This summer provides the opportunity to make up for lost time with family and friends.
Terri Weber, Eldercare Specialist at the University of Kentucky, writes in her blog that travel takes preparation, but traveling with an older loved one poses special challenges and concerns.
With extra consideration and some flexibility, you and your loved one do not need to miss out on the fun.
Keep everyone included
Include your older loved one in all discussions and planning.
Remember the basics. Do they want to and/or feel able to travel?
Would they prefer to stay home?
When traveling with many generations in one travel party, make sure to talk beforehand about different travel styles, patience and pace.
Be realistic
Traveling is stressful, even for the seasoned traveler.
As we get older, the stress, anxiety and fear will increase.
It’s important to match your expectations with your older loved one’s physical and mental abilities.
There may come a time when traveling might not be feasible because it could be too overwhelming.
At that point you might consider in-home or out-of-home respite care.
Pay attention to detail
No matter your means of travel, understand what your loved one will need.
Pay close attention to their daily routine.
Do they usually need a change of clothes during the day?
How many times a day do they visit the bathroom?
Do they take morning and/or afternoon naps?
What time do they normally eat their meals?
What time do they normally go to bed and get up?
When do they take their medication?
How much luggage and medical equipment will there be?
Keep an emergency bag with you
Always keep an emergency bag with you and have it easily accessible.
This bag should contain a checklist in case your loved one requires medical attention while on the trip.
It should also contain necessities your loved one might need in a hurry.
Emergency Checklist
Updated list of medications with dose and dosage
Physicians’ contact information
Complete medical history
Insurance cards
Copies of legal documents (Medical Power of Attorney, Living Will, DNR)
Necessities
All prescriptions (in the original bottles) and over-the-counter medications
Change of clothes
Glasses/sunglasses
Extra set of hearing aid batteries
Favorite snack
Bottles of water
Favorite items (blanket, sweater, pillow, magazine/book or a small photo album)
Keep to their routine (as much as possible)
Seniors need structure in their day.
This is especially true if physical and/or mental decline is part of the picture.
While on the go and after you reach your destination, keep things as close to their normal routine as possible.
Going out for dinner is part of the fun of being on vacation, but sticking to the same mealtime and diet — especially if there are special dietary needs — is important.
Going to bed and getting up at the same time is also very important.
All the newness and excitement can make seniors feel insecure and unsure in their new surroundings.
Bring a support system
Just like at home, caregiving can be tedious, frustrating and exhausting.
It’s easier if you and your older loved one travel with another adult who is willing to be your backup.
Remember, this is your vacation, too. Alternating caregiving duties can give you time to explore, relax or just sit and visit.
Things to remember
Allow extra time to get to your destination.
If it’s a long drive, divide it up into two days.
Take frequent rest stops every two hours to get out and move around to prevent the development of DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
If flying, request an aisle seat for your loved one. This way, they can get up and move around easier.
Even if your loved one has no signs of cognitive decline, with all of the novelty, they may decide to wander off on their own. Consider investing in an ID bracelet before the big trip.
For safety and hygiene issues, your older loved one will need to be accompanied to the restroom in gas stations, restaurants and on outings.
Build breaks into the day, allowing plenty of time for rest and naps. If your loved one is easily overwhelmed, make sure there are some quiet activities and a quiet area for them to go to.
If you will be staying in a hotel, call ahead and request adjacent rooms.
Keeping the doors open between the rooms will allow you to hear if your loved one gets out of bed at night. If you are staying with relatives or friends, make sure the outside door locks are secure.
With some advanced planning and a positive attitude, you and your older loved one can have an enjoyable, safe and relaxing getaway.
Don’t forget to take some time for yourself. You deserve it!
