THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS
Important tips for traveling with aging loved ones
February 17, 2022 - February 23, 2022 • 19
Resort & Travel
By SHERYL NANCE-NASH Special to the AmNews
(alisadyson/Pixabay photo)
and services. All airports offer free use of wheelchairs to senior citizens. Train travel can be ideal for seniors as they kick back and take in the scenery. For train travel, ensure that they will have room to stretch their legs and are seated near restrooms to avoid long walks. “You don’t have to be sitting across from it, I know that can be unpleasant, but nearby is important since rocking trains and turbulent planes make footing unstable, and older people typically need to use the restroom more frequently,” says John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, an air medical transport and crisis response membership program for travelers. If you are going in a car, make sure the seat belts work, and the back seat is comfortable. Be prepared to make stops every couple of hours or so for bathroom breaks and for leg stretching. Do bring disposable pads, just in case. Mo Mulla, founder of Parental Questions, says to keep in mind that there is the possibility your parent will try to get up when they’re not supposed to or leave where they’re not supposed to. “For cars you need a way of blocking their access to the driver’s side door (a stuffed animal does the trick).” If you’re renting a car, consider what type of car your aging adult will be able to get in and out of the easiest. You might need to pass on the sporty, flashy ride if it won’t be Choose accommodations wisely Be selective about seating and easy for them to navigate physically. “Make sure that there are eleva- travel method tors in the hotels and rooms should No matter how you travel, consider Expect the unexpected be close to the elevators,” says Nicole where your parents sit. When flying, an “When traveling with a senior, be Hunter, a travel blogger for Go Far aisle seat with a moveable arm may be prepared for a potential medical emerGrow Close, who has traveled exten- best. When flying, shoot for non-stop gency,” says Mulla. Make sure their sively with her 80+ year-old parents. flights. Long layovers or catching a con- medical care cards are up to date, you When staying in a hotel, it’s a good necting flight can be stressful for them. know where their medical alert braceidea to book a handicapped room be- Know too that there are some airlines let is located (if they wear one), and cause accidents can happen more that offer senior airfare discounts make sure the meds explicitly pre-
(Nashua Volquez-Young/Pexels photo)
easily when an aging parent is in unfamiliar surroundings No doubt, traveling with the most pre- and handicapped cious cargo in your life, an aging loved rooms are more usone, be it a parent, grandparent, or er-friendly, she says. auntie or uncle, can be a little daunting. Inquire about stairs, You want no drama, whether you’re en and general accesroute with a specific mission like getting sibility. For examfrom Point A to Point B for practical rea- ple, are the resort sons, or you’re vacationing together. The restaurants a 15experts weigh in with advice on how to minute walk away travel well with an aging loved one. from rooms, are there wheelchairs, or golf Talk before hitting the road carts to assist you in Christina Grace, who writes for the getting around? adventure family blog, Live a Wilder Life, started bringing her aging father, who had a major stroke and is severely impaired, along on trips with her young child. She offers a few things to think about before traveling. Manage your expectations. “We are an active family willing to get up at 6 a.m. if it means avoiding crowds and having a more enjoyable time. When I travel with my dad, I know I have to sacrifice early morning wakeups and nonstop itineraries. He needs a lot of sleep and breaks in the day to rest.” Anticipate that the pace will be slower than it would if you were traveling without them. You may not see every attraction. Be flexible. Decide what’s important to you before you go. “Have a clear intenPick a home base that works for tion on why you’re traveling togeth- everyone. “A lot of the time my interer and what you want from it. For me, ests and my parents’ interests are difit’s to spend quality time with my dad ferent and that means what we want and to help my dad travel and see the to do on holiday is different. Accordworld since he requires a lot of extra ingly, if they want to spend the day at help. Knowing the intention allows the pool, reading, napping and going you to craft a clear itinerary based for short walks, and I want to hike in a upon the goals of your trip,” she says. national park, I try to find accommoTalk beforehand about what every- dations that give them a nice pool and one wants. Have a clear idea of what recreation area, and I would want to be everyone desires from the trip. Does near or in the national park. The key is one person want to go to a specific res- to think about this, be aware, comprotaurant? Does another want to hang out mise and do your best,” says Hunter. by the pool all day? “Find out what’s imAlso make a point to check for portant to each person so everyone can meal service alternatives if your parget their needs met,” says Grace. ents have dietary restrictions.
scribed for travel are easily accessible. Be mindful that patients with dementia do not take change well. “Be careful when deciding to take mom or dad along if there is a chance that behavior problems or dealing with medical problems may cause problems for the whole family,” says Teri Dreher, RN of NShore Patient Advocates. Double and triple check that you have all their medication before leaving home. “A medication checklist is a must, because it can be difficult to replace certain medications in many destinations, especially with the pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. In the past, we’ve had members forget medication, think they’ll get by without it, and land in the hospital. Don’t let your parent do that. Pack an extra 50% of what they’ll need for your trip, in case of delays, and split it between their carry-on and a checked bag in case one is lost or stolen,” says Gobbels. Bring an extra pillow and throw blanket. An extra pillow can help an aging parent in positioning to get comfortable and the throw blanket can come in handy if your parent is on blood thinners and feels cold at times.
Take care of yourself too Don’t forget to take care of the caretaker. “If you can afford to, consider taking an assistant/caretaker along on the trip with you to help manage things. It would allow you to enjoy things more, without so much worry, and allow a little solo, or ‘check-in-with-work’ time if you find the need during the trip,” says Gobbels. Maybe you build in spa time for the two of you, or you do something special for yourself during their nap time. The goal is for everyone to return home better than when they left and to come back with cherished memories.
