How to Prepare for Travel and Labor Day Events During Three-Day Weekends
With Labor Day approaching, everyone in Collinsville is planning for the three day weekend to close out the summer. While most people want to relax and have a good time, planning in advance can help make sure that everything goes smoothly. This is especially true if you're traveling with an older adult.
Here are our tips on how to have a successful travel experience with older adults.
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Planning with a healthcare provider is always a good recommendation. Different people will have different risks, and it's always beneficial to get personalized travel recommendations. A doctor may recommend avoiding heavy exercise and staying out of the sun, or special precautions may not be necessary. It all comes down to the individual.
If you plan on traveling overseas, your healthcare provider can help administer vaccinations that are recommended for specific areas.
Have Medications Planned Out
Medications are easy enough to forget even at home. While traveling, it's easy to get lost in the fun and forget about taking important medications. Planning in advance can help stop this problem in the first place. Setting reminders on phones, using a pill organizer, and communicating with other people on the trip can all be beneficial.
Crossing time zones can also cause problems. Some medications have strict timing requirements for when they need to be taken. Additionally, some medications need to be taken with food. Staying on top of these requirements can be difficult when traveling if not planned in advance. Every road trip should include snacks, even more so when it is necessary for medications. When in doubt, always consult with your medical provider.
Fight Against Deep-vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Older adults have a higher risk of deep-vein thrombosis, aka DVT. DVT is a condition in which blood clots in veins block the passage of blood flow. DVT commonly occurs in the legs. Sitting for a long time, such as in a car or on a plane, can increase the risk of DVT.
DVT can be painful, and in some cases fatal. Taking breaks to walk and stretch can be helpful during long periods of travel. As always, consult with your healthcare professional to better understand the risks and prevention strategies of DVT.
Don't Neglect Hydration
No matter your age or the occasion, hydration is important for everyone all the time. This is especially true if traveling to enjoy a summer holiday in Collinsville. While summer is coming to an end, Labor Day in Collinsville can still be quite warm. Proper hydration can help prevent heat stroke, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and other ailments. No matter your mode of travel, it is recommended to have a refillable water bottle handy. This will make it easy to stay hydrated in the warm weather.
Stay Protected from the Sun
According to BMC Geriatrics, older adults are more vulnerable to skin cancers caused by the sun. Be sure to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen before spending too much time outside. It is recommended to consult with a medical professional to develop a personalized skin care protection plan.
Senior Helpers of Collinsworth
If your loved one needs in-home care, Senior Helpers of Collinsville is here for you. Feel free to contact us anytime.