Age should never keep anyone from seeing the world, and seniors often take advantage of their retirement to embark on bucket-list trips. However, the reality is that navigating the logistics of travel, from packing to crowded airports, can be overwhelming for almost everyone, no matter their age. For seniors, it can be even more challenging.

If you’re planning a trip with your aging-in-place loved one, there are several things you can do, and assist them in doing, to ensure that the trip is both safe and fun. Embarking on a new adventure shouldn’t come with worries, and the work and planning you put in ahead of time can make all the difference.

Manage Medications

No matter how long the trip you’re planning may be, it is essential that seniors pack several more doses of their medications than they need in case luggage is lost. Especially if you’re traveling on a plane, it is critical that the medications are packed in various bags, both carry-ons and checked luggage, which you may not be able to access during a flight.
This step can also help if your senior has to take multiple medications throughout the day. Ensuring that their medication is readily available, whether you’re at the airport, the hotel, or out on the town, is essential for their well-being. If your senior loved one takes any liquid medications, make sure that you get the proper documentation from a doctor before the trip. This will allow the medication on board the plane so that navigating TSA can be a simpler task.

Make Copies of Important Documents

For traveling seniors, and especially those going to foreign countries, making copies of important documents like passports and other types of identification is crucial. If someone steals a passport or wallet, extra copies of these documents can help expedite any meetings at the consulate and increase the likelihood of being able to board your return flight.
Before leaving for the trip, you can scan your loved one’s documents and create copies that can be accessed digitally if all physical copies are lost or if more copies than you have on hand are needed.

Packing Light

When helping your senior loved one pack for a trip, your main goal should be that everything fits in a rolling suitcase and over-the-shoulder carry-on bag. For travel within the United States, luggage can be even lighter. Heavy bags can cause injuries while lifting, and the less luggage to keep track of, the better.

Plan for Emergencies

Before you even begin to plan for the logistics of your adventure, it’s important to ensure that the destination can handle any healthcare emergencies that might arise for your senior. Determine whether emergency services can reach wherever you and your loved one are staying, and do research to see if healthcare is available nearby. It is crucial to consult with a physician before leaving for your trip to ensure that seniors are cleared for travel.

Travel With Confidence

Traveling can be exhilarating, but returning home to care and community is priceless. Here at Marquette Home Care, we provide in-home care to clients across the greater Marquette area, including Negaunee, Skandia, Harvey, Ishpeming, and Gwinn. Call Marquette Home Care today at 906-361-8022 to see how we can be of service to you.