Traveling with an elderly relative can have its challenges. Although the time spent together is amazing and worth the trip, there need to be extra precautions taken in order for the trip to run smoothly and for your elderly relative to be able to enjoy everything to its fullest. Just because your parent or relative is advanced in years doesn’t mean they don’t want to have the same good time as everyone else. Here are a few tips on travelling with the elderly and what you can do to make their trip wonderful.
Make Sure You Don’t Have to Walk Long Distances
If you are going to a theme park or a resort or even to another city, ensure that your plans don’t require a lot of walking. Even if your relative or friend is able to get from the car to the restaurant or hotel doesn’t mean they can keep walking all day. If they want to engage in a tour or go to a museum, call ahead to see if there are mobility scooters available for them to get around the museum. In that same conversation, ask about elevators in case your elderly companion is able to walk around but not able to take stairs. Whatever you are planning, ensuring that there are walking alternatives available will help all of you enjoy your trip.
Make Sure There Are Devices for Disabilities
If your loved one is hard of hearing, can’t see that well, or is wheelchair bound and needs ramp access to certain places, ensure that there are the tools available for them to join in the fun. There are plenty of resources that give travel tips for hearing loss, and tips for people who use mobility devices. Most of those tips suggest ensuring that there are the proper alternatives like headphones for hearing, elevators that are big enough for wheelchairs, and seating areas for people who have a hard time standing. Taking this precaution will allow your elderly travel companion the opportunity to join in the fun.
Make Sure They Are Comfortable In Restaurants
When travelling with an elderly loved one, it is sometimes hard to jump into a restaurant in the spur of the moment because their needs need to be considered beforehand. If you are able to, make reservations and request tables that are close to the restroom so there is not a long walk or weaving through chairs to use the toilet. Make sure restaurants have ramp access for those who can’t take the stairs, and most importantly, make sure the menu has food that your elderly friend or relative can eat as they may be on a strict diet.
Make Sure They Can Access Transportation First
If your group is doing a lot of moving around on planes and busses and in cars, make sure your elderly friends can board these vehicles first. This will make travelling less stressful for them as they can get themselves settled before everyone rushes to get board.
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