Going on holiday
Going on holiday is a great way to unwind and recharge the batteries. For carers, there are usually other issues to consider, and it can be a challenge to get away.
The first issue to consider is if you are going away with the person you care for, or on your own?
Going away without the person
If you need to arrange respite care for the person you care for, it's a good idea to organise this first as it may be difficult to coordinate availability with the dates you want to go away, especially if you are looking to travel during popular holiday times.
More about short breaks
Find local care providers on CarePlace
Once you have arranged for someone to look after the person, or have booked a short-term residential placement, you can start booking your own holiday. You may want to consider using Carers Holidays as they offer discounts on a whole range of accommodation in the UK and abroad for carers.
Carers Holidays
Phone: 0117 965 2200
Web:www.carersholidays.org.uk
If you don't want to go far away, you may want to consider applying for carers break with the Kiloran Trust.
Going on holiday together with the person
If you want to go away together, you may have additional requirements. For example, you may need somewhere that is wheelchair accessible or need additional support to manage travelling and the transfers from the airport to a hotel for example. The following organisations may be able to help:
Carers Holidays
Tourism for all
Revitalise
If the person you are looking after has a specific condition, you may have other requirements.
Holidays for the person you are looking after
Another way to get a break is to both go away - but on different holidays. There are a number of voluntary organisations or specialist providers who organise residential holidays for people with disabilities, some of which are listed below:
Smile Holidays
Calvert Trust
Jubilee Sailing Trust
Useful contacts:
Richmond Carers Hub Service
Address: 5 Briar Road, Twickenham, TW2 6RB
Phone: 020 8867 2380
Web:www.richmondchs.org
Email: info@richmondcarers.org