When an elderly relative being cared for at home can't go on vacation, what's a caregiver to do?

Respite care!!

Many assisted living communities have openings and have space available for short term respites - 1 week or so.  You don't even technically have to GO on vacation, just take a vacation and take care of yourself.  Some of the local area agencies on aging will actually give you information on FREE respites in local nursing homes.  To find your local area on aging, visit https://www.eldercare.gov and enter in your zip code.

USA Today had a great article "Caregivers, too, need time away." which is about some respite options in assisted living, an option many people often do not think of.  If you are a caregiver or know one, you may want to forward the article to them!