Traveling
Smart With Elderly Parents This Summer
Ahhh, May! It’s the start of the busy travel season. Nieces and
nephews are graduating. Sons and daughters are getting married. There are anniversaries
to celebrate and picnics to consume. There are family reunions to attend and
grandchildren’s T-ball tournaments to supervise. What fun!
If only we could bring all of these events to our own backyards.
But until someone invents a real teleportation machine, we’ll have to take to the roads or the skies. And when
preparing to travel with mom, dad, or other elderly loved ones, we face some
unique challenges. What can we do to make sure traveling this season is as safe
and relaxing as possible for everyone?
Know before you go:
- Consult mom’s doctor
First things first, it’s important to make sure mom is healthy
enough to take the trip. So make sure to have her cleared for travel by her
primary care physician, especially if you will be dealing with any complex
medical conditions, such as a heart issue or Alzheimer’s disease. Get specific
travel tips from mom’s doctor and discuss any potential health complications.
Also, make sure to get any necessary vaccinations or extra medication as
needed.
- Research available medical services at your destination
In case of emergencies, make sure to check the location of the
nearest pharmacies, hospitals, and other health care facilities, especially if
you will be in an unfamiliar place. Also, take with you contact information for
your loved one’s primary doctor as well as any important Medicare, insurance,
and prescription information.
- Provide a way for dad to contact you easily
Make sure your cell number and the number of each place you will
be staying is programed into dad’s cellphone. Or, if dad doesn’t have his own
cellphone, providing him with a prepaid phone is a great way to ensure that he
can get in touch with you at all times.
Cellphones are wonderful travel companions, but for additional
peace of mind, nothing beats one of those available emergency push button
devices, such as PBE’s Safe Anywhere service. With this type of service, mom or
dad can wear an eResponder on a pendant, which provides immediate, push-button
connection and two-way voice communication with emergency services anywhere in the US.
- Plan a schedule that accommodates everyone
Whenever possible, maintain a predictable daily routine. This
reduces stress and anxiety, especially for those with cognitive impairments.
Keeping mealtimes, medication schedules, rest times, and sleeping schedules as
consistent as possible minimizes the risk of agitation. Also, nothing makes a
vacation feel less relaxing than rushing from place to place. So, build in
extra time where needed, plan to take plenty of rest breaks, and make some
quiet time a priority each day.
Traveling by car or travel/motor home?
- Pack
a bag of essentials (with necessary medications, important travel
documents, favorite snacks and drinks, a light sweater, a hat, sunscreen)
that is easily accessible at all times.
- On
long road trips, make sure to take plenty of breaks for meals, stretching
legs, and using the restroom.
- Plan
to leave early in the morning. Many seniors and people with Alzheimer’s
disease do not travel well in the late evening or at night because of what
scientists call sundowning. Doctors believe that fading light can
trigger in some elderly adults symptoms such as irritation, restlessness,
confusion, and mood swings.
Traveling by air?
·
Arrange for special services when booking
flights (e.g., a wheelchair at the airport, special seating, advanced
boarding).
·
All US airports offer
expedited TSA security screening for passengers 75 and older. Ask about these
when checking in with the airline.
·
Pack all medications in
carry-on luggage. Liquid medications will need to be separated from other
belongings for separate screening.
·
Plan to arrive at the
airport extra early, so mom and dad have time to get settled before boarding.
Traveling with older adults can be a truly
rewarding experience.
All it takes is a little extra preparation. So this
summer, whether you’re headed to a graduation, wedding, family reunion, or other
celebration, make sure you travel smart.
We hope you found our tips helpful for traveling with
your elderly parents or other loved ones to make sure your travel this season is as safe and relaxing as possible for everyone!
(909) 428-CARE (2273)
