How to Travel With an Elderly Relative
By Space Coast Daily // July 1, 2021
Whether you are helping your mom tick off a dream location from her bucket list or your elderly uncle wants to move to another state, the idea of planning a trip for someone older can be daunting. This is especially true if they have pre-existing medical conditions and have not taken many trips away before.
With a bit of forethought and organization, planning a trip for a senior citizen can be pretty straightforward. Here is a short guide to help you make the journey easier.
Medical Flights
If your relative is old and frail, then the easiest way to guarantee they have a safe journey is to book a medical flight. Private medical flights can be incredibly expensive, but if you book with a non-emergency medical transport provider, you benefit from a professional service at a fraction of the cost.
Non-emergency medical transport providers, such as Flying Angels, pair individuals with a flight nurse who will be there to help from start to finish.
The flight nurse will take charge of all medical and travel needs. They are specially trained to offer in-flight medical and wellbeing care and will customize your travel plans to your relative’s needs. Whether it’s a leisure trip to an international destination or a domestic trip to another state, Flying Angels have got you covered.
Prepare for the Trip
If you do decide to go with a non-emergency medical transport provider, you will receive assistance with transportation and hotels. However, there are other preparations you can make ahead of the trip. Make sure your relative has packed all of the medication they need for the entire journey.
Take extra copies of their prescription just in case they require extra supplies. Medication can get lost in transit easily. Besides packing the prescription, your relative can also bring extra medication for emergencies.
Traveling for Leisure
If you and your loved one are traveling for leisure, then do some research into your destination. Read up on how the country works and make sure you are aware of any rules and restrictions that may apply to your relatives. In terms of healthcare, the country you are visiting may pose a health risk in some form.
For example, some countries run a higher risk for hepatitis, typhoid, or polio. In this case, you and your relative may benefit from getting vaccinated or taking special medication with you. Speak to your doctor before you travel to ensure you are well prepared for your vacation.
Tailor the Vacation to Your Loved One’s Needs
Your elderly relative may know exactly where they want to go, in which case all you can do is help make their vacation as comfortable as possible. However, if they simply want to take a vacation, then consider going on a cruise. Cruises are brilliant for elderly people as everything is readily available onboard.
There is often an array of cuisines to choose from, the entertainment is targeted to people of different ages, and they get to visit numerous countries from the comfort of a luxurious ship.
