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Supported holidays for the elderly

holidays for the elderly

Being supported by carers on holiday

Holidays can be enjoyed by all. Whether a day out somewhere nice within the UK or a longer trip to chase the sun, older people can utilise the services of a number of supported holiday providers to explore near and far, get a change of scenery, and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Here, we are exploring the concept of a supported holiday for older adults, the benefits of these trips, features and services they provide, how to choose the right holiday for yourself or a loved one, and the providers we recommend. At Home Instead, our aim is to help people age positively and in place by bringing expert care to their home. For nearly 20 years, we have been providing the highest standard of care, and creating industry-leading training programmes for our Care Professionals that are accredited by nursing and medical professionals. Today, we are the world’s largest global domiciliary care network, supporting over 100,000 older adults with personalised, tailored care at home. So whatever questions you have about holidays for older adults, we can help.

What are supported holidays for older people? 

There are many benefits to having some time away, with research finding that taking a holiday can help to increase positive emotions and reduce feelings of depression. It has even been found that short holidays of just four or five days can have a positive effect on self-reported health and wellness at the end of a trip. Older people may feel their mobility limitations, age, or feelings of stress could prevent them from enjoying holidays in the same way others do, but many organisations offer holiday options with older people in mind. Supported holidays are organised holidays from providers who specialise in creating safe, comfortable and enjoyable trips to accessible destinations with bespoke assistance that caters to all needs, health conditions and mobility issues. They might provide a one-stop-shop, and door-to-door service to ensure the whole process is stress-free.Some supported holiday providers offer abroad options, while others focus on UK-based trips where air travel is not necessary, and older people are able to use the healthcare system they know while being only a few hours from home. Whatever option they would prefer, there is usually a way to make it accessible for their needs. 

holidays for the elderly

What are some reputable supported holiday providers? 

There are many supported holiday providers in the UK, and you can find them online, as well as in certain magazines, brochures and more. Some recommended options include: 

Saga Holidays

Saga is a large organisation offering a number of options for older adults aged over 50. From cruises to organised tours all over the world to specific interest activities, they have trips to suit all tastes and abilities and many are created with older people in mind. Their knowledge and expert travel advisors can help to design and book the perfect trip that caters to the exact needs of the individual, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free holiday. You can read more about Saga here. 

One Traveller 

Designed for the “mature solo traveller”, One Traveller helps those aged 50 plus to find their perfect trip, and they state on their website that most of their travellers are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. They host trips throughout the UK, Europe and around the world, from tropical destinations to city breaks to cruises and more. One Traveller believes solo travellers should not need to pay single supplements for rooms, so they cater specifically to those travelling alone, with plenty of ice breaker activities to meet other fellow solo travellers. You can read more about One Traveller here. 

Silver Travel Advisor

Silver Travel Advisor is another travel company dedicated to helping those aged over 50 by offering bespoke support. From guiding each traveller through the booking process, to listening to individual requirements, to building a tailored holiday of day tours and other experiences, their Personal Travel Advisors can help with everything. You can read more about Silver Travel Advisor here.

Disabled Holidays 

For those who live with a disability or complex needs, Disabled Holidays can help to arrange everything required to experience a holiday safely and comfortably. They can help organise accessible rooms, hire mobility equipment, provide airport assistance, facilitate transfers and more. You can read more about Disabled Holidays here.Limitless Holidays Limitless Holidays specialises in wheelchair accessible trips to destinations in the UK, Europe, tropical locations further afield, cruises, and more. They want people with mobility limitations to be able to experience the world with everything they need to feel confident, supported and safe. You can read more about Limitless Holidays here. 

Shearings

Shearings is a coach holiday provider for older adults in the UK offering trips to destinations across the UK and Europe. They can help to organise excursions as part of the coach tours and provide support throughout, while still enabling tourists to create their own schedule and have independence wherever they want to. You can read more about Shearings here. 

Dementia Adventure 

As its name suggests, Dementia Adventure offers holidays designed to assist those with dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. They ensure those with memory issues who need more help while travelling have the support they need. These small-group, tailored trips take those with dementia and their caregivers to various destinations, allowing them to get out of their usual routine in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Their holidays are thought to help reduce stress levels, improve sleep, increase positive feelings and more. You can read more about Dementia Adventure here. 

Enable Holidays 

Enable Holidays specialises in holidays for mobility-impaired people and their families, allowing them to visit destinations all over the world and enjoy accessible accommodation, transport and activities. They have everything from beach breaks to city excursions, so their trips cater to all interests and abilities. You can read more about Enable Holidays here.

How can I choose the right supported holiday? 

Whether you are arranging a holiday for yourself or a loved one, it can be challenging to find the appropriate provider and ensure they have everything you need. As well as the supported holiday options mentioned above, there are many others, so it helps to look through all available options and find one that makes you feel most comfortable and safe. You can also speak to one of their representatives over the phone to discuss exactly what you or your loved one requires to manage health conditions or mobility needs, to find out if they can effectively handle those requirements. Check their reviews and testimonials from other travellers with similar conditions or health needs, and if you wish to join a tour or activity-based trip, make sure it is one with the appropriate level of activity for the abilities of you or your loved one. It is usually helpful to visualise the whole holiday as if you were going on it, and assess each leg of the trip to discover where help might be needed. From packing a suitcase, to getting transport to the destination, to arrival in the accommodation, and more; check that each section of the trip has what you or your loved one needs to find comfort and enjoyment. If an abroad holiday seems stressful or unattainable in some way, don’t let that stop you from booking something fun in the UK. There are many options; quaint B&Bs in warmer areas of the country (like Cornwall or Devon), city breaks (such as in London, Edinburgh or Bath), theatre breaks where you can see a show, countryside retreats, caravan holidays, or coach trips (such as with National Express) to visit places you have never been before. If you are planning a trip on behalf of an older relative, it is usually best to involve them in this process so they feel more at-ease and in control of the plans. You may find more helpful information at the following links: 

  • Age UK has a list of free days out in the UKfor those who want to try a day away first before committing to a longer trip
  • There are more supported holiday providers, hotels and travel companies on Age UK’s list here

Tourism for All is a charity offering various resources and advice pages on accessible travel in the UK

holidays for the elderly

How can families help older loved ones organise a supported holiday? 

Holiday planning can be challenging when doing it for yourself, but if you are also thinking of your older loved one’s needs, there may be some extra stress involved. Supported holiday providers can usually help to reduce the complication and worry involved by considering your every need and using their expertise to design a trip that fits your preferences. This can ensure your older relative is always safe and comfortable while they are vulnerable and away from home. Some things families could do include: 

  • Research providers and talk to them to find the best option for their needs
  • Help your relative organise specialist travel insurance to cover their specific needs while on the trip 
  • Help them order any prescriptions in advance so they have enough for their trip, and help them to organise their medication in an easy way
  • Print any confirmation documents and travel details they need to take with them (such as boarding passes, etc.)
  • Help them obtain foreign currency if they need it 
  • Write a list of any emergency contact numbers they may need to give them peace of mind, along with country dialling codes if they are abroad 
  • Help them to pack their case so they have their favourite clothes, shoes, beauty products, mobility devices and more 
  • Offer to take care of any pets during their trip, or organise pet care for them 
  • Check in on their home while they are away 
  • Keep a note of their bank account details (with their permission) so you can step in if they have any problems while away, such as losing their bank card
  • Help them set up a mobile phone if they don’t already have one, so they can contact you while away (read more in our guide to the best mobile phones for the elderly) 

How can home care help older adults organise a supported holiday?

Similarly to how families might help their older loved ones to organise a holiday, home care can also assist with the aforementioned tasks. Home care can:

  • Offer pre-travel preparation such as packing bags
  • Provide emotional support if stress builds up before a trip
  • Ensure medications are filled and packed
  • Accompany the person on their travels (if desired) for added personal care support or mobility assistance
  • Arrange suitable transportation
  • Manage their home while they are gone
  • Provide pet care
  • Be on the other end of the phone if an older adult needs help or advice  
  • Be around to help them settle back into their normal routine when they return

Even those with complex needs can have some rejuvenating time away. If you or a loved one would like to enjoy a supported holiday, our friendly, supportive Care Professionals can help with many aspects of planning the trip. Whatever support you need, you can reach out to your local Home Instead office to discuss your options.We’re an award-winning home care provider and part of a worldwide organisation devoted to providing the highest-quality relationship-led care for older people in their own homes. Arranging care for yourself or your loved one shouldn’t be stressful, so whatever questions you would like answered, feel free to reach out to the Home Instead team to discuss your needs.