Traveling with an Older Adult? These Senior Travel Tips Can Help!

Summer vacations are so exciting! Checking items off of our bucket lists, leaving the worries of the everyday world behind, exploring new destinations. And experiencing the thrills with a senior loved one by your side makes it even better. There can be, however, certain considerations to keep in mind that might help lead the way to an excellent outing with an older adult. Use the following senior travel tips for your next family vacation to make it even better for everyone involved.

• Plan a pre-trip doctor visit. To make sure your older family member is physically ready to comfortably handle the rigors of a long car trip or airline flight, and all that your particular intended destination can provide, a check-up with the senior’s medical professional is important. You can use this opportunity to confirm what prescription drugs he or she must take along, any kind of dietary restrictions to follow, and any other concerns or suggestions to consider.
• Keep the plans senior-friendly. Be sure to plan plenty of time for rest, and determine the top sights you want to make a priority to see, with a number of other backup options that may be included if your older loved one’s energy allows. It’s also helpful to research available amenities offered to senior citizens - motorized scooter and wheelchair rentals, accessible entrances and walkways, preferential seating or early admission times, etc.
• Plan for the unexpected. Save a directory of emergency contact phone numbers in your cell phone, and take a printed out list also. It’s also useful to identify the location of the nearest hospital to where you’ll be staying, along with other potentially necessary amenities such as bathrooms and areas to stop for food, refreshments, or different supplies. Additionally be sure your family member has an identification card with your name and cell phone number included, just in case he/she happens to become separated from you.
• Take it easy and have fun! It’s common to fall into a pattern of protection with our elderly loved ones, and certainly we would like to keep them safe; but you should not let the pendulum swing beyond the boundary as to be restrictive or patronizing. Allow plenty of opportunities for your older family member to express himself and explore to his heart’s content with openings such as, “What do you wish to see next?” or “Let’s give this a try!”

At All Care In-Home Care Solutions, providers of expert senior care in Ashland and the surrounding area depend on, we provide accompaniment services to help with older loved ones’ needs while on a trip, making it possible for family members to concentrate on simply taking pleasure in quality time together and creating lasting memories. Call us at (541) 857-9195 for more information!