OMAHA, Neb. (PRWEB) June 18, 2018
Traveling can be an enjoyable part of retirement, but it can also be exhausting and stressful for older adults, as well as caregivers traveling with them. With nearly one in four Baby Boomers reporting that they plan to travel more this summer than last summer, Home Instead Senior Care is offering simple tips to help older adults keep their travel experience as hassle-free as possible.
“Following the excitement around planning a trip to visit family or check a destination off a bucket list, the actual experience of traveling can be a bit intimidating, especially if older adults have medical issues or aren’t used to navigating airport terminals or taking other forms of transportation,” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist for Home Instead Senior Care. “The keys are staying organized, giving yourself plenty of time and taking advantage of helpful travel services.”
Home Instead Senior Care recommends the following to ensure smooth travels this summer:
- Mind your meds. Always travel with daily medication on you, in case checked luggage gets lost or a delay or cancellation keeps you from getting to your luggage. When flying, remove any meds you might need from carry-on luggage before boarding, especially if there is a chance you will be asked to gate check your bag.
- Keep travel documents close. Be sure that important travel documents are kept on you as well. Money belts that slip under clothing are a great way to store those items securely.
- Allow extra time. If you’ve had any sort of joint replacement or a condition that could trigger a security alarm at the airport, be sure to mention it to a TSA agent and allow yourself extra time for going through security. When flying, it’s a good idea to plan a little extra time to account for restroom breaks or snacks.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can quickly put a damper on your travels. Bring along an empty water bottle and refill it throughout your trip. For a longer flight, be sure to take advantage of the complimentary beverage services, and stick with water or juice. On a road trip, plan frequent stops for restroom breaks, beverage refills and brief exercise.
- Ask for help. Traveling can be exhausting and often involves a lot of walking, especially in large airports. Request wheelchair assistance or an airport shuttle ride when needed. Also, be sure to take advantage of the pre-boarding process so that you won’t need to hurry down the jet way and can take your time getting settled on the plane. Assistance during travel will also help you save energy for the fun activities planned at your final destination.
- Keep plans need-to-know when on the go. Be mindful of who you share your travel plans with. Be sure that family has a copy of your itinerary and knows the best way to reach you. However, be cautious in posting about your trip on social media until after your return.
For more senior and caregiver resources, visit http://www.caregiverstress.com
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ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 60 million hours of care throughout the United States and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 70,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network partners with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.