Taking Elderly Parents on Vacation

Though your parents may be aging this is no reason to keep them away from the joy that traveling can bring. Whether they want to vacation with family members, return to a place they once called home, or embark upon a new adventure with their spouse in a destination that they have always dreamed of, they will no doubt be glad of some help with the planning. Here are some guidelines which will help you to ensure that Mom and/or Dad have a truly excellent trip to remember and cherish.

Start the planning process with plenty of time

The first thing you should do once you have a destination and dates in mind is begin to look into the option available for transport and accommodations. Make sure you look for accommodations that meet all requirements, for example being on the ground floor for easy access, and research different travel options to find the quickest and most convenient routes.

Request Special Services in advance

Think about whether wheelchair service will be needed at the airports you and your parents will be traveling through, and ensure that your parents will have assistance, if they need it, at the check-in counter, through security, the gate, and right up to boarding the plane. It is crucial that you make all your special requests in advance as travel companies are under no obligation to offer them upon arrival or check-in. Booking a direct flight to your destination will also help.

Get all your paperwork sorted

If you’re traveling out of the country make sure that everyone has an up-to-date passport well in advance of your departure date, and make at least three sets of copies of all documents including passport, driving license, medicare cards, boarding passes, insurance cards, and of course travel tickets. The idea is to have one set for carry-on luggage, one for check baggage, and a third at home.

Think carefully about what you need to pack

If this is at all possible you should aim to pack all the essentials in the carry-on luggage you have with you. This means all medications, both prescription and over the counter in a Ziploc bag, copies of prescriptions, any statements of medical conditions, and of course things like spare underwear and clothing in case luggage should be misdirected.

Plan for Safety and Comfort

It is very important that you equip your parent(s) with the kinds of tools and trinkets that help to protect the elderly from thieves who prey on them. A good example is the Passage Wallet (a wallet which hides under the clothing on a neck cord), hidden wallets, or money belts, all of which are safer than carrying a traditional purse or wallet in a bag or back pocket. A travel pillow and blanket are also sure fire ways to make the journey more comfortable.

Be prepared to pass through security

Keep in mind that any knee, hip, or even toe implants that are metal might set off alarms, and so you should prepare to tell the security staff about this. Take along a physician’s statement regarding the steel implant to help the process go much more smoothly. It may be possible to have a wand screening for your parents to avoid passing through the sensors, and if a wheelchair is required they will be screened seating. Make sure that your parents wear sensible shoes which are easy to slip on and off while going through security.

Helping your parents through these issues may help them to have one of the most memorable and fun vacations in their lives.