Safe Travels: 10 Essential Tips for Traveling with Elderly Family Members
Traveling with your elderly loved ones can be a rewarding experience, providing opportunities for shared adventures and cherished memories. However, it requires careful planning and consideration to make sure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable journey especially if your elderly loved ones have health and/or mobility issues. Whether you're planning a family vacation or visiting relatives, here are some valuable tips to make traveling with seniors a smooth and positive experience.
Our Journey | Becoming my mother's caregiver has given me the privilege of being her travel companion. Initially, our trips followed a familiar routine, with my mother meticulously planning every detail. She seemed prepared for anything! Looking back, I realize how effortlessly she handled every situation, a trait I had unwittingly taken for granted during our many travels together. As our circumstances evolved, so did our roles. Adapting to traveling with my mother became daunting as I considered her dietary needs, health, mobility, and transportation. However, knowing how these experiences meant to her, (and to me), I had to adjust. In recent years, I've found myself (like my mother) meticulously planning every detail of our trips. I've come to embrace the task of making sure that we are both equipped to handle any challenge that may come our way.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Planning Ahead
Begin your travel preparations well in advance and consider the specific needs and preferences of your elderly family member. For example, how accessible are the places you plan to visit? Are there ramps for wheelchairs or elevators? Are there medical centers nearby or on-site where you plan to stay?
Check out our free travel checklist which includes medications, medical insurance, medical documents, comfortable clothing, any mobility aids they may require, and more.
One amazing resource for planning accessible travel is the platform, Wheel The World, where you can find hotels, transportation, and experiences with all the accessibility details you need. (This is NOT sponsored! This is just a great resource).
1. Consult with the Healthcare Provider
Especially for trips outside of your home country, scheduling a visit with your loved one's healthcare provider is essential for discussing any necessary vaccinations, precautions, or other do’s and don’ts. Inquire about travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
2. Book Senior-Friendly Accommodations
Selecting accommodations that cater to the needs of seniors can make your trip SO much easier. Look for accessible hotel rooms or rental properties that offer accessibility features, such as ramps, handrails, and elevators. Inform the hotel in advance about any specific requirements or preferences, such as a ground-floor room, shower vs. tub, etc. Ask about availability of accessibility equipment such as wheelchairs, etc.
3. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Compile a list of emergency contacts, including healthcare providers, family members, and local services at your destination. Share this information with all travel companions and keep a copy in your carry-on bag.
4. Pack your Medical Toolkit
If you haven’t already, be sure to grab your Medical Toolkit with all your doctor’s contact information, current prescriptions, insurance cards, and medical history in case of emergency.
5. Consider Transportation Options
Getting around at your destination is important for any trip, so for seniors, who often have limited mobility, opt for transportation methods that prioritize comfort and convenience.
If flying, try to book direct flights to minimize travel time or the potential stress with connecting flights. Also request a wheelchair when booking.
If driving, plan routes that can accommodate frequent breaks at rest stops to allow for rest and mobility. Also consider a vehicle that offers more interior space and storage.
Consider renting a wheelchair or mobility scooter if necessary.
If you plan to use public transportation, research which stations have elevators and accessibility ramps.
Pro Tip: Consider a transfer wheelchair as it is simple to fold and take up less space when transporting. Check with your loved one’s health insurance to determine if they cover the costs. Otherwise check with local medical supply stores, or you can purchase one online. I purchased this transfer wheelchair and chair cushion (for extra comfort) for my mother from Amazon.
PRO TIP!
Contact your hotel in advance to ask if they offer wheelchairs rentals, inquire about availability of accessible rooms, and more. You can also request wheelchair assistance when booking flights.
6. Pack Essentials in a Carry-On Bag
Pack a carry-on bag with essential items such as medications, a change of clothes, wet wipes, nutritious snacks, water, and important documents. This ensures that you have immediate access to necessary items, especially during transit or if your you or your luggage is delayed.
PRO TIP: Pack medication and other essentials to last for a few days longer than your trip will last to minimize the stress that can accompany unexpected emergencies or delays. Here are my favorite pill organizer/dispenser and medication travel bag that I found on Amazon.
ON YOUR TRIP:
7. Be Mindful of Mobility and Comfort
Take into account the mobility of your elderly family members when planning activities. Choosing destinations and attractions that are easily accessible will make for a better experience for everyone, and ensure your elderly loved one will feel included. If walking long distances is a concern, bring along a lightweight and portable mobility aid, and plan for rest breaks and comfortable seating during excursions.
8. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Encourage regular hydration and healthy eating throughout the journey. Carry insulated water bottle like this one I found on Amazon, as well as nutritious snacks to keep energy levels up. Consider dietary preferences and any restrictions your elderly family members may have by researching what kind of healthy options are available on restaurant menus and in your area.
9. Allow for Flexibility in Itinerary
While having a planned itinerary is beneficial, be flexible and open to adjustments. Elderly family members may need additional time for rest or have unexpected needs, so allow time for breaks and downtime to avoid overexertion.
10. Maintain Open Communication
Communication is key to a successful trip! Keep an open dialogue with your elderly family members to address any concerns or preferences they may have and encourage them to express their needs, and be attentive to their comfort throughout the journey.
Remember, with thoughtful planning and consideration, traveling with elderly family members can be a wonderful and enriching experience. By prioritizing their comfort and well-being, you can create lasting memories for everyone involved. Safe travels!
