Tips for Traveling with your Senior Loved Ones

​Spring is in the air! Consider taking your senior loved one on a trip. Melody Living senior living community residents have traveled the world and share their experiences with one another. Their stories have inspired our resident experts to create a plan to make traveling with seniors safe and fun. 
 
Make a Plan
Pick a day where you and your loved one can sit together (in-person or virtually) to daydream about your next getaway. Make a list of destinations you’re both excited to visit. Once you’ve picked a destination, try to map out what you will be doing each day of your adventure. Make sure to schedule in some down time everyday to ensure your senior loved one will have the best experience possible. Go as far as picking out restaurants together that fit the dietary needs of your travel partners. You should also take into account their comforts and needs. Does your loved one require assistance while getting around, do they get tired quickly, make sure to keep home comforts around and plan for additional support when and where needed. Always have a back-up plan to your plans so that you can pivot your itinerary, if needed. Be sure to purchase travel insurance, this will provide you coverage in the case of a last minute illness, including COVID-19. 

Tackle Packing 
Spring weather is unpredictable here in Colorado Springs. The first step to packing is checking the weather. Your days are already planned out so you can coordinate clothing based on those activities. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Pack a sweater or shawl for the plane because it is often cold. Make a checklist of all medications, medical documentation and other supplies that might be needed. Those items should be placed in a carry-on bag to lessen the risk of them getting lost with a checked bag and also so that they are easily accessible in the event of a delay or flight cancellation.
 
Ask for Help
Request special accommodations for your senior loved one when making flight reservations. Airlines will offer early boarding for senior travelers to have extra time to get settled on the airplane. They’ll also seat seniors near bathrooms or in the front of the airliner for easy access on and off the plane. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for transportation from the ticketing area to the gate. You can also get transportation from the gate to baggage claim.
 
Airport Security 
Screening procedures may be  different for people with disabilities, medical conditions, or who are 75 or older. If your senior loved one has a medical device that cannot go through the metal detector, alert an agent immediately. Agents will then utilize alternative methods, including hand-wanded scanning.
Don’t be alarmed if the agents ask to screen mobility devices like canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, this is standard protocol. Let an agent know immediately if your loved one is unstable without the device. They have designated seating available for these situations. 
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Finally, senior travelers are often eligible for priority or expedited screening. Jackets and shoes do not have to be removed for travelers 75 and older. If your senior loved one needs advanced screening, designated seating is available.

​COVID-19 Supplies
Travel guidelines as of March 2022 require all airline passengers to wear a mask. Make sure you discuss with your senior loved one the type of mask they are most comfortable with, and then have several on hand. Also, put small containers of hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes in your carry-on bag. You can use the wipes to clean off surfaces around you. Be sure to sanitize your hands before you snack on the plane.
 
Have Fun
Make memories! Taking a senior loved one out of their daily routine can be challenging in regards to scheduling, medical needs and dietary concerns, however,  the memories you make will certainly outweigh the obstacles.
 
To learn more about Melody Living Assisted Living and Memory Care planned off-site adventures as well as how we plan and prepare for those, feel free to give us a call at 719.960.4005 or schedule a private tour on our contact page.