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I had this same question when my parents had an in-home caregiver.

When we first hired care, the shift was for four hours twice a week. If I arrived at my parents' house before their shift was over, I would let them go home early (with full pay), because, at that time, I felt I could do the tasks the caregivers could do.

But, as the months and years went on, and my parents (92 at the time) declined steadily and needed round the clock care, I began to wonder: what would we do when we had family gatherings, but we still needed a caregiver in the house?

We decided an unused bedroom would be where the caregivers could spend their downtime while our parents were having meals with family or friends. We put a tv in the room and a comfortable chair for them. We offered them some of the meal. They helped clear dishes, etc. after the visit was over.

Though it felt awkward at first, having someone sit alone in a room while a group of us were together at the table, it ultimately felt good knowing that if my mom or dad suddenly needed their care, they were just a few steps away.

Soon it became the norm. My parents had reached the point in their lives where they needed help from someone right in their home, not a phone call away, or at a drs appointment next week. We got a baby monitor so the caregiver could watch my parents from the extra bedroom and pop in to assist when needed.

They were lifesavers, the more my parents declined. It felt good having the caregivers there, no matter what the occasion, because that's what my parents needed.
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Reply to DaughterofAD3
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Discuss it with the agency well in advance, or if the aid is privately hired, discuss it directly with them.
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Reply to Geaton777
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It probably depends on the level of care required. If it’s ‘around the clock’, then one person accompanying you wouldn’t get enough sleep. If it’s just ‘to be there if aroused’ overnight, it might be possible. It might also depend on the holiday. If you are going to fixed accommodation, you might be able to hire a local there for part of the time. If you are traveling, that’s clearly not workable.
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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I would ask the agency but I imagine that if you wanted to give them each the day off (with pay) or half a day off each (with pay) they would be Ok with this. Assuming this is what you want? Are you planning to spend the entire 24 hours with your loved one and take care of the things the aides ordinarily do?
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Reply to Suzy23
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