4 Travel Tips for Seniors

Whether your aging loved one is traveling with you for the holidays or on a spontaneous trip, it’s important to make it stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. When mom or dad joins you on vacation, many more factors come into play to ensure their safety.

What tips should you know for safe travel with seniors?

Plan Well in Advance

Avoid springing a trip on your aging loved one. Older adults need more time to pack all their necessities and rearrange doctor’s appointments before hopping on a plane. Allow yourself enough time to help them do all these things, so nothing is forgotten in the rush to get going. Leaving an oxygen tank at home is not like forgetting your toothbrush.

Remember Medications

On the subject of leaving items behind, it is essential to be prepared with all medications. Make a list of all prescriptions, dosage times and refill dates to make sure your loved one will not run out of anything while away from home. Also, make sure the medications are packed for air travel: In their original bottles with labels to avoid any security issues.

Stay Together

If there are multiple family members and friends traveling with you, make sure at least one person is designated to staying with each senior. Going through the airport or train station can be hectic with a group, but it’s important not to rush the elderly through a crowd.

Know Airport Accommodations

For seniors who have trouble walking far or for long periods of time, wheelchairs can be requested at the airport check-in desk. Those traveling with seniors should also be aware that people over age 65 can leave shoes and a light jacket on going through security. When it’s time to board the plane, there is airport staff on-hand to escort seniors and
help carry their heavy bags.

Safety Comes First

Falls are always a concern for older adults. This risk is elevated at highly crowded areas, like airports and tourist attractions. If your loved one has a wheelchair or other assistive device for walking, it is best to bring it with you to each new location. Someone may have to stay behind with the senior so he or she doesn’t become lost, but that’s much better than risking a serious fall in an unfamiliar place.

West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center is a community resource for seniors and their families who have safety and health questions. To learn more best practices for traveling with an aging loved one, contact us today!