Traveling during the holidays can be a wonderful time to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy the festive season. However, it can also bring challenges for seniors who rely on a strict medication schedule. Properly managing medications is necessary for maintaining health and avoiding complications, especially when routines are disrupted by travel. Senior Helpers provides tips to help seniors ensure medication schedules are adhered to while traveling over the holidays.
How to Prepare for Travel
It is wise to take the time to prepare your medication plan before embarking on your holiday trip. Here is what you should do:
- Review Your Medication Schedule: Start by reviewing your medication schedule. Make sure you understand when and how each medicine should be taken.
- Talk to Your Doctor: Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your travel plans. They can offer advice on managing your medications while away from home and might provide prescriptions for additional doses if necessary.
- Create a Medication Checklist: List all your medications, dosages, and the times they are taken. This checklist can serve as a handy reference throughout your trip.
Ensure Sufficient Medication Supply
Always be sure you have an adequate supply of medication once your travel plans are set. Calculate the amount you will need for the entire trip, including travel days. Refill prescriptions well in advance and pack extra medication just in case of delays or emergencies. Having a surplus can provide peace of mind should something unexpected happens.
Set Reminders to Stay on Schedule
Your health depends on keeping up with your medication schedule even when you are away from home. Technology can be a great ally in this. Set alarms on your phone or use medication reminder apps to help you stay on track. Maintaining your routine is important, but don't stress if there are minor adjustments. Plan how you can adapt your schedule if you are traveling across time zones. This way, you can continue taking your medication as close to the usual times as possible.
How to Handle Medication Emergencies
Emergencies can occur despite careful planning. If medication gets lost or misplaced, don't panic. Check your immediate surroundings first. If it is truly lost, contact your healthcare provider for advice on obtaining a replacement prescription. It might also be possible to transfer a prescription to a local pharmacy in the area you are visiting. Having contact information for local pharmacies can be invaluable in these situations.
Keep Medication Secure
You will want to keep your medication secure when staying with family, especially if there are pets or children around. Ask your host where you can store medication, somewhere safe and accessible that is out of reach for little hands and curious paws. Consider using travel-friendly pill organizers with secure lids to prevent spills and mix-ups. Keep medicine in the original containers with child-proof caps.
Plan for Holiday Travel with Reliable Care Support From Senior Helpers
Staying on top of your medication routine during holiday travel is more than possible with a little planning. Senior Helpers Tulsa offers customized, in-home senior care services with the health and happiness of our community's seniors in mind. Whether you need help with transportation and appointments or assistance with daily living tasks, we’re just a call away. Contact us to learn more about our services in Tulsa, McAlester, Broken Arrow, and Sand Springs.