The holidays will be here before we know it. If your senior loved one wants to travel this merry season, be sure to get them where they need to go safely and with minimal stress. Travel companions for seniors can be a great option to take the worry out of the holidays.
Holiday travel, especially senior travel, can be hectic and stressful if it’s not properly planned with a well-organized itinerary and companion services. If you are a son or daughter in charge of caring for a senior loved one, there may be times that they will want to fly for vacation or to visit other relatives during the holidays. And you may not always be able to accompany them. The thought of your loved one embarking on elderly travel alone can be scary.
Everyone knows the stress that traveling entails, especially senior travel. Making your flight on time, getting through airport security and remembering where you put your ticket can be hectic enough. For seniors, the stress of travel is often amplified to the point that they feel uncomfortable traveling, and sadly it keeps many from participating in these family events that we all enjoy. In order to make sure no family is without their loved ones due to an inability to travel, FirstLight Home Care provides a service called travel companions for seniors that helps make sure your aging parent’s senior travel is as safe and stress-free as possible.
What is a Senior Travel Companion?
Whether your loved one is on a cruise, staying at a resort or simply visiting family or friends, we strive to make their vacation or visit as comfortable as possible. Our qualified travel companions for seniors are ready to accommodate any needs, including help getting them there, getting them home and even help throughout their entire stay.
With services like travel companions for seniors, FirstLight Home Care’s extraordinary caregivers aid any adult along their journey through companion services. From helping with travel to providing companionship along the way, our caregivers ensure your parents have a safe and enjoyable trip, the way it should be. Wherever your loved one is going, our caregivers strive to make their vacation or visit as comfortable as possible. Don’t let travel apprehension stop your loved ones from enjoying time spent with family. If you have an aging parent and are worried for their safety and care while traveling, contact us today to see how we can help with our companion services.
Benefits of A Senior Travel Companion?
- Assistance with airport check-in and ticketing
- Carrying luggage
- Assistance with getting through security or customs
- Assistance with ground transportation
Our certified personal companions can even assist with things like:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Hygiene
- Meals
- Medication reminders
Holiday Tips For Elderly Travel
With the right research and planning, you can get your senior loved one where they need to go safely regardless of using companion services. Below are a few tips on how to make holiday travel a seamless process that keeps seniors comfortable, relaxed and arriving at their destination with ease.
Prepare documents and medications
When booking flights, you and your senior should get as much information as possible. Having an informational packet put together will help everyone know what to expect and feel prepared for whatever may arise.
Your packet should include:
- Flight departure and arrival times
- Transportation options to and from the airport
- Terminal maps and gate locations
- Medication regulations and necessary documents
- TSA safety check process
Look through the TSA website to learn about which medications are allowed and how to communicate with an officer about medically necessary bottles or containers. Request copies of prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from each physician and medical center for verification.
Making photocopies of passports, driver’s license, insurance cards, travel tickets and the trip’s itinerary provides a backup in case of any unforeseen emergencies. Keep one set of copies with you (the caregiver), place a set of the documents in your senior’s carry-on bag and forward a set of the documents to the destination.
Research elderly travel companions
For some seniors, traveling can be tricky no matter how well-planned their trip may be—whether it’s mobility issues, medication concerns or just anxiety that comes with travel. As the family caregiver, it might make sense for you to find a senior travel companion to help your loved one along on their trip, especially if you are unable to travel with them.
Elderly travel companions assist senior travelers every step of the way. They keep them company, remind them to take their medications, and provide family caregivers at home with peace of mind knowing someone is there with your traveler’s best interest in mind.
Consider insurance
When you’re a senior traveler, there are additional factors that should be considered regarding insurance. What happens if a fall takes place or you run out of your medication?
Health Insurance: If traveling within the United States, be sure to look up what hospitals accept your health insurance and if there is coverage during travel. If going abroad, look at buying a travel medical plan or vacation plan that includes medical emergencies.
Trip Insurance: There are a few different options when choosing trip insurance. For seniors, there can be unexpected delays due to appointments, or medical clearance delays. Therefore, it is ideal that trip cancellation protection is provided.
FirstLight Home Care – Senior Travel Companion Services
Remember, it’s important to continue to live life to the fullest at any age. Following these basic tips and finding the right companion services will save you a few headaches during holiday travel. Keep this merry season filled with fun adventures and safe travels. If you’re interested in learning more about our home care services, check out our pricing.
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