Travelling with a senior loved one can be different, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re planning a vacation soon with your senior loved one, here are a few tips to help make your vacation the best one possible.
1. Don’t Forget Medications
Know your senior loved one’s regular medication schedule. Before you leave on your trip, double-check that you have all of the necessary medications packed. Check with your loved one’s doctor to make sure that you are not missing anything and know how each medicine should be properly administered. Remember that you may want extra medications specifically for travel, such as medications for nausea, altitude sickness, or anti-diarrhea medications.
2. Get Assistance at the Airport
If you’re going to be flying to your travel destination, make sure you request airport assistance. Seniors can get assistance from airport personnel from arrival to boarding. If your senior loved one needs a wheelchair or a ride to your gate, the airport will provide that for you. Seniors are also able to get assistance when going through security check, which actually may help you save time when trying to make it to your gate on time. Once at your gate, your senior loved one can board ahead of others so that they have more time to find their seat and get comfortable on the plane.
3. Stay Safe to Avoid Injury
It sounds simple, but making sure you pay attention to everyday safety can help make your travels with a senior loved one that much easier. The most common injuries happen when people ignore basic safety. If you’re riding in a car or a plane, make sure you have your seatbelt on and fastened correctly. Don’t travel at night in areas with which you are not familiar. Know that you can buy travel insurance in case one of you becomes ill or injured while traveling overseas. Many health insurance services, Medicare included, will not cover medical expenses if you are outside of the United States.
4. Be Up-to-Date on Vaccines
Before you travel, especially if you are going out of the country, make sure your senior loved one is up-to-date on all of their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that seniors be current in vaccines for several diseases, such as the flu, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Also make sure they are current on their tetanus and whooping cough vaccine (Tdap), as many diseases like that are more common in other countries than in the United States. Depending on what country you are traveling to, you may need additional vaccinations as well. Your doctor will be able to tell you what vaccines are suggested or even required when visiting certain countries.
5. Ask About Discounts
You will often times find that seniors can get discounted airline tickets or discounts on places that you may stay or eat while you are travelling. Never be afraid to ask if there is some sort of senior discount for your loved one. While the discounts might not be available for the rest of your party to use, every little bit helps when travelling with a group of people.
