Traveling during the holiday season is already stressful with busy airports, coordinating schedules, and trying to remember to pack all the essentials. If you’re traveling with a senior family member, that process can be more difficult and stressful as you work to make the process as easy as possible. That’s why we’ve put together this list of travel tips you can use.
A few ways to help your senior prepare for travel includes:
- Look for Senior Discounts
- Take Breaks & Move Around
- Get Enough Rest
- Have a Plan or Routine
- Ask for Help
Look for Senior Discounts
Did you know that many places offer senior discounts? Take advantage of these deals to save some major money during your trip. Locations that often include senior discounts include:
- Movie theaters
- Amusement parks
- Museums
- Restaurants (Don’t forget to order off the senior menu as well)
Senior discounts are likely only going to give you a few dollars off, but those savings add up quickly, easily saving upwards of $40/day if you’re in a tourist town. Most places won’t tell you they have a senior discount. Instead, look online or call ahead to ask so you can plan your trip around where you’ll get discounts.
Take Breaks & Move Around
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) commonly affects seniors, especially during long car or plane rides. DVT can cause blood clots to form, which can lead to tragedy. However, you can easily prevent clots from forming by frequently taking breaks to walk around during travel. This allows everyone a chance to stretch their legs and can prevent health problems for older family members. Also, remember to pack a pair of compression socks to ensure your senior traveler stays safe as well.
Get Enough Rest
Both you and your senior travel companion(s) should take plenty of time to get some rest. For starters, this ensures everyone is happy and ready to go when it’s time to start traveling. It also allows seniors to stay more energized during the trip. Finally, being well-rested helps you to keep an eye on your companion which allows you to make sure they are taking their medication or staying with the group.
Have A Plan or Routine
The main thing you need to do is plan your trip, including forming a travel routine, down to the last detail. This doesn’t mean you can’t leave some extra time for a spontaneous activity, but you want to make sure everyone gets up from and goes to bed at the same time as well as keeping regular mealtimes. By keeping yourself and your senior travelers on a routine, you’ll be better able to plan and keep everyone on track for an easier holiday experience.
Ask For Help
When you’re traveling, especially with multiple elders, you may need to ask for some help from family and friends while traveling. This is completely normal and makes for a fun group trip. Rather than martyring yourself and becoming stressed on your trip about proper elder care, get some help from loved ones to ensure everyone has a great holiday experience.
Let Bluebird Homecare Help Your Senior
Senior holiday care doesn’t need to be difficult. Once you know how to travel while taking elderly care into consideration, you’ll be on the road or in the air in no time. However, what happens once you’re back home? Many people cannot live with their senior relatives full-time which leads too many wondering what to do. This is where the team at Bluebird Homecare can help. We’re dedicated to providing personalized assistance to ensure your loved ones receive the utmost care.
Click here to contact us today and learn more about our services.