Traveling with an elderly parent

by Carmen Scott

Category: Senior & Zoomers

Start with choosing a mutually agreeable and manageable destination. This might mean not going too far away from home and factoring in physical limitations. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

• Purchase of a travel pillow or a neck pillow that supports the neck and head while travelling.

• Reserve any special equipment your parents might need such as a wheelchair.

• Program in your telephone number as your parents first emergency number, and consider any medical restrictions or dietary needs when choosing a region or destination.

• Get copies of all prescriptions, refill them and keep all drugs in their original containers.

• Take a backpack on every outing, containing medicines, tissues, sweaters, ID, money and anything they might need during the day.

• Schedule down days after long travel days and plan leisurely days with lots of rest stops.(find out where the restrooms are)

• Find ways to avoid standing in lines, such as pre purchasing event tickets that allow for early entry.

Be willing to change plans at the drop of a hat if your parents get fatigued or overwhelmed.