Don’t go on vacation with grandma (or grandpa) until you have done these 5 things!
I know a lot of folks are hesitant about traveling with older relatives or friends (especially if they have health issues). There can be special challenges associated with traveling with older people, however, the elderly in our society should not be deprived of the joys of exploration. Older people can add unique perspectives, stories and memories that add to the richness of the experience!
The key to a smoother travel experience is all in the preparation (and sometimes Preparation H). Making sure you have the proper equipment, supplies and assistance can bring piece of mind to everyone in your travel group.
These are the essential 5 travel prep trips I recommend to all my patients and family:
Make sure more than one person in the group has a LIST OF THE MEDICATIONS, ALLERGIES AND HEALTH ISSUES of the elderly person/s that are traveling. The list should be small enough to fit in a wallet or purse and a few people should carry copies.
In fact, I believe everyone should carry a list of hers/his/their medical issues, medications and allergies with them at all times. If you are in a serious accident, medical and emergency personnel will be looking in your personal items for this critical information.
2. CARRY A LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTACTS AND CRITICAL MEDICAL FORMS (like copies of a person’s healthcare wishes if she/he/they became suddenly very ill)
This list should include healthcare powers of attorney, family and loved ones that the person would want contacted if a healthcare issue arose while on travel.
3. PACK ENOUGH MEDICATION FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP PLUS 4-7 DAYS EXTRA.
Make sure each bootle or container is labeled with the name of the medication, what condition it is taken for and how (when) it is suppossed to be taken.
My dear friend, Ms. Betty, at the top of Mt. Washington in N.H. at the age of 90! We rode the cog railway to the top.
4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND MOBILE ASSISTANT DEVICES THE PERSON MAY NEED
Do you need to pack a blood pressure cuff, blood sugar monitor, cane, walker or handicap tags? These items will be critical to make sure you can monitor the health of your elderly traveler and allow them to be as mobile as possible on excursions.
Do you need to contact the airline for wheelchair assitance at the airport? Allow extra time into your travel plans so everyone is not feeling stressed and rushed.
A medical airlift can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars!!
5. CONSIDER PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE
Medical emergencies can happen at any time but often become more likely as we age and accumulate health issues.
Travel insurance can bring that extra piece of mind that you will have additional support if you or one of your travelers experience a medical emergency. Be sure you read and understand what the policy covers beforehand because every company and policy is different.
Options may include coverage for:
*needing to cancel your trip because someone becomes ill before travel
*ambulance and air transportation for health emergencies while on travel
*a 24/7 phone number to call for information about where to go for medical care
*language interpretive or translating services as well as a medical dictionary
*Embassy finder
