How to holiday with a loved one who needs care

A respite stay in an aged care home can be a great way for family members who are providing care to have a holiday while their loved one receives the care they need. Respite is affordable as there are no accommodation payments or means-tested fees – you pay only $64 a day plus extras such as hairdressing, wine and newspapers.

But what if you want to holiday together?

When it comes to accommodation, accessibility is key. Many hotels and holiday parks have accessible rooms specifically designed for guests with mobility challenges. If you are booking through a travel website, you can filter by accessible accommodation.

You don’t have to miss out on holidays if you need care - or help with caring.Credit:

When it comes to care, one option is to take a paid carer with you. Many people don’t realise that your home care package funds can be used to pay for care in a holiday home, a resort or even on a cruise.

If you are already receiving a home care package, you can speak to your provider about having your usual carer travel with you. The hourly rate is the same as providing care at home; of course you will also need to cover the carer’s travel expenses. If you only need a few hours of care a day, having a carer travel with you can be expensive as they can’t provide care to others during their down-time.

Another option is to find a carer where you are holidaying. Your home care package provider may have carers in that location or can connect you with a local provider. If you are not receiving a home care package or simply wish to find your own carer, using a platform such as Mable can help you find qualified carers in the area.

Another option is to holiday at a “care resort” such as the Vivobene in Thailand or Aashaya Jasri Resort in Bali, the latter having been developed by Community Home Australia to give people living with dementia and disability the joy of international travel with the care and support they need.

The resort opened in October 2024 and has already welcomed 12 groups, with guests ranging in age from 12 to 85. It has all the resort facilities you would expect: pool, spa, beach and yoga with access to offsite activities such as scuba diving, surfing and site seeing.

Rooms in these sorts of resorts are fitted with nurse call bells with assistance available around the clock, there is a range of medical equipment available to hire and the staff have been trained in dementia care and first aid. You can bring your own carer or you can receive care from a registered nurse at the resort.

You don’t have to miss out on holidays if you need care. With accessible destinations, flexible care arrangements, and a little planning, you can enjoy the break you deserve.

Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter.