Traveling with elderly people is challenging but can also be rewarding. One surprising finding states that 3.22 billion elderly people between 65 and 74 prefer driving daily. Even elderly people love traveling but are often neglected when their families plan vacation trips. However, it doesn’t mean that you can take your elderly parents anywhere you want. You need to consider many things before planning for such a trip. From arranging the place to selecting your travel partners and choosing the transportation service, everything matters when traveling long distances with senior citizens or elderly people. So if you are thinking of taking your parent on vacation this summer, then here are some tips that may help:
Research About the Place
As you plan to visit places with your elderly or senior family, you must research the place. Part of that is, for example, if you are planning to visit the US, you must ensure that you complete the visa application process online. The following are some questions that you must ask yourself and the answers that you should find before making any travel plans:
- What is the culture of this place, and how will it affect my senior/elderly relative?
- What kind of people live in this region? Are there any cultural differences? If so, what can I do to help them adjust when we travel there?
- How will transportation work out for our trip? Will we need to hire a private car or book tickets on a train or plane instead of driving ourselves?
- If we’re traveling by plane or train, how long will it take from one city/town to another? Is there accommodation available near where we’ll be staying during our stay in another country?
- Does the place support elderly transportation services in case of emergency or for taking them for sightseeing around the place?
Carry Medication and Doctor’s Papers
Carrying medication and doctor papers is one of the most important things to consider when planning to travel long distances with senior & elderly people.
For example, if you are flying with your elderly friend or relative, you might want to carry their prescription drugs and medical history in case they need them during the trip. It could include medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart problems which may need regular doses during flights due to air pressure changes. Likewise, suppose you are driving long distances. In that case, you should ensure that they have enough medication and a copy of their medical conditions so they won’t run out of anything while traveling on the roadways.
Choose Your Travel Partners Carefully
When planning the trip, you must choose your travel partners carefully.
Traveling with strangers is not a good idea because they might be dangerous or unreliable. You can only trust someone trustworthy, responsible, and reliable. If a family member or friend cannot make it for some reason, then choose someone else from your social circle who fits these characteristics before heading out on your trip.
Be Mindful of Their Condition
When planning your trip, be mindful of your senior’s condition. Elderly people are more prone to health problems such as arthritis or heart conditions. They may also have trouble walking or walking for long distances. Make sure you plan rest stops and breaks along the way so your senior can take a breather from walking whenever he/she needs to.
Elderly people may be on medication that needs to be taken at certain times during the day or week. Suppose you’re traveling with someone who requires medication regularly and cannot afford to buy their supply while on vacation; consider bringing a small amount of what they need with you in case this happens. In that case, they won’t want to miss out on valuable time together just because he/she needs insulin.
Comfortable Travel Arrangements
When planning to travel long distances with a senior, you should consider the vehicle in which you will travel. If your senior has a disability or condition that makes driving more difficult for him or her, it would be best to choose a comfortable vehicle and make sure it has seatbelts that are easy for them to use. Look at the length of the distance you need to cover before making your final decision on what type of transportation will work best.
Suppose your senior uses a wheelchair while traveling. In that case, you should look carefully at any barriers preventing them from safely entering and exiting their vehicles, such as steps or steep ramps. If no stairs are involved in getting into the car, this should not be too much trouble if they have someone assisting them with getting up into their seats safely without having any falls.
You also want to check out where other passengers sit if they aren’t using wheelchairs so you can maintain everyone’s comfort throughout their journey together.
Follow Safety Tips Religiously
Here are a few essential safety tips:
- Never leave your elderly loved one unattended.
- Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, especially during hot weather.
- Pack a few small snacks if you get stuck in traffic or have to wait at the airport for hours.
- Never let someone drive while they’re tired, upset, or distracted. You must keep an eye on their driving habits and ensure nothing seems off with them if they are going to be in charge of driving.
Take Comfortable and Long Breaks in Between
When you are traveling with a senior or elderly person, it is advisable to take frequent breaks. You must take regular bathroom breaks, refreshment breaks, snack breaks, and rest breaks. These can be short or long, depending on the condition of the elderly person. You may also need to make stops along the way if they need to rest or use the washroom facilities.
Also read Taxi: Things to Keep in Mind before Ordering One!
Traveling With Elderly People Can Be Rewarding
Senior travelers can be a challenge to travel with, but they are also rewarding. When planning a trip with an elderly person, it is important to consider their health and comfort above all else. You will have a great time if you take the right precautions while traveling!
One way to ensure that your senior travels well is by planning. Make sure you have everything you need on hand before leaving so that there are no surprises when it comes time for departure. It’s also helpful if your senior has their luggage to take care of themselves. This way, they don’t feel their bags left unattended or handled by strangers at any point during the trip.
Senior and elderly people can be an important part of the family, and their health needs to be at the forefront of any decisions made during a crisis when they need help. However, with proper planning and preparation, long-distance travel with seniors doesn’t have to be too difficult.