Pin Traveling with our elder parents can get tricky. Maybe your elder parents will be traveling alone. Planning a vacation with your aging parents can be stressful. There are so many things to think about, so much information to research, and the list of potential pitfalls is long. But never fear – we have done the homework for you! Here are some tips on how to make this trip go smoothly and turn out well for everyone involved. The number of Americans over the age 72 is expected to double by 2030, and the majority of these seniors will be traveling. A recent study found that 74% of adults aged 75+ who travel outside their home country for vacations are likely to face mobility limitations. How do you support your aging parents as they plan a trip? The very first thing you should consider is whether or not the trip itself will be safe for them to embark on. Expect some push back if you feel they will be insistent on going even if you discourage them. This is another indication to them that they are losing their independence and that is extremely hard for them. If it is a family trip, give them the option to make the decision to go or not to go. If they decide on going then we are going to give you some tips and strategies to help make the trip successful, enjoyable and stress free! Every year, more and more Americans find themselves in the position of supporting their aging parents as they take a vacation. You might be wondering how you can best support your aging loved ones on this journey. We’ve compiled some tips that will help make traveling with an older adult safe and enjoyable for everyone! When you have aging parents, it can be hard to know what the best vacation destination is for them. Will they enjoy a family vacation? Do they need a place that caters specifically to their needs as an older person? There are so many questions and not enough answers! When it comes to taking care of aging parents, there are many things that you need to keep in mind. The best way for your parents to enjoy their vacation is by making sure they not only have the right accommodations and activities planned, but also by giving them peace of mind while they are away from home. Here are some tips for how you can help your aging parent travel safely and comfortably when they visit a new place! Be sure that you talk with your parent(s) about their health history before booking any flights or hotels. This will help you find routes that might be difficult for them to navigate or destinations that they may not want to visit due to personal preference. Here are some general tips and we will get into more specifics in a minute. 1) Choose your destination wisely 2) Make sure they have all necessary information 3) Create an emergency contact list before leaving the house 4) Bring items like medicine or eyeglasses if needed 5) Stay healthy by getting enough sleep The best course of action is to plan things ahead. For our 2-week trip to Alaska we spent one year planning, lining up excursions, etc. We are not saying you need to take one year to plan a trip with or for your elder parents to go visit family over the holidays, but don’t devalue the planning process. It will save a lot of headaches in the long run. Here is a list of things to consider when traveling with your aging parent or helping them prepare their solo trip. 1. If you are planning a vacation, consider doing some research on “Senior Friendly Destinations”. For example, it might be beneficial to arrange an all-inclusive destination where they can stay on the vacation property and have all the amenities close by. Consider Language barriers. You might need to look at what hotels or destinations have wheel-chair accessibility (or other disability related amenities) a room near an elevator, how close is a medical facility, etc. A cruise may be another option where everything is included, and they don’t have to worry about getting around on their own. Of course, our current climate makes cruises a challenge but would be a good option. Ask about “Senior Discounts”. In this climate we also have to consider “mask” requirements. 2. Consider medical needs before travel. Some companies offer medical travel companions to assist with cares and any physical needs while traveling. Medications are a big priority when preparing to leave home. How long will they be gone? Would a pill planner box be sufficient to hold their medications while they are gone? Make sure they have planned out their prescriptions before they leave. It may be very difficult to get their prescriptions fille while they are away especially if they have a Medicare Advantage Plan and they must use a certain “in network” pharmacy to obtain their medications. Most often, you cannot get refills until a week or so before you run out and then not for another 30 days. This may need some planning and working with your doctor or pharmacy to make sure they have enough medication to get them through their trip. Make sure the medications are in their carrying on baggage for a flight and not in their checked bag in case the checked bag was to get lost. Will they need to bring ostomy supplies? Consider odor control for a flight where people are in close contact. Consider their sleep schedule when scheduling travel. Lastly consider any dietary restrictions and if they can be accommodated during their travel. If a diabetic, make sure they have emergency supplies with them and something to take in case their blood sugar gets low. This can be common on an early morning flight if their breakfast routine will be interrupted. I did witness this first-hand on an … Continue reading Support Your Aging Parents as they Travel: Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Time Away from Home