Top Tips for Travelling with your Care Professional

We’ve all been there – we take our family on vacation, but between the car ride meltdowns, sandy feet and missed routine it doesn’t always feel like a vacation. One of the benefits of hosting a live-in carer that some host families may not have thought about is the fact that they can come on holiday with you and provide that extra pair of hands, of great value especially for families with kids with special needs.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when travelling with your care professional:

• Accommodation. Your carer should still receive their own room and their travel expenses are covered, as well as expenses when they are working.
• Timing of your vacation. Try and give your care professional time to settle in with your family before going on vacation together. Remember, they have moved overseas and are navigating an entirely new culture while providing the best possible care for your children. They may be able to better handle the flexibility that travelling requires after they have become comfortable in your family. However, this is merely a suggestion, not a hard and fast rule.
• Communication is key. We all know that the success of any relationship is built on effective communication and your relationship with your live-in carer is no different. Before and throughout your holiday, clarify when they are working and what unique tasks you expect their help with. Make sure you let them know when they will have free time so that they can plan extra sightseeing that they are interested in.
• Jump into the local culture. Your care professional will be so excited to experience Australia with you. One of the reasons they have come to live with your family is to be immersed in a new culture, so be sure to see local sites wherever you stay.
• Making connections. Your Apex Regional Director will be putting your care professional in touch with others in the area. That way they will have someone to go on adventures with!

Travelling with your care professional is an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. To have your most successful trip, don’t forget to consider the points above. Have a wonderful holiday!