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As we grow older, we have regrets. We look back on our lives and say, “I should have done this or not done that.” It’s normal and may happen to everyone, even the most “active” people. Now, can we do anything about it?
Curiosity, adventure, wandering, and travel are part of human nature. However, many of us often feel that we haven’t traveled enough in our lives. Circumstances, lack of free time, obligations, children, work, family, limited finances… If your elderly parents regret not traveling, it’s worth trying. Even with limited finances or mobility, it’s possible to manage a trip. And here are useful tips that will help you down the adventure.
Help Seniors Get In and Out
To prevent any unexpected falls and help senior parents get into a comfortable position in transport, you should help them get in and out of the car. If our family member experiences limited mobility, follow these steps to properly transfer them from the wheelchair to the seat:
- Place the wheelchair as close to the car seat as possible and open the door.
- Position the seat in a convenient position so there’s enough legroom.
- Grab the senior as if you were hugging them (under the armpits) until they stand up with their back facing the door.
- Little by little, they should bend their knees, and you place their bottoms on the seat. Place your hand on the top of their head so they don’t hit the door frame.
- Put the leg closest to the seat.
- Then place the other leg (with your hand around the back to the senior’s back into the correct position) on the seat.
- Put on a seatbelt.
- Adjust the seat position if necessary.
Before closing the door, ask your senior traveler if their position is pleasant and comfortable. Make sure they really feel comfy, as long trips require sitting in the same position for a very long time.
A wheelchair is a game changer for seniors who are not able to physically move themselves around without assistance. Consider a lightweight folding wheelchair from Marc’s Mobility that is easy to take and store. The mobility device helps seniors save energy and minimize the risk of falls.
While traveling by car, the wheelchair must be well-secured. It should not move and wobble during the drive. In case the wheeling chair is used occasionally and not intended for permanent use, you can consider renting one at the destination point instead of taking one with you. This way, you’ll free up much space in the trunk and save some spot for souvenirs 🙂
Sit in the Front Seat
It’s the most suitable seat for seniors to travel in. Well, it has all the advantages:
- the front seat offers more space for them to stretch their legs;
- sitting closer to the driver allows for more frequent and active conversations, especially for those with hearing problems who can’t hear the driver’s message clearly in the back seat;
- the front doors open more freely than the rear doors, and it’s the seat where there’s least likely to get car sick.
Put All Items to the Trunk
While traveling with a senior, it’s likely to have extra baggage that includes medicine, mobility devices, and other essentials. Sitting among luggage is dangerous because, in the case of an accident, these objects could hit or pierce the bodies. Therefore, any belongings or luggage that we won’t be using during the trip should be stored in the trunk.
Maintain Adequate Temperature
The temperature inside the vehicle represents one of the most important aspects of any car trip.
This should be kept within an optimal range, or in other words, between 70°F and 73°F (21 and 23º C).
When it’s getting hot inside the vehicle, we usually set the air conditioning to less than 66°F (19°C). But in the case of traveling with older people, this could pose a risk of elderly parents getting sick due to the rapid temperature drop. So be careful with the air conditioner and set a temperature that feels comfortable for all family members. Use windows when possible and air-wind the car during your stops.
Keep in mind that seniors, whether due to their physical condition or, for example, the medication they are taking, may have altered thermal sensation, so you should, from time to time, ask them if they are cold or hot or if, on the contrary, they are happy with the acclimatization to the environment.
Drive Smooth
Just as sitting in the front seat reduces the risk of motion sickness, so does the style of driving. Smooth driving, without sudden braking or rapid movements, is the best way to prevent motion sickness among all family members.
If you’ve never taken the route you’re going to travel, you can plan your trip with the help of any mobile app that shows you the different routes you can take to reach your destination. Choose one that is the most suitable (for example, the one that has fewer curves than the others). Avoid massive construction works on the road.
Take More Breaks
The time between breaks should be shorter, as senior adults will likely need to go to the bathroom more often. It will also be a good time to stretch their legs, which will improve blood circulation.
At the same time, take advantage of these breaks to ensure you and your older adults stay hydrated. They probably won’t indicate thirst, but you should convince them to drink water from time to time to prevent dehydration.
Be Careful with the Sun
Even though you’re in the car, the sun is particularly strong when driving on a road where there are no trees around, which adds to the sensitivity of seniors’ skin. To prevent sunburn after spending many hours by the window, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to your face and arms 30 minutes before starting the trip.
Extra Tips for Traveling with an Elderly Person with Alzheimer’s
Traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s may require additional precautions to ensure their comfort and safety. Before starting your trip, the following are recommended:
- Medical consultation: Before planning a trip, consult with your doctor so they approve that your senior’s health is suitable for travel.
- Required documentation: Always carry medical documentation with you, including a summary of your parent’s medical history and emergency contacts.
- Detailed itinerary: Plan your trip with alternative routes and take into account necessary rest stops.
During the trip, and given that the family member may feel disoriented, it will be vitally important to double-check that the person with Alzheimer’s carries an identification bracelet or necklace with their name, a contact number to call in case of an emergency, and a brief description of their condition.
Conclusion
You’ll need to adapt the environment until the family member feels comfortable, and you’ll always need to respect senior’s usual schedules, especially with meals and sleep.
With these guidelines, a trip with senior parents can be safe and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Preparation and attention to the specific needs of elderly people, especially those with limited mobility, are key to setting up a smooth trip.