Five great vacation homes-away-from-home for you and your relative with dementia.
When it comes to offering the services required for safe vacationing with a dementia patient, the U.K. is years ahead of most countries. It’s critically important that caregivers, who are often on call 24 hours a day, get a break for their own health and sanity. For that reason–not to mention the breathtaking scenery, historic tours and R+R potential–consider going across the pond for your next vacation. Here are five U.K. destinations we love.
Buchanhaven Cottage, Orkney Islands, Scotland
buchanhavenholidaysorkney.co.uk
How Buchanhaven Cottage makes it easier for caregivers:
• Owner/manager Marilyn Buchan is a nurse recognized for her dementia-care advocacy, and offers respite care (for an extra charge)
• Open-plan living/kitchen so you can watch your charge while fixing a meal or tea
• High-contrast colours and big labels for doors and bathroom fixtures; child-lock kitchen cupboards
Why you’d want to visit:
Beautifully rugged, the Orkney Islands are a history-steeped wildlife haven. Visit an archeological site or museum, trout fish in a loch or just enjoy a cuppa with the free-range hens that forage in Buchanhaven’s fenced-in backyard.
Price: Starts at £180 ($300 U.S. approximately) per weekend
Outstanding features:
• Idyllic setting a 10-minute walk from the town of Kirkwall
• Fully equipped cottage for a relaxed, self-catering experience: live like a local!
• Welcome basket of locally made artisan soaps and Orkney foods
The Old Chapel, Ireby, Cumbria, in England’s Northern Lake District
amys-care.co.uk/amys-holiday-care
How The Old Chapel makes it easier for caregivers:
• Property is accessible, with conveniences including electronic tilting bed and a rise-and-recline chair
• Owners operate a local elder daycare, which guests can join for the day
Why you’d want to visit:
Charming Ireby (population 300) is a quiet village just north of a national park. Stroll the countryside, and meet locals at the theatre, pub, farm or annual folk-music festival.
Price: £500 ($830 U.S. approximately) per week; sleeps up to six guests in two bedrooms
Outstanding features:
• Cool historic venue. Painstakingly renovated, the stone chapel dates back to 1878
• Outdoorsy location close to lakes and mountains
• Option to self-cater or B&B
Five Oaks Care Hotel, Hadley Wood, England
scimitarcare.co.uk/care_homes/five_oaks/five_oaks_care_home.php
How Five Oaks makes it easier for caregivers:
• Respite-care hotel
• Each guest has a personalized 24-hour care plan
• Dementia patients get their own lounge and enjoy programs if desired
• Doctor on call
Why you’d want to visit:
While London is not necessarily the best choice for Alzheimer’s patients, it’s one of the world’s great cities. When a stop is on the agenda – either because of travel plans or your need for a mid-vacation breather – consider this respite-care hotel in the borough of Enfield, just a half-hour tube ride from the theatre district. (Note: Caregivers lodge elsewhere.)
Price: £135 ($225 U.S. approximately) per night; includes food, laundry and 24-hour care
Outstanding features:
• A luxury seniors’ residence that also operates as respite-care hotel
• The “hotel experience” is enhanced with high-end décor, menu choices, a licensed bar and no set visiting hours
• Right on the Piccadilly tube line, so you can pop by to share a meal before or after your own city exploring
Waterbeach Lodge, Cambridge, England
scimitarcare.co.uk/care_homes/waterbeach_lodge/waterbeach_lodge_care_home.php
How Waterbeach Lodge makes it easier for caregivers:
• Respite-care hotel
• Each guest has a personalized 24-hour care plan
• Emergency call system in each room
Why you’d want to visit:
Historic Cambridge offers a wealth of cultural and historic attractions. Low-key walking tours are a nice way to explore as a family. With respite care, caregivers can explore the region’s culinary, entertainment and nightlife options, too, or head to London, about one hour away. (Note: Caregivers lodge elsewhere.)
Price: £135 ($225 U.S. approximately) per night; includes food, laundry and 24-hour care
Outstanding features:
• Historic property on six acres of landscaped gardens
• Spacious barrier-free rooms with adjustable orthopedic beds and wheelchair-accessible en-suite baths
• Entertainment and activities
Vitalise all-inclusive vacations, in Essex, Southport and Southampton, England
How Vitalise makes it easier for caregivers:
• Wheelchair-accessible ensuites with showers
• Emergency call system in each room
• 24-hour nursing staff
Why you’d want to visit here:
Capitalizing on some of England’s finest country and seaside, these Alzheimer’s Week vacation breaks are geared at patients and their caregivers. Activities and excursions keep everyone busy; caregivers have ample time for solo R&R.
Price: From £549 ($910 U.S. approximately) per week
Outstanding features:
• Organized entertainment and activities, from sightseeing and shopping to karaoke, bingo, crafts and fitness