Traveling Smartly With Senior Relatives
A sense of adventure has no age limit! Many seniors look forward to traveling but worry they won’t be able to do so safely while dealing with health conditions and the effects of aging. While this anxiety is sometimes warranted, it certainly doesn’t mean that seniors can’t travel safely. BrightStar Care of Carroll and Frederick Counties in Maryland is here to help family caregivers ensure safe and comfortable travels for their older loved ones. Read through our tips for making the most of your next family vacation.
Don’t Procrastinate Travel Preparations
While spontaneity is a priority for some travelers, seniors benefit from careful planning. Make sure these items are on your checklist to complete before hopping on a flight:
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Consult With Healthcare Providers—Discuss travel plans with your loved one’s healthcare team. Their doctors can provide insight into health precautions or additional medications that may be needed. Well before you leave, ensure all their prescriptions are up-to-date and you have enough to last the entire trip.
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Pack Early, Pack Smartly—Packing efficiently is crucial to travel safety. Make a checklist of essential items, including medications, medical documents, and health insurance information. Comfortable clothing, supportive shoes, and necessary medical equipment should also be prioritized. Many travel professionals also recommend making copies of important documents, like passports, in case of an emergency.
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Plan the Itinerary Carefully—A well-structured itinerary can significantly reduce stress and enhance safety. Research destinations to ensure they are senior-friendly, considering factors such as accessibility and nearby healthcare facilities. Opt for direct flights, when possible, to minimize the hassle of layovers.
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Choose Safe Accommodations—Selecting safe and comfortable accommodations is paramount. Look for hotels or rentals that cater to seniors, offering amenities such as elevators, grab bars in bathrooms, and non-slip flooring. Verify the accommodation has positive reviews regarding safety and cleanliness. It’s also beneficial to choose lodgings in well-lit, secure areas close to essential services.
Staying Safe During the Trip
As your trip approaches, be sure you’re prepared to stay safe at your destination. While the bulk of the planning is over, you’ll still need to take steps to ensure all the following:
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Properly—Hydration and proper nutrition are fundamental to maintaining health while traveling. Seniors should drink plenty of water, especially during flights, as cabin air can be dehydrating. Eating balanced meals and frequent healthy snacks can help maintain energy levels. Avoid overindulging in unfamiliar foods that might cause digestive issues.
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Prioritize Comfort and Mobility—Comfort and mobility are key components of a pleasant travel experience. Invest in compression socks to improve circulation during long flights. Choose seats with extra legroom, if available, and ensure easy access to restrooms. If walking long distances is challenging for your loved one, consider renting mobility aids such as wheelchairs or scooters at your destination.
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Stay Connected—The last thing you want is to find yourself in an unfamiliar location without any way to contact your family. Ensure your loved one has a working mobile phone with international calling capabilities if traveling abroad. It’s also a good idea to share travel itineraries and hotel contact information with family members at home. You may want to use location-sharing apps, too, for an added layer of security.
Miscellaneous Tips for Senior Travel
Every vacation is different, and it’s likely you’ll run into some bumps along the way. Whether it’s delayed flights, late hotel check-in times, or lost luggage, you’ll need to be prepared for all kinds of setbacks. Keep these miscellaneous senior travel tips in mind to avoid unnecessary inconveniences:
- Book ground transportation at your destination ahead of time.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if traveling abroad.
- Utilize complimentary wheelchair assistance at airports.
- Keep all medication and assistive devices easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.
- Use luggage with wheels for easier transport.
Safe Travels From BrightStar Care!
Senior travel is a rewarding and enriching experience with the right precautions and preparations. By consulting healthcare providers, packing wisely, and planning meticulously, family caregivers can ensure their loved ones travel safely and comfortably. If you need help planning your trip or have questions about what to bring, be sure to ask your BrightStar Care caregiver. We’re here to help clients live safely, whether at home or on vacation! Contact us today.