With the start of the summer holiday season, going on vacation is something that many families look forward to, and having the right senior travel tips can help ensure everyone has a great time. A vacation with your family is a fantastic way to connect, make memories, spend quality time together, experience new things, or revisit places that are meaningful to you. As a family caregiver, planning a vacation is not just about thinking of all the wonderful things you’ll do together and making sure you plan what everybody wants to do. You must also keep in mind your senior’s needs and how you can help them stay safer and healthier throughout the vacation experience.
Use these senior travel tips to protect your loved one’s safety on a road trip:
1. Ensure there’s enough space in the vehicle for your elder to sit comfortably and shift positions. Nothing should be pressing against them or restricting their movement.
2. Insist your elder wears their seatbelt at all times throughout the travel.
3. Make sure your elder dresses comfortably and in layers so they can quickly and easily adjust their temperature and not become excessively hot or cold.
4. Do not place any luggage where it could slide and potentially injure your elder.
5. If your elder has wandering tendencies, do not leave them alone in the car or allow them to go into rest areas or other unfamiliar locations by themselves.
6. Consider having your elder carry or wear a personal GPS tracking device that will allow you to keep track of them should they get out of your sight during a break in the trip.
Bringing your older loved one along with you on a road trip can be wonderful, but it is not always possible. Simply because you are a family caregiver for an aging adult who is not able to be as active as the rest of your family does not mean you are no longer able to enjoy your annual vacation. If the senior travel tips listed above won’t apply to your situation, there is help available that allows you to still take your vacation while knowing your elder is safe and properly cared for.
If you are planning a vacation with your family but do not feel it would be appropriate to bring your elder along, you may consider respite care. This type of care can be used in conjunction with your elder’s regular home care provider to ensure they have continuous access to the care they need. With respite care, an additional care provider steps in to manage care tasks that you would usually handle yourself. This means they still have someone with them as much as they need to while you’re able to go enjoy your quality time with your partner and children, take a break, and relax.