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Family vacations are the best times of the year. However, traveling with an elderly loved one means that your trip will require a little bit of extra preparation.
Few people are aware of what options are available to them when taking care of elderly family members during a trip. With proper planning, you can still enjoy your annual vacation and have an incredible time. Below are some effective tips to make your trip a stress-free and wonderful family experience.
Get Clearance From a Doctor
Before making any travel plans, you need to first consult with a primary care physician. You also need to establish whether your intended travel destination is appropriate for an older person and whether there are any special precautionary measures that should be undertaken such as vaccines. If there are any medications necessary, make sure you pack them before your trip.
Pre-accommodation Plans
If you wish to rent a car, then a mini-van would be a much better option than a 2-door car since it is more accessible. If you are traveling with an elderly loved one who uses a wheelchair, ensure that the vehicle you rent can accommodate mobility equipment. If you are taking a flight, then make sure that you request to be allocated seats which are suitable for those with disabilities. Regarding meal services, make sure that the staff are aware beforehand of any special dietary needs. If any of your party have difficulty with walking, you can request for a wheelchair from the airline and to be assigned an airport employee to assist you from place to place while at the airport. If you book a hotel, then it is a good idea to request to be assigned a room on the first floor for convenience.
Scale Back on the Activities
If you are traveling in a group with a senior, ensure that you plan the activities accordingly so that they're suitable for all members of your group. Trips should be simple and take into account the various mobility abilities of those you are with. Apart from this, you should conduct some background research on each destination to ensure that each can accommodate any special needs of an elder person.
At any given time, ensure that you have all the essentials in case of emergencies. Since you know your loved one well, there is no excuse to not having a good time during your annual vacation. After all, vacation is all about family.