Top Tips for Traveling with Seniors

For seniors, travel can be especially challenging or risky. Use these top tips to make senior travel fun and safe.

As adults age, their family members tend to act as long-distance caregivers. The average distance a long-distance caregiver lives from a senior is 450 miles. That means if seniors travel to see their loved ones, they often go a long way.

It’s common for seniors to have some trouble getting around like they used to. So, it’s not surprising that long-distance travel can be a real challenge. Here’s how to make travel safer and more comfortable for aging adults.

Options for Travel for Seniors

Although seniors can travel by plane, train, or car, each option has pros and cons.

Traveling by Plane

Pros:

A fast form of travel
Can earn loyalty program points
Often accommodates disabilities

Cons:

Airports can be overwhelming
Might be expensive
Some are afraid of flying

Traveling by Train

Pros:

Access to many locations
Passes by moderately fast
May allow for socializing

Cons:

Routes can be inconvenient or confusing
Limited options for stops and pricing
Limited accessibility for those with disabilities

Traveling by Car

Pros:

Control over routes/stops
Can add cushions/supports for comfort
Often most affordable

Cons:

Can take a long time
A possibility of getting lost
Driving alone may not be safe

How Seniors Can Travel with Ease

For safe, comfortable, and fun travel experiences, seniors can use the following tips:

Prepare Ahead of Time

Practice using a map app, write down directions
Contact airports or train stations to learn about available assistance options
Pack vital items in a carry-on or easily accessible bag in case of emergency or change of plans
Research parking options (get a disability tag if necessary)
Consult a doctor about plans if travel is a concern for medical reasons
Know where medical facilities are located at travel destination

Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask other people for help while traveling. Try to ask people who work wherever you are (in a hotel, airport, etc) for safety reasons. Never offer strangers more details than necessary when asking for help.

Bring Someone/Share With Loved Ones

Find a friend or relative to travel with
Inquire about traveling caregivers if assistance will be needed
Share your location on your phone, as well as copies of your itinerary, with loved ones

A Senior’s “Bonus” Packing List

Although some of these items may be on most adults’ packing lists, they tend to be extra important for seniors to ensure their safety and comfort:

Medications/supplements
Support pillows or cushions
Ambulatory/medical devices
Hearing aid batteries
Doctor list/medical alert information
Compression socks
Dentures holder/cleaner

Seniors may have difficulty estimating their need for downtime or rest while traveling. Encourage them to make plans that can be flexible so they can enjoy their time away.

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.

Sources:

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.