Travel can be a very rewarding experience, whether the goal is to see the world or to visit long-distance friends and family. However, when we travel with our senior loved ones, we may be faced with challenges we don’t expect—issues that simply aren’t there when traveling on our own.
Perhaps your loved one may not be able to get around without a wheelchair or walker, or they may have a specific health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease or heart problems; any of these can make vacationing much more difficult, regardless of whether you’re traveling by plane or your own family car.
Preparation is key: plan ahead for some of the most common senior travel needs so that you and your family will be able to enjoy a hassle-free trip that’s memorable and fun. Here are just a few tips to get you started
- Consult with a physician for travel approval and tips
- Pack essential items in a bag that’s easy to access (medications, important documents, favorite snacks, sunscreen, etc.)
- Pack lightly- this is especially important if traveling with someone who needs special care “less in your hands will help give you more attention to focus on your care recipient,” says the Family Caregiver Alliance