COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Holiday Tips for Senior Travel With the holidays approaching, if your senior loved one wants to travel, get them where they need to go safely, and with minimal stress. Below are a few tips to make holiday travel a seamless process that will keep them comfortable, relaxed and arriving at their destination with ease. Prepare documents and medications When booking flights, get as much information as possible. Having an informational packet put together will help everyone know what to expect and feel prepared. Your packet should include: • Flight departure / arrival times • Transportation options to and from the airport • Terminal maps and gate locations • Medication regulations and necessary documents • TSA safety check process Look through the TSA website to learn about which medications are allowed and how to communicate with an officer about medically necessary bottles or containers. Request copies of prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from each physician and medical center for verification. Make photocopies of passports, driver’s license, insurance cards, travel tickets and the trip’s itinerary provides a backup in case of any unforeseen emergencies. Many seniors no longer have a driver’s GREATER PITTSBURGH AREA - FALL 2022 - WINTER 2023
license, which can present a problem when going through airport security. Be sure that the individual has state ID, military ID, passport, or similar credential. Keep one set of copies with you, place a set of the documents in your senior’s carryon bag and forward a set of the documents to the destination. Consider insurance When traveling, seniors are at greatest risk of being in need of a health care emergency. The right insurance package for one’s age group can protect their health and give you peace of mind. Health Insurance: If traveling within the United States, be sure to look up what hospitals accept your health insurance and if there is coverage during travel. If going abroad, look at buying a travel medical plan or vacation plan that includes medical emergencies. Trip Insurance: There are a few different options when choosing trip insurance. For seniors, there can be unexpected delays due to appointments, or medical clearance delays. Therefore, it is ideal that trip cancellation protection is provided. If your loved one is nervous about the upcoming trip, let them vent and answer their concerns. Be calm and optimistic. Remember that all of this preparation is worthwhile. Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Apryl Garrett, Publisher of the Seniors Blue Book of Greater Pittsburgh. She can be reached at 412-551-5951 or by email at Apryl@SeniorsBlueBook.com. Visit www.SeniorsBlueBook.com for additional educational articles, videos, resources and information.
