The holiday season is a special and busy time loaded with social calendars and annual meetings with friends and family. It's also when most people embark on a much-awaited vacation or a visit to a loved one.
Holiday travel is fun, but it can be stressful for seniors who routinely take medication. Studies indicate that about 87% of senior adults take one prescription drug,36% use more than five, and 38% use non-prescription medication. However, there are practical tips that can help seniors find joy in holiday travel even when under medication. They include:
Request an Early Refill
Running out of medication while traveling can be devastating for seniors. In most cases, the pharmacies along the way or at the senior's destination may be unable to dispense certain medications.
For most seniors, skipping a dose puts them at a high risk of developing unpleasant side effects. In the worst-case scenario, it could cause complications, making the health condition harder to treat. Therefore, seniors should plan ahead and request a refill prescription from their healthcare provider to make the most of their holiday travel.
It is also a good idea to request an additional 2 to 3-week supply if the seniors extend their visitation period.
Check the Law
According to the CDC, it's important to understand that different countries have different laws related to medicines. Medicines that might be dispensed normally in one country might be unlicensed in other countries. While violating the laws of their destination puts seniors at risk of jail or prison time, they should first check with their destination embassy to ensure their medicines are permitted.
Further, seniors should consult their healthcare providers for alternatives if the prescribed medicines are unlicensed at their intended destination.
Leave Medication in their Original Containers
When traveling, it can be tempting to put all the medications in one container to save space. However, it is highly advised against. Every medication is unique and has its own set of instructions, such as the recommended dosage and the expiry date that a senior might want to reference at a later date. It's important to leave medication in their original containers because:
- It limits the exposure of the medicines to elements that may alter their effectiveness
- It helps the airport security personnel know that they are carrying prescribed medications
- Having copies of prescriptions on hand gives seniors an easy time looking for refills.
Always Pack Meds in Carry-on Luggage
Rather than putting the medication in checked luggage, seniors should put it in their carry-on luggage. This is because:
- Checked luggage might get lost or delayed when seniors need to take their medication
- In most cases, checked luggage gets exposed to extreme temperatures that might affect the effectiveness of the medication
- It's easy to have access to medication when they are put in carry-on luggage
Temperature Control
When traveling, seniors should know how to store their meds properly. It might be best for them to invest in a cooler bag if it needs to be refrigerated. However, it's important to note that freezing medication can lower its effectiveness. Therefore, seniors should consult their healthcare provider regarding using a cooler box to keep the medicine cool.
Set Alarms
If seniors travel across time zones, their medication schedules might be interrupted. To help avoid such interferences in their medication schedules, seniors should set the alarm on their smartphones to help maintain the same interval between doses.
Let the Professionals Help You
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We offer customized home care services ranging from companion care for seniors who need daily help to comprehensive specialized care for seniors with Dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other chronic diseases. Contact us today to learn more about our services.