This article was contributed by Emma Grace
There is no age limit on adventure. Travelling with an elderly family member, however, can present certain risks. Older travellers may have different priorities when exploring the world. They favour taking their time and thoroughly investigating new places.
For them, the priority is safe travel; they don’t need the same kinds of adventures. A pleasurable and stress-free holiday can be planned with the right forethought and research. To avoid issues, you simply need to consider a few key things.
8 Tips for Travelling with an Elderly Family Member
When travelling with an elderly family member, consider these helpful tips:
1. Choose the Best Travel Service
Consider your elderly family member’s needs. Ask if there is any special seating for tourists with disabilities. If you are travelling by plane, you can request a complimentary wheelchair at any airport terminal where you’re connecting, departing, or arriving. This will make things more straightforward if you are running late or your flight is delayed. It will also be less stress for your elderly family member if you only have a limited time until your next flight.
Additionally, regardless of your mode of transportation, look into the meal service options. This is especially important if your family member has dietary restrictions. Failing to think ahead could result in your loved one lacking food options, which could be a hassle.
2. Select Accommodation Wisely
Ensure you pick a hotel that has elevators, and that your room(s) are close to these elevators. Alternatively, choose accommodation that specialises in disabled tenants. Ground floor, accommodation, too, could be ideal when travelling with an elderly family member. These steps can help to reassure your loved one of their safety and reduces the likelihood of mishaps in unfamiliar spaces.
It is also recommended that you choose accommodation with on-site activities. Find somewhere with a pool or recreational area. Furthermore, try to find somewhere close to the areas you plan to explore. This may increase the price of your accommodation, but safety and convenience are priceless. Moreover, you may ultimately save on transportation. Research the safest places to stay or visit, and consider what food is available at the accommodation you choose.
3. Consult Their Doctor
If you are travelling with an elderly family member with health complications, there may be additional challenges. Before travelling, it is recommended to get a check-up from your doctor, and this is especially important if your loved one has a health condition or has had a recent operation.
Visiting the doctor is also the best time to schedule any vaccines for travelling abroad. Knowing what to consider and understanding your loved one’s overall health can make it simpler to keep them happy and healthy throughout your holiday.
4. Be Mindful of Your Meals
Digestive systems change with age, making some meals harder to eat. If you are travelling outside your comfort zone, you should keep this advice in mind. Travelling with an elderly family member could be risky if they have not sampled more exotic foods. They may struggle with unfamiliar meals, spices, and preparation techniques.
Any dietary limitations must also be taken into account when choosing meals and snacks during the trip. When you consult their doctor, they may be able to advise which local foods should be avoided.
5. Look After Yourself Too
Don’t forget to take care of the caretaker. If you are travelling with an elderly family member, it can help to travel with other family members too. This can help you to engage in fun activities without neglecting your loved one.
Perhaps you and your partner could plan a spa date. Alternatively, you could simply lounge down at the pool. Keep yourself safe while travelling and stay alert. Everyone should go back to their homes with fond memories and in a better mood than when they went.
6. Search for Holidays that Favour Over-60s
It is always crucial to take the time of year you intend to travel into account. An excellent alternative if you want to see multiple places is to go on a cruise. Many cruise lines offer services for more experienced individuals. Due to the numerous tempting features of smaller ships that escape ocean swells, river cruising is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
These features include a lower risk of motion sickness, larger accommodations, less walking due to the size of the ship, and more services. Plan to fulfil your bucket-list dreams. For people with dietary limitations, Viking Cruises is a luxury cruise line to keep in mind. Special diets like vegetarian, low-salt, diabetic, or low-cholesterol meals may be catered to by chefs.
7. Pack All Essentials
You may need to help your elderly family member pack. Prepare a list of essential items in advance, including medications. Never pack important medications in a checked bag as you don’t want to risk having them delayed or misplaced. However, if required to declare the contents of your luggage, never fail to report that you have important medication.
Always include a list of prescription medications and suggested dosages in case you need to visit a doctor whilst abroad. Furthermore, make sure your attire is suited for the weather and familiarise yourself with the local dress codes. For example, there will be strict dress requirements if you are visiting sacred locations, such as Thailand’s famous temples.
8. Travel Insurance
Anyone going on a trip should buy travel insurance, but those who are travelling with an elderly family member may find that the right insurance provides priceless peace of mind. Caregivers should seek to protect any travel expenses by purchasing the appropriate travel insurance. This means finding insurance that covers any medical treatment their loved one requires.
Get in touch with an authorised travel insurance advisor in advance of your trip to get the appropriate coverage for you and your family members. Receiving medical care for less is made easier with travel insurance.
Conclusion
Travelling with an elderly family member is an wonderful method of creating lifelong memories. By planning properly, you can ensure the trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
About the Author
Emma Grace excels in crafting highly informative pieces. She has great experience in conducting meaningful research and catering to the readers’ needs. Whether it’s your favourite place or food, she knows how to bring the right information with her writing expertise.
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