Travel Tips When Vacationing with Elderly (and/or Disabled)
Pictured is beautiful Oceanside Pier, a great destination for seniors who take it slow and watch where they go.
We all need a vacation. Sometimes we feel like we’re never going to get one due to circumstances such as caring for older folks and disabled. Aging seniors have special health needs as do the physically and mentally disabled. Advanced preparation and/or hiring a professional caregiver for extra help may be your ticket to getting away and enjoying yourself. Co-Founder and Director, Kerry Pawl, of Mission Home Care in San Diego says that she tells her clients not to deny themselves needed vacations. “Vacations are extremely important for family bonding and mental recharging–even more so when you care for an aging parent,” she says.”However, many people avoid it all together due to the stress they think will occur when traveling with frail seniors–this doesn’t have to be the case. Pawl says most don’t know they have the option to bring a professional caregiver on the trip. “It can be affordable and completely worth it for the extra assurance and assistance.” For information on hiring care for trips call: (888) 871-0766, homewithmission.com
Planning tips:
· All medications should be filled and up-to-date
· Copies of prescriptions should be brought on the trip in case any issues should arise
· Take prescriptions in carry-on suitcases and a backup set in the checked luggage
· Many domestic destinations are handicapped accessible, but this is not always the case when traveling internationally; so call ahead to plan and ask about accommodations in the resort or hotel along with the surrounding area.
· Bring doctors’ contact information and medical documentation including a power of attorney.
· When traveling with someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is good to stay consistent with travel plans and to start out with a shorter trip to see how it goes at first.
· If the senior in your life is not up for traveling, consider hiring professional care to stay back with your aging family member, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip.
