During the holiday season there is an up-tick in travel as family and friends travel to see each other and celebrate together. With more people traveling comes more congestion, longer lines, and less patience. Traveling with seniors, or seniors traveling alone, can cause difficulties if plans have not been thought through and preparations have not been made. We at BrightStart Care want to share some travel safety tips with you to help seniors travel safely.
Before You Leave
If you want to have your best trip possible, you will need to be prepared. The time and effort that you put into planning will cause less stress and headaches throughout your trip.- Medical Issues: Maintaining your senior’s health while traveling is a priority. Ensure that they have all their medication, and if they are flying, make sure that they have adequate medication with them on their carryon and packed in their luggage. If your loved one has critical or unique medical needs, ensure that there are local hospitals that can treat your loved one if needed.
- Emergencies: No one wants to have an emergency and you don’t know when they will happen, but emergencies can be less chaotic if you are prepared for them. Keep a winter preparation kit in your vehicle when you are traveling that includes: a blanket, candle, lighter, snacks, water, flashlight, first-aid kit, and power packs for your phone. You will also want to winterize your vehicle ensuring that your brakes, headlights, windshield wipers, antifreeze levels, and tire pressure is correct. If you are traveling to a high snow and sleet area, remember to pack the chains for the tires.
- Where You Stay: Whether you are staying with family or in a hotel, make sure that the home has hallways wide enough for a walker or wheelchair, bathrooms have handrails if there are mobility issues, and that the shower/bathtub area is accessible. Another thing to consider is that your senior may need to have their sleeping arrangements in the ground level if there are mobility issues involving stairs.
While Traveling
- What to Wear: Be aware of the climate of your travel destination. If you are going from hot to cold, remember to have your winter coat handy and don’t have to dig through your luggage. If you are traveling from cold to hot, it is best to dress in layers so you can keep comfortable along your journey.
- Travel Time: Do your best to not travel during high traffic times and if possible, travel during daylight hours. You will also need to add extra time to your journey for your seniors to take more breaks and to allow for slower mobility.
- Maintain Routines: It might seem strange to keep your same routine while traveling, but this is very important, especially if you have seniors with cognitive issues. Try to wake-up, eat, and go to bed at their normal times or at least establish a daily routine while you are away.
Traveling with seniors can be a great time to spend together and make lasting memories. Remember these safety tips and your journey will be an enjoyable one. If you have any questions about your travel or would like specific tips for your senior, please contact BrightStar Care of Florida at 561.468.2482 or online.