How to Travel with Elderly Parents

Traveling with elderly parents can be a delightful experience for you and for your parents. A family meeting to plan the trip is a perfect way to make sure everyone has input and will be happy with the destination and details of the trip.

Traveling with seniors, especially trips for elderly parents, can be a great way to see the world through their eyes. You may decide to travel to a familiar place your parents haven’t visited in years, such as the place they were born, or the town they grew up in.

A nostalgic road trip will spark memories and initiate conversations to be cherished for years to come. Make sure you are prepared for frequent stops to get out of the car to stretch and use the restroom.

These stops are perfect for treating yourselves to ice cream cones, fresh fruit from local fruit stands, or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate if you’re making your trip in the fall or winter.

Everyone may have decided a new adventure would be the perfect trip. Are the mountains calling? Do you think your parents would enjoy dipping their toes in the ocean or hopping an airplane to a new and exciting destination?

Safe travel for seniors should be a priority as you plan the trip. You should evaluate your parents’ health, mobility, and stamina. Are they able to walk long distances? What about soft surfaces such as sand or grass? Can they climb stairs? Are they able to board an airplane or shuttle bus?

You can set up assisted travel options for elderly parents, such as a wheelchair transports at the airport, or making sure your destination is handicap accessible. If you plan to stay in a hotel, make sure you request a handicap accessible room.

Those rooms have higher toilets and grab bars to make bathing, showering and toileting more comfortable and safer for the elderly guest. Call ahead to check on and set up the accommodation they need so your parents aren’t disappointed when you reach your destination.

Travel tips for seniors will come in handy for any trip you take with your parents. Let’s look at a few more tips for traveling with elderly parents that will make your trip enjoyable, safe and most of all…fun!

• Check with your parents’ doctor to make sure it is safe for them to make the trip.
• Make sure they have the medicine they need for the time away. A first aid kit and basic OTC medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, antacids, and Benadryl should be included.
• Consider buying travel insurance, just in case. Especially if you are a long distance from home or out of the country.
• Plan activities everyone can enjoy but don’t over-schedule.
• Allow time for resting between activities.
• Always ask for senior discounts.
• Try to request a ground floor room if you are staying in a hotel.
• Pack comfortable shoes.
• Take frequent breaks to eat, rest and stay hydrated.
• Allow time for yourself. You might be able to get a spa treatment, visit a museum or go out for a brisk walk while your parents are napping.
• Be flexible.
• Be prepared for the unexpected.

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Traveling with your elderly parents might be a challenge but it can also be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. Just be ready to adjust your schedule to a slower pace, have patience when needed and most of all, enjoy them and have fun!