It’s that time of the year when it’s time to start planning vacations for the summer. Planning ahead can save you and your family a lot of time, money, and hassle. If you’re planning on bringing your senior parent on vacation with you this year, there are some special things that you will need to plan ahead for to make the trip as easy as possible for your senior loved one. Keep in mind that in-home care can make the packing and getting ready for the trip much easier because an in-home caregiver can help make sure your senior loved one will have everything they need for the length of the trip. Use these planning tips to make a family vacation with your senior parent much smoother and happier for everyone:
Leave Plenty Of Time Between Flights
It’s always a good idea to leave plenty of time between connecting flights if you’re flying, but it’s essential that you do so if you’re traveling with a senior. Your senior parent is not going to be able to sprint off the plane and run for the next gate the way you can. They will need time to move slowly, visit the bathroom, get something to eat and drink, and rest a little. You should also plan far in advance to get a wheelchair or walker at the airport to help your senior loved one get around the airport.
Rent A Car If You’re Driving
Unless you have a very large family friendly vehicle if you’re traveling by car you should rent a vehicle that will hold the entire family comfortably with room for everyone to spread out. The vehicle should also be low to the ground and easy for your senior parent to get in and out of. You may want to consider renting an RV and traveling in that to make sure that your senior parent and the rest of your family are as comfortable as possible. That can also cut down on meal stops and bathroom breaks.
Get Extra Medications Early
It can take weeks to get extra medications that your senior loved one needs. Usually you will need to call their doctor, tell them about the trip, and wait for them to ok a refill that is earlier than usual or has more medication than usual so that you have enough to bring on the trip. So don’t put this task off until the last minute or you won’t be able to get the medication before you need to leave.
Plan On A Daily Nap For Your Senior Parent
Don’t overpack the family schedule with tours and trips. Your senior loved one is going to need some downtime each day to rest and relax. Plan on your senior parent taking a nap in the afternoon for a couple of hours. That’s when you can the kids on tours that would be too much for your senior parent or to amusement parks.
If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Greenwood Village, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
