Even though your elderly parent’s days of hiking to the
bottom of the Grand Canyon in one day are in the past, the world is full of
many other exciting destinations to explore. While traveling to these locales together
presents a different set of challenges than with a younger group of companions,
it can help strengthen the adult child/parent relationship and create lasting
memories. With a little advance planning, you can turn your trip into a
spectacular journey with your parent.
Setting Expectations
First, decide where you and your parent will travel. As you
discuss possible destinations with your parent, try to talk openly about trip
expectations. For example, a trip to a remote cabin in the Yukon may sound appealing
to your outdoor-loving father, but it may be an unrealistic dream for an
elderly parent with health problems. Don’t dismiss your dad’s dream of visiting
the great outdoors by taking him to a Broadway show. Instead, think of
alternative ways to make the dream a reality.
Amy Abrams, an elderly care manager who has helped families
travel with an elderly relative, suggests travel alternatives in The New Old
Age on Forbes.com.
While someone in a wheelchair may not be able to spend time
in the sand, taking a beach lover near the ocean, so they can “smell the ocean
or feel the breeze,” would allow them to experience the sensation of being at
the beach, she said.
You will also need to come up with a daily itinerary that
works for your parent. If possible, stick closely to your parent’s normal
schedule. For example, if your parent needs extra sleep in the morning, plan
for afternoon activities. And stop for meals at your parent’s usual eating
time.
“I always recommend positive adaptation,” Abrams says in the article. “Don’t try
to do everything your parents did 10 or 15 years ago. Maybe you have one brief
visit to the museum instead of the whole day.”
If you follow a schedule, your parent will be less likely to
feel stressed or overwhelmed during the trip.
Travel Plans
Once you’ve selected the destination, look for stress-free
ways to travel. A flight in the middle of the night, for example, may
completely upset your parent’s normal sleeping schedule, but a flight during
the time of day when he or she is most active could be a better option.
After selecting your method of transportation, look for
special services designed for elderly travelers. For example, most airports
will gladly provide a wheelchair or electric cart to help transport your parent
through the terminal. Also keep an eye out for senior discounts to help defray
the cost of travel.
Don’t forget to consider transportation during your trip.
Unless you will have a car with you, you will need to find an alternative way
to get around town. For example, in Las Vegas you can use the city’s monorail
to see the most popular stops along the Strip, and the New Orleans streetcars
allow access to many of the historic parts of the city.
Plan for Emergencies
Although it’s impossible to anticipate every emergency that
may occur during your trip, you can be prepared. Start by talking to your
parent’s doctor or home caregiver before the trip to discuss any health
situations that you need to know. Be sure to get your parent’s prescription
medications filled before leaving. You should also take along important health
documents, including insurance cards and allergy lists. If your parent falls or
has an allergic reaction to food on the trip, these tools may prove critical
when seeking help.
If you’re traveling outside of the country, you’ll need to
ensure that each traveler has a valid passport and driver’s license. For extra
protection, make copies of these documents. You should place these items in an
easily accessible section of your luggage.
Finally, think carefully as you pack clothes for your
elderly parent. Even if you’re traveling to a warm climate, bringing along a
jacket and thick socks will help your parent feel comfortable if temperatures
drop. If you expect to be in the sun frequently, be sure to bring a hat, sun block
and sunglasses for your parent.
Traveling with your elderly parent may not be an
action-packed journey, but the slower pace of travel can help you gain a deeper
understanding of your destination, your parent and yourself. With good planning
and proper preparation, the two of you will enjoy a trip that you won’t soon
forget.
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