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. 

1.  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

2.  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

3.  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 

4.  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

5.  Vitalise all-inclusive vacations, in Essex, Southport and Southampton, England

vitalise.org.uk

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