Tips When Traveling with a Senior

The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, but this may mean traveling with a senior loved one, which can make your trip more challenging. Here are some tips on making this an easy and enjoyable time for everyone.

• Plan ahead: Having a set itinerary for your trip will allow you and your loved one peace-of-mind. Know exactly what time you have to leave to the airport or get on the road to get to your destination – and be sure to plan to arrive early, as this gives you some extra time to deal with any unforeseen delays.
• Flying: Airlines are happy to accommodate elderly passengers but be sure to take time to find out how best to travel with your loved one. Speak to the airline in advance to organize assistance through TSA checkpoints, secure a wheelchair (a good option even if your loved one is fairly mobile), oxygen (if needed), and a seat that is suited to elderly or disabled passengers. Some airlines even offer discounted tickets for seniors.
• Medication: Keep all medications separately in a single freezer bag along with a list of their names and instructions for use. This is helpful for families who are unused to managing medications as well as doctors, in the event that medical assistance is needed. If you are flying, you will have to keep these stored in transparent 3-ounce containers for security purposes. Be sure to check out the medical facilities closest to your destination.
• Light schedule: Busy days filled with events are often stressful and tiring for the elderly, so make sure to either keep a very light schedule of events or ensure that your loved one can have plenty of supervised recovery time while you and other family members are out.
• Relax and enjoy: Traveling can be stressful for anyone, regardless of your age, so take time to relax and enjoy your trip. It’s important to make the most of these events together, but that doesn’t mean taking on everything yourself. Spread the load between family members and friends, and remember to spend quality time simply enjoying each other’s company.

United Methodist Communities HomeWorks –
Compassionate home care services for seniors in New Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities in New Jersey, we’ve developed our HomeWorks program to help seniors and their families live full and independent lives. With an emphasis on holistic care, we tailor our services to the level of services and companionship to meet your loved one’s specific needs. In addition to providing assistance with daily tasks, transport and personal care, our team can assist with medication management and more. For dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, we can develop specific care routines that foster a sense of structure and help reduce stress and anxiety.

For more information on our senior home care services, please contact us today.