks abroad or a season spent somewhere warm. It’s a solution for caregiving coverage and a chance for your family member to enjoy connection, support, and a change of scenery in a welcoming environment.
During their stay, your family member will receive the support they need while you take time to rest and refresh. They’ll receive help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or eating, and benefit from the same compassionate, around-the-clock care that full-time residents enjoy.
They’ll also be invited to partake in meals, social gatherings, and community events, creating opportunities for connection. Respite care is about more than ensuring your family member receives the support they need; it also ensures they have a fulfilling experience.
Senior living community staff members prioritize each person’s safety and happiness, whether they’re a full-time resident or there to receive respite care services. Here’s what your family member will have access to and enjoy during a respite care stay:
Every person receives an individualized care plan based on their health needs and preferences. From medication management to assisting with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, caregivers are there 24/7 to make sure your family member feels secure and cared for.
Senior living communities offer numerous personalized activities and events. These events are tailored to each person’s interests to enrich their lives, help them discover new interests, and pursue their passions.
Each month, communities have a full calendar of events and activities for residents to participate in. While there are some activities, such as fitness classes, that occur each month, there are also events specific to that month and various engaging activities that enhance residents’ well-being. These gatherings make it easy to meet others, share experiences, and stay active.
Respite care suites are fully furnished and designed to feel like home from day one. Your family member can settle in quickly and enjoy privacy and access to shared spaces.
Balanced meals are an important part of the respite care stay experience. Your family member can enjoy chef-prepared meals rooted in good nutrition and also make mealtime something to look forward to. Senior living communities provide a variety of options for each meal, including accommodations for dietary needs and personal preferences. Some communities may also offer all-day dining, so your family member can enjoy meals on their own schedule.
Additionally, every meal is served in a welcoming dining room that encourages connection and conversation. It's a chance to share a table, enjoy friendly company, and feel like part of a welcoming community.
Socialization is key to healthy aging. It can help reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other chronic conditions, which is why senior living communities are designed around social engagement opportunities, making it effortless to strike up a conversation with neighbors.
Your family member can meet new people by attending scheduled events, gathering in shared social spaces, and even having a meal in the dining room. Meals are often social events in communities, enabling residents to bond with each other over a meal every night.
Your family member will have access to the supportive services they require, ensuring continuity of care with the services they currently receive. Licensed professionals who communicate regularly with the care team to ensure consistency provide on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
Compassionate caregivers are also available 24/7 to offer assistance with daily tasks, respond quickly to urgent medical needs, and provide continuous support. When off-site medical appointments are needed, transportation is arranged so your family member can make important appointments without stress.
Even if your family member is staying in the community for a short time, care is never one-size-fits-all. A personalized care plan is developed with input from them and you, ensuring support they receive is aligned with their needs, preferences, and goals. This means they’re empowered to choose how they spend each day—whether it’s joining in on a favorite activity, enjoying quiet time, or getting involved in a new interest.
Support is there when needed, but independence is always respected. For example, if your family member prefers to dress themselves but needs help with medication management, their care plan reflects that. If they want to skip an afternoon activity and enjoy coffee and conversation with a neighbor in their apartment instead, that’s honored too.
Your family member’s preferences and comfort guide the experience, and the care team listens, supports, and adapts. Even during a short stay, the focus is on creating an experience that feels personal, fulfilling, and rooted in dignity.
Caring for someone you love can be deeply meaningful—but it also takes energy, focus, and time. If you’re feeling hesitant about stepping away, know that investing in your own well-being strengthens your ability to keep showing up with compassion.
With professional support in place, you can embrace time away knowing your family member is in good hands and is surrounded by experienced caregivers, friendly neighbors, and fulfilling daily experiences. You’ll return reenergized, and they’ll benefit from support that encourages both comfort and connection.
Respite care can also serve as a gentle introduction to senior living. A short-term stay gives your family member a firsthand look at community life, helping them build familiarity and relationships without pressure. If long-term care becomes a future consideration, that foundation makes all the difference.
Even if a permanent move isn’t on the horizon, respite care offers a flexible, uplifting way to support your loved one and yourself.
Spending time away is something to look forward to. With the right planning and compassionate care in place, you can travel freely with the knowledge that your family member is supported every step of the way.
Explore more caregiver tips, tools, and encouragement in our full collection of family caregiver resources.