Don’t Let Travel Hinder Your Elder’s Summer
A summer trip for Mom or Dad could be just what they need – a trip to see a relative that they haven’t seen in years; a trip to visit grandchildren or even great-grandchildren. Does your parent need you to come along and assist them? There are a lot of things to think about ahead of time.
Tips to Make Traveling with Seniors Easy
Do some research
Seniors need extra planning when traveling, and it is important to consider the difficulties involved in the process, as well as the benefits that seniors can take advantage of.
Look online for senior discount fares for flights. Make sure the flight can accommodate the special needs of your loved one. If someone is meeting them at the airport, make sure all arrangements are clear and understood by everyone. Have a backup plan so your parent isn’t left alone at a busy airport.
Make the necessary arrangements
Your elderly parent’s home care service should be notified when seniors are traveling, so that they know what days your Mom or Dad will be gone, and what day to expect your parent to be back.
Request any special services your parent may need
There are several moments during traveling when seniors may require special services, such as on the flight, for example, where you can request special seating for disabled travelers. Airports also offer wheelchairs upon request for a tired, or physically challenged traveler, as well as some human assistance.
Rental vehicles can also be requested to include handicap capabilities to better suit your senior’s needs. All these arrangements need to be made at the time of reservation so that the airline, or other travel agents, are obligated to provide them.
Prepare all the necessary documents
Traveling often involves several different pieces of documentation to use at airports and cross-regional borders. Passports, identification, Medicare and insurance cards, physician statements, etc. are all essential if your senior hopes to travel without problem, depending on where you plan on traveling to.
Making several duplicate copies of all paperwork, as well as organizing the documents in a way that is easily accessible is highly recommended to avoid catastrophe at the airport.
Pack light and pack smart!
Remember! You are not packing for yourself in this instance – consider that your elderly loved one is not as strong as you and cannot bear the same load over longer distances. Ensure your parent doesn’t have to babysit too much luggage.
Remember all of their medications and make sure they are aware of their schedule for taking them. Be sure to pack them in a safe space that will not allow for spills or lost items.
Educate your loved one about the dangers of traveling
There are thieves hiding everywhere, especially in high-traffic travel areas. Unfortunately, seniors are often a target for theft, so your parent should be wary of everyone. Don’t let mom carry a purse. Have her put her money, keys, and ID in a money belt worn around her waist and hidden by a long shirt.
Instead of carrying his money wallet in a back pocket where it can be easily pick-pocketed from, Dad should put it in a front pocket with a cord that attaches it to his belt.
If Mom or Dad is Traveling Alone…
Make sure they have a working cell phone and a list of emergency numbers
In a time of stress, they may forget your number – so be sure your contact is at the top of that list as well! If traveling with a helper like a caregiver or a companion, the helper should have a cell phone and a list of emergency numbers as well.
Do any renovations or clean up their home
While your parent is gone, it is a great opportunity to do any renovations or cleanup their home may need. Repainting, fixing crumbly concrete steps, installing a stair lift; any of these things would be best done while they are gone so they aren’t exposed to fumes or dust.
For all of your senior care needs in Woolwich Township, NJ, and the surrounding areas, call and talk to us at Home to Stay Senior Care Solutions (856) 321-1500.
