If you are accompanying your elderly parents on a trip or if your aging loved ones are traveling on their own, here are some travel tips that can help to make the trip enjoyable and safe.
Visiting the Doctor
A senior citizen should arrange to see the doctor for a pre-travel checkup around four to six weeks ahead of time, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). During the visit, the doctor can review the patient’s medications and illnesses, and make recommendations for vaccines. The doctor can also offer advice like avoiding places with a high altitude or extreme climate and making sure the trip is not too strenuous for heart patients.
During the pre-travel visit, the doctor can prescribe medication for common travel ailments such as diarrhea and altitude sickness. The doctor may also recommend inoculations for such diseases as malaria. Be sure your loved ones bring along an adequate supply of daily medications for conditions they may suffer, such as arthritis, high blood pressure or diabetes stored in the original container since counterfeit drugs are commonly sold in some countries. It is a good idea to take along a copy of the prescriptions, and pack medication in carry-on baggage.
The doctor can make sure your loved one has had all the necessary routine vaccines, including measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as a flu vaccine. A tetanus booster is also recommended before travel. Also, the CDC lists additional vaccines that are recommended for a particular destination on its Destination Pages, such as typhoid, yellow fever, polio, and hepatitis. However, some seniors may not be candidates for certain vaccines based on their condition.
Accommodating Seniors with Special Needs
According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), the governmental agency that screens passengers before they board a flight, there is a special program for seniors and others who have mobility aids and other equipment who notify the airline in advance. You or a caregiver can also obtain a gate pass to accompany a senior who has special needs. Necessary supplies and equipment may be carried on the airplane, in addition to the carry-on bag.
If supplemental oxygen is needed, find out the policy of the airline for transporting oxygen and using oxygen while in flight. Give the airline advance warning if an oxygen supply will be necessary upon boarding. Ask the doctor if it is safe to proceed through the metal detector if your loved one has a medical device such as a pacemaker. Hand screening may be a better option for some people.
Even for seniors who do not ordinarily use a wheelchair, mobility difficulties may make a wheelchair convenient for seniors who are traveling by plane, boarding a train or taking a cruise. It pays to take advantage of this option if it is available. Make a reservation in advance to make sure you will have the service you need.
Enlisting the Help of a Caregiver
A trained in-home caregiver from a reputable home health care agency can accompany elderly individuals while traveling. In addition, a caregiver can provide transportation for doctor’s appointments and testing, pick up pain prescriptions and remind the senior to take the medication regularly. The caregiver can also help with personal hygiene and meal preparation.
Home Helpers of South Shore is owned and operated by a compassionate health professional with a strong understanding of the needs of aging seniors. Contact Home Helpers to help your aging loved one.
Please fill out the form on the left and we will get in touch with you about setting up in-home health care or call us at (781) 912-3196 to determine the plan that is right for you.
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