Travel Tips for Caregivers of Elderly Loved Ones

Sometimes you travel because you want to, sometimes because you need to. Whatever the reason, planning a trip can be logistical nightmare for caregivers.

Being responsible for an elderly loved one can mean adopting a rather rigid schedule and lifestyle, especially if you are the primary caregiver. How, then, do you travel? It can be a logistical nightmare, whether the travel is elective or necessary. Regardless, understanding some of the challenges and workarounds in advance can make the travel more manageable. The New Old Age blog at The New York Times recently offered some food for thought on this important subject.

The big question is whether your elderly parent is traveling with you. If the travel involves you alone for business or pleasure, then you still may need to replace yourself while away. Perhaps you already have someone who assists with care. If yes, find out whether they can temporarily stay on full-time since they already know your parent and their needs. If no, then contact an in-home care organization, as many offer temporary services. Don’t overlook assisted-living or nursing homes, too. They might offer temporary stay options. Finally, there is the more difficult (but less expensive) option of coordinating a schedule of volunteer (or recruited) family members and friends. Note: Care must be taken since everyone needs to know the schedule and understand the care requirements.

If your elderly loved will be traveling with you – such as for a family vacation or even to a care facility – then there are additional considerations, but at least you will be the one there to run interference. Of course, the first hurdle is whether they can travel. You’ll want to contact their doctor to get their opinion. In addition, this will give you a greater appreciation of challenges you may not have addressed.

While you’re at it, medications ought to be first and foremost on your mind. Running low on a medication mid-trip can be risky at best and deadly at worst. It may be difficult getting a prescription filled, as well. It may be advisable to take extra quantities of virtually everything from pills to Depends.  

In regards to other details, make schedules for everything to maintain consistency from meals to rest breaks to bathroom breaks. Remember: When flying, consider asking for a wheelchair in the terminal, even if it is not expressly needed. Why? The wheelchair can help make transporting your elderly loved one much easier and, on many airlines, it can help you get to the front of the boarding line.

While the original post has even more specific ideas and instructions, the general rule of thumb is to think about the little details and to plan for them, whether you’re leaving your elderly loved on at home or you’re traveling together, it will make a world of difference.

Reference: The New York Times (September 15, 2011) “When It’s Time to Hit the Road”

Please visit the Elder Law & Long-Term Care section of our website, and feel free to call us today if you have any questions.

Comments

[Janet]

I've spent the last 2 years as my mom's primary caregiver and when it comes to vacations, they can either be a nightmare or a dream depending on the help. In my family, we like to bring as many people as possible since I have 3 kids and my mom and my sister has one so its a help. With so many people travelling, its always important for us to keep in touch with each other and that includes my mom. I was shocked at how adament she was that she have a cell phone to keep in touch with us in case she wanted to seperate during the vacation. I under-estimated how active she was and thought possibly she was right, so I did a little research for her and found out her options. Expense wise, we chose a prepaid phone from the Tracfone/SVC line that costs about $7 a month to keep active for her or the phone is deactivated. This Christmas we are all spending it in Disney World so this will be her first test.

[Creditable Drug Coverage]

These are excellent reminders. Indeed travelling with an elderly love one takes a lot of advance planning. In my case, I always make sure to do a checklist so I won't forget anything. And I always make sure that each day are planned ahead of time and on a per hour basis to be on the safe side.