Traveling with the elderly

Traveling with an elderly relative or parent can be a stressful event. But a little preparation can guarantee a safe and comfortable trip!

With a major portion of the world's population reaching their senior years more attention is being paid to the needs of the elderly and their caregivers. But all the best intentions in the world doesn't help when you're traveling with your mother or father or relative and worried about how to get from here to there safely. Read on for some tips on how to feel more secure about taking that plane, train or automobile trip.

The first stop before you even consider arranging a trip should be with the doctor who is in charge of your mother's/father's health. Many people don't bother to consult before they book that airplane ticket and are then surprised and depressed to find out that maybe air travel isn't an option due to a medical condition or ailment. Your doctor can discuss with you the best ways of traveling and what would be the safest route, if not necessarily the fastest, for you to take.

Most airports have made accommodations for elderly passengers by providing free wheelchairs and transportation services to get them from the ticket counter to the gate and back again. Be sure to alert the ticket agent of your need and it's more than likely that you'll receive excellent service from enthusiastic assistants. Don't misjudge the ability of your elderly relative to hobble through the airport from gate to gate. Even a small distance can wear out someone using a cane or otherwise afflicted with a physical ailment.

When checking in at the ticket counter you will probably be told that your relative and yourself will be allowed to pre-board the plane in order to get settled before the majority of passengers are allowed to find their seats. Take advantage of this extra time to get your mother/father secured and comfortable in his/her seat and squared away before you take your seat. The flight attendants will pay special attention to your needs and will call for a wheelchair upon landing and will assist you in disembarking at the end of your trip.

Traveling by train has much of the same options offered, from free wheelchair access to attendants ready to assist you and your relative into your train seat. However, be aware that train rides are notoriously hard on sensitive backs due to the rocking motion and the length of most train trips, so anyone with back problems may want to consider other travel options.

A long cruise might seem like the answer to many health problems, but you have concerns there as well to tend to. Is there a qualified doctor on board? Is he/she prepared to deal with your relative's medical condition? Is the ship equipped with all the pertinent equipment in case of an emergency? How fast can your mother/father be removed from the cruise ship and taken to a hospital in case of an emergency? These are all major questions you should ask your ticket agent before laying down the cash for a leisurely cruise.

Automobile or bus travel holds many of the same concerns as those by train, the comfort level being a major point. As well, most tour buses have steps that a senior person needs to deal with, usually requiring a major effort on his/her part to climb up into the bus. While some vehicles can "kneel down" using hydraulic lifts to make this process less stressful on the elderly, many buses do not have this option yet. Add to that the problem of going to the washroom in a bouncing, jostling bus and you may have problems if your parent is unable to keep his/her balance. Car travel has many of the same problems, but you have more control over your own vehicle. Still, plan your route carefully in order to provide rest stops for your relative to recuperate from the rough highway travel.

There are some fundamental rules for senior travel that hold true no matter what method you choose to travel. As with any traveler, be sure to keep important medications on hand and not packed away in a checked piece of luggage. It may be inconvenient to carry them with you but if that bag gets lost you'll be trying to get a doctor to write new prescriptions in an emergency situation. Please keep all medications in their original bottles to insure that security officials can identify them at a glance if need be. Keep the doctor's name, address and phone number close at hand along with an abbreviated medical history and a list of medications in case of emergency. Your memory may not be enough in a crisis and you want to be able to deliver as much information as possible to the doctors caring for your relative in an emergency.

Be sure to keep a close eye on all jewelry and personal belongings while traveling. Many criminals have no problem stealing a senior's wallet or purse while he/she struggles to go to the washroom or attempt to eat a meal. Be aware of the surroundings and of everyone around you and your relative.

Traveling with a senior doesn't have to be a bad experience with a little planning and foresight. You can arrive at that airport or bus station or train depot with your relative in confidence that you've got control over the situation and are prepared for anything and everything. Soon you'll both be on the road, enjoying the trip and ready to do it all over again!