(Credit: Runner of Art/Getty Images)
AARP research shows that despite challenges, there are inherent benefits for family caregivers when they get out and about with the person they care for.
The survey was conducted online in March and April and included adults aged 18 and over who provide unpaid care to a relative or friend, both those who had traveled with their care recipient in the past year and those who had not.
“Caregiving can be difficult, even in familiar environments,” says Amy Goyer, family and caregiving expert at AARP. “So taking a trip with your loved one can feel daunting. But traveling with them can create wonderful, lifelong memories. With advance planning, many family caregivers are able to take trips with the people they care for and enjoy the positive aspects of traveling.”
Reasons for avoiding travel include the physical health of the care recipient and concerns about not being able to get medical help when needed. There are also concerns about making the care recipient prepare for the trip in advance and about walking too far on the way home. Lack of time off work and free time can also be an obstacle, especially for younger caregivers. Additionally, travel can be expensive.
“Nearly half of caregivers (45%) spent more than $1,000 on a recent trip with their care recipient. Sometimes, caregivers will charge extra for accessible services or perks,” AARP says. “What would motivate them to travel more frequently are accessibility features like more seating at the destination (44%), parking closer to the entrance (36%), and improved transportation options both at the destination and in larger spaces like airports (33%).”
According to the survey, the benefits of travel for family caregivers include improved emotional well-being (47%), deepening connections with loved ones (46%), increased mental clarity (32%) and stimulating intellectual curiosity (31%).
