The Safety of Traveling with an Elderly Family Member: A Guide
When preparing traveling with an elderly family or relative, there are a number of things to keep in mind.
When choosing whether a flight, cross-country road trip, or just a staycation would be the greatest option to keep them safe, you need take into account their health, capacities, and mobility in addition to their advanced age. You can enjoy your trip and develop a stronger relationship with an elderly relative or friend with careful planning.
What to Expect When Traveling With An Elderly Person
When deciding whether to bring a loved one along on a trip, it’s critical to consider their comfort level and ability. Consider yourself in their position because they might experience mobility issues, health issues, disabilities, or cognitive issues. To lower the risk of travel-related diseases or injuries, these factors should be taken into account while making travel selections.
Travelling With An Elderly While the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Active
You should continue to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously notwithstanding the easing of tight quarantine and stay-at-home regulations. Elderly persons often experience substantially more severe COVID-19 symptoms. Unvaccinated people who are exposed to tight spaces like airplanes, cars, or other vehicles may be more at risk. They are not immune to contracting the infection even if they have had the vaccination.
Mobility & Travel Issues
Consider how much walking or exercise you will be doing and how much your elderly companion can endure when deciding whether to accompany you on vacation. You must consider their additional assistance needs and the use of any medical devices, such as a wheelchair, while organizing certain activities.
Also Read: Wheelchair Flexibility Exercises for Seniors: The Easiest
Traveling With An Elderly Having Dementia
Taking a journey with a person who has dementia might be challenging. An older person with dementia may find it challenging to enjoy a vacation, especially in an unfamiliar setting, due to memory loss and cognitive challenges. It is ideal to leave an elderly friend or family member who has dementia at home with the required care measures in place to preserve their quality of life.
Don’t miss: Assessing Quality of Life for Dementia Patients
When traveling with an elderly member or friend, advance preparation is essential.
Unless your loved one is really frail and needs 24-hour care, nothing should be a deal-breaker while taking them on a trip. Consider your travel restrictions before bringing a loved one along, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while and aren’t familiar with their eating, sleeping, or medication schedule. By making sure you and your loved one have enough time to unwind and enjoy your trip, planning ahead and adding additional time to your itinerary will help you avoid a lot of stress.
Above all, make sure you’re ready for everything that may happen while you’re on vacation and that you’re adaptable. Call us at (610) 765-0497 if you have any concerns about how to keep your loved one safe from seasoned caregivers like those employed by Care At Heart Home Care.