Holiday Travel Tips for Seniors

Home Care in Glendale, AZ

The holidays are a time for reuniting and getting together with loved ones. If your elderly loved one is planning to travel this holiday season to visit friends and family who live far away, there are some tips you should keep in mind to help them make their trip comfortable, fun, and easy. Read on for some useful tips if you will be traveling with a senior this holiday season: 

Don’t Leave the House Unattended

Seniors should arrange to have a house-sitter or a trusted neighbor check on their home while they are away. Unfortunately, the holidays are a time when people need to be extra vigilant about preventing theft and break-ins and having a house-sitter is a good way to ensure that your elderly loved one won’t be a victim of theft. Have the house-sitter take the garbage cans out on garbage day and then bring them back in, get all mail and newspapers off of the porch, and rotate which lights are turned on and off inside the house.  

Make a Plan for a Road Trip Ahead of Time

For seniors who suffer from painful conditions like arthritis, sitting in the car for long periods of time can be very difficult. If you are planning to do a long car ride with your elderly loved one, make sure to plan out the route ahead of time. Take scheduled breaks along the way and be aware of where the rest stops are. Road trips can be a great opportunity to have some fun, too. If there is a special place or restaurant that your loved one would love to visit along the way, schedule in a stop!

Make a Detailed Packing List

Make a detailed packing list ahead of time to avoid overpacking and/or forgetting the essentials. Make sure you know what medications your loved one will need and pack them in a safe place. Not waiting until the last minute to pack is also a great way to ensure you won’t forget anything during a packing frenzy. 

Plan Ahead for Smooth Air Travel

If traveling by plane, there are several things seniors should know. Medications should always be kept in a carry on bag so that they won’t get lost. It is also important to call the airline ahead of time if your elderly loved one will need any special accommodations on the flight. Many airports will have special security lines for seniors and adults over the age of 75 are not required to remove their shoes and jackets. Airports can mean a lot of walking, if this is too difficult for your elderly loved one, you can always request a wheelchair.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Glendale, AZ, contact the caring staff at Right at Home. Call today (623) 878-2885