Summer Family Holidays: Who Looks After Mum/Dad?

For many families, the summer holidays are something to look forward to. But if you’re also caring for an ageing parent or loved one, booking a holiday can bring an unexpected feeling of guilt.

Questions like “Who will look after mum while we’re away?” or “Can dad manage on his own for a week?” often mean family carers postpone or even cancel much needed breaks. The reality is that family carers need time to rest too. Taking a break isn’t a luxury – it’s an important part of being able to continue providing safe, sustainable care over the long term.

Comment from Sabah Shah, Clinical Lead at The Good Care Group:

“Family carers often put their own needs at the bottom of the list, but we know from clinical experience that exhausted carers are more likely to experience stress, poor physical health and burnout. Taking a planned break isn’t about stepping away from your responsibilities – it’s about making sure you can continue providing safe, compassionate care over the long term. Looking after the wellbeing of the carer is an important part of looking after the person receiving care.”

Respite care shouldn’t be an emergency decision

One of the biggest misconceptions is that respite care is only something families arrange in a crisis. In reality, planning respite in advance allows everyone to become familiar with the arrangement, reducing anxiety and making the experience much more positive.
Whether it’s a planned summer holiday, recovering after illness, or simply taking a few days to recharge, arranging temporary care early gives families greater choice and peace of mind.

Expert tips for planning respite care

Sabah Shah shares her top advice:

• Start planning early. Summer is a busy period, so don’t wait until the week before your holiday to arrange care.
• Keep routines consistent. Share details about daily habits, meal preferences, medication schedules and favourite activities so continuity is maintained.
• Involve your loved one. Wherever possible, include them in conversations about their care so they feel reassured rather than decisions being made for them.
• Create a written care plan. Include emergency contacts, medications, mobility needs and any important medical information.
• Think beyond practical care. Companionship, conversation and maintaining familiar routines can be just as important as personal care.

The hidden cost of delaying care

Many families wait until they’re physically or emotionally exhausted before asking for help. Unfortunately, delaying support can have consequences.

Family carers who never take a break are at greater risk of burnout, stress and poor health, making it harder to continue caring safely over time.

For the person receiving care, struggling without enough support can increase the risk of falls, missed medication, dehydration, poor nutrition and social isolation. Introducing care before reaching crisis point can help families maintain stability, confidence and independence for much longer.

Sabah says: “One of the biggest differences we see is when families ask for support before they’re in crisis. Introducing respite or live-in care early gives everyone time to build trust, establish routines and adjust gradually, rather than making difficult decisions under pressure. It often leads to a much more positive experience for both the person receiving care and their family.”

It’s common for carers to feel guilty about taking time away, but looking after your own health isn’t selfish.

She continues: “It’s completely natural for family carers to feel guilty about taking time away, but having a break shouldn’t be viewed as letting someone down. Rest and recovery are essential if you’re going to continue caring well. With the right support in place, families can enjoy valuable time to recharge, knowing their loved one is receiving safe, personalised care that respects their routines, preferences and independence.”

When families plan ahead, everyone benefits. The person receiving care continues to receive professional, personalised support, while family carers can take a well-earned break knowing their loved one is safe, comfortable and cared for.

Whether you’re planning a summer holiday or simply need a well-earned break, The Good Care Group’s friendly team can help you explore respite and live-in care options that work for your family. Get in touch to find out how they can support you with confidence and peace of mind.