Traveling with an elderly parent—tips and ideas to make it safe and enjoyable.

By Bob Gregory

The Holidays are upon us and it’s time to make those travel arrangements!  It is always exciting to visit friends and family during the Holidays or to simply take a vacation, but traveling with an elderly parent can present its challenges.  If it’s your first time traveling with an elderly parent, then there are a few things you should know that will help make your trip safe and enjoyable for all.

Here are some tips and ideas for your consideration:

Family convergence (Photo credit: Sarah Ross photography)

1. Make sure your parent(s) are up to the trip both physically and mentally.  Elderly parents will often over extend themselves to accommodate the family so as not to be a burden.  Be sure to have an honest discussion with your parent about the trip and make sure they truly want to go.  Discuss options with your parent if they choose not to go and make sure the alternatives do not come off as a punishment for not making the trip.  If they are on board, then get a check up with their physician to be sure there are no health issues that would prevent them from making the trip and to allow you to address any medical needs while on the trip. 

2. Give your parent(s) plenty of time to make the decision whether or not to take the trip.  For many elders, traveling is a bit scary and they need time to get comfortable with the decision to travel or the decision to pass.  Make sure you give them the itinerary so they know what the trip will entail.  Be sure and have frequent discussions but do not pressure them for a decision.  Let them know the deadline for their answer and give them gentle reminders as the deadline to decide approaches.

3. Plan your trip and have a set itinerary so you and your elderly parent(s) know exactly what you will be doing.  If you are considerate, you will make sure the trip is not too fast paced or rigorous so that your parent will be able to keep up and enjoy the trip.  If your parent has issues walking for long periods at a time, you may want to consider having a wheelchair available and discuss this with them in advance so it is not a surprise.  If the trip is an extended trip of a week or more, plan a day or two of rest.

Grandma & Jennifer in Rental Boat (Photo credit: rickpilot_2000)

4. Accommodations are often a big issue and can cause trepidation if your parent is not capable of staying alone in a separate room.  Consider a suite with two rooms so each of you can have your privacy but you can be available to assist your parent when needed.  Keep in mind that even though a room is equipped to handle handicapped guests, not all accommodations are the same and you should consult the hotel directly regarding the type of accommodations your parent will need.  You may also want to check trip advisor sites as well for recommendations of elder-friendly hotels.  Request special services in advance so there are no surprises when you arrive.  Be sure you have access to foods your parent may need if they are on a special diet.  If the hotel cannot handle special diet needs, pack what you need and be sure the hotel room has a refrigerator to store the food and a kitchenette so you can prepare the meals. 

5. Prescriptions should be filled and carefully packed so you can easily access them.  Be sure you have consulted the physician and you know how and when to administer the medication.  Don’t rely on your parent to remember what to take and when to take it as travel can cause exhaustion which can easily lead to confusion.  It is always advisable to travel with the prescription bottles so you do not have issues at security check points and you can assure you will have an ample supply in case your trip gets extended.

6. Pack carefully as you need to expect the unexpected!  Check the weather forecast for the area you are visiting but be prepared for inclement weather.  Try not to over pack as you may find yourself juggling heavy bags and your parent at the same time.  Help your parent unpack when you arrive and do not attempt to let them “live” out of a suit case.  It is advisable to make a schedule of outfits your parent will wear on each day so they feel confident they have proper and adequate clothing without over packing.

Florida Vacation #07 (Photo credit: Lynda Giddens)

7. Transportation to your destination needs special consideration.  If you are traveling by car, plan plenty of rest stops for stretching the legs and bathroom breaks.  Give yourself plenty of travel time so you do not feel pressure to drive long periods of time without a break.  If you are traveling by air, then remember all the security requirements that may be a challenge such as removing all jackets or sweaters, removing shoes, examination of carry-on bags, physical screenings and proper identification.  Discuss these carefully with your parent and make sure they are up to challenge!

8. Security is a concern for all but especially when traveling with an elderly parent.  The elderly seem to be a popular target for pick pockets and robbers so you need to watch your parent carefully.  Make sure they do not carry lots of cash, credit cards or jewelry while out sightseeing.  Offer to carry their wallet or cash on your person so they do not have the risk of pick pockets or purse snatchers.  Also, don’t overlook the possibility of your parent getting separated and lost.  If they do not have a cell phone, you may want to get one for them even if it is a disposable prepaid phone and show them how to use it.  Discuss with your parent what to do in the event they become separated so that you can easily recover them.

Traveling with an elderly parent can be challenging but it can also be very rewarding and enjoyable if you plan carefully.  I hope some of these tips and ideas help make your Holiday trip a little less stressful and a whole lot more enjoyable!  In the event your parent is not up to travel, there are options for them to stay behind without being alone such as using Adult Day Care centers or reserving a short-term room at an Assisted Living Facility. If you would like to obtain a list of Adult Day Care centers or Assisted Living Facilities in your area that meet your needs, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com .

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of  www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If you find you need Adult Day Care, Assisted Living Facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

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Do you get to choose the Hospital when you have to be admitted?

By Bob Gregory

The thought of going to the hospital to have a procedure performed is very stressful and confusing.  Most people do not realize they have a choice in the hospital they use for non-emergency procedures.  For seniors, they feel their options are even more limited, especially when they do not fully understand the benefits provided by their primary insurance program. The majority of the population does not realize that hospitals, like doctors, have specialties.  Understanding that hospitals have specialties can be particularly important to seniors as there are hospitals that specialize in geriatric care. 

There are two major considerations that must be kept in mind when choosing a hospital.

ARB at Shands at the University of Florida (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• First consideration: does your doctor have hospital privileges in the hospital you choose?  This is where the confusion and stress escalates! The most common choice in which hospital to use is the one in which your physician has hospital privileges.  Most doctors have hospital privileges in only one or two hospitals.  Doctors must apply and be approved to have the “privilege” to practice in a hospital and this is not a quick or easy process.  This can cause conflicts as you choose hospitals that best fit your needs as your doctor may not have hospital privileges.  If this occurs you will be stuck with choosing between your doctor and the hospital!

English: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Medicare & You 2010, official government handbook. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Second consideration: does your insurance program provide full, limited or no coverage for the hospital you choose.  It is sad but true; we often have to allow cost to dictate the type and quality medical treatment we receive.  This is especially true when faced with hospital care as it can cost tens of thousands of dollars for simple procedures and can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for complicated procedures.  Understanding the benefits provided under your health insurance policy can ease some of the stress and allow you to make a more informed decision based on benefits you can expect to receive.  Many insurance policies require pre-approval for hospital  procedures/stays and while this seems intrusive, it can help you be assured you will receive the maximum benefit under your policy.  If pre-approval is not required, be sure to contact your insurance company for an explanation of benefits for the hospital(s) you have on your short list.

There are many other very important considerations when choosing a hospital and we will explore those in a future writing.  You should have a very honest and open discussion with your doctor regarding the hospital best suited for your procedure.  Be sure and ask your doctor if the hospital he/she recommends is the best for your procedure or just happens to be a hospital where they have privileges—it’s a fair questions so do not be afraid to ask!  If you take the time to have a discussion with your doctor, do not be surprised if they recommend another doctor that has privileges at a different hospital—the majority of doctors truly want what is best for their patient!  If you would like to obtain a list of hospitals in your area that meet your needs, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com .

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for themselves or their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of  www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If you find you need a Hospital or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

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Are you 50+ and ready to start living the good life?

 By Bob Gregory

There is a new and positive attitude about life for seniors 50 and above and its changing the way seniors think, act and especially where they live!  Retired or not, may seniors are seeking communities where they are surrounded by like minded people in their peer group who enjoy similar activities.  There is an exciting and growing new concept resulting in active adult communities.  These communities are referred to as 55+ Communities, Active Adult Communities or Lifestyle Communities.  Many people incorrectly refer to these communities as Retirement Communities, and while they attract active retirees, they are also attracting pre-retirees seeking an active adult lifestyle.

For many health and active seniors, this is a very exciting time of their life—their children are grown, they have more leisure time, many are retired, maintaining a “family” home is no longer a priority and they want entertainment.  These seniors now have a very exciting living choice!

Here are ten of the most commonly noted advantages of a 55+ Community:

1. The Community is specifically designed for active seniors 50 and above

   

   Mature couple playing golf (Photo credit: s_falkow)

2. There are planned activities tailored to their age group
3. The Community promotes an active lifestyle through its amenities and activities
4. Socializing is encouraged, promoted and made easy for the residents
5. Homes in these communities are often very affordable and are low maintenance
6. Safety and Security are usually provided by a 55+ community
7. Most 55+ communities are designed in a resort setting that is appealing and fitting of the area they are located
8. Home designs have seniors in mind and feature wider doorways, single story dwellings and smaller units
9. 55+ Communities are usually in very convenient locations near shopping, health care and community activities
10. Option to buy or rent are available

55+ Communities vary in the amenities they offer.  Many communities have limited healthcare options on-site while others have transitional housing for Assisted Living and even Nursing Home care on-site.  For residents that have trouble driving, some offer transportation services for shopping, medical appointments and to planned entertainment outings.  Almost all 55+ Communities enforce an age limit for the residence for adults 50 or older, but some will allow a family member 18 or older to live with the resident.  And rest assured, all communities encourage visitors, especially grandchildren!  Finally, be sure to ask if they will accept your pet!

There are many choices in 55+ Communities and we encourage you to visit as many as you can in the areas you wish to live.   Be sure and find the community that promotes the type of activities and has the amenities that you desire in your active lifestyle. To obtain a list of 55+ facilities in your area that meet your needs please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com .

If you would like to contribute your thoughts and ideas, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of  www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If you find you need a 55+ or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

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Will Adult Day Care be a good alternative to a Nursing Home and is it right for your situation?

By Bob Gregory

Are you the adult child or spouse of a physically or cognitively disabled adult family member?  Are you struggling with providing in-home care while trying to maintain your own household and job?  Don’t despair, there are alternatives to Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities that will allow you to provide the care your loved one needs and you desire to give.

Consider an Adult Day Care center as an alternative!

What is an Adult Day Care Center?  An Adult Day Care Center is a planned program for frail, physically or cognitively disabled seniors who need a safe, supervised environment during the day.  They are intended for older adults who need help managing daily activities or are isolated.

Special Attributes of an Adult Day Care Center:

• Open Monday through Friday during the day

  

  Full Service (Photo credit: acidpix)

• Some provide transportation to and from the facility
• Provide a safe and cheerful environment
• Provide socializing and activities to stimulate mental health
• Nutritious meals and special diet services
• Nursing staff to administer medication
• Low cost way of keeping a family member at home

Adult Day Care centers can be public or private, non-profit or for profit.  They are regulated by the state and each state has different regulations.  The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) does provide some overall guidelines, so there are commonalities in the regulations.  Check with your state for specific guidelines.

Brockton Adult Day Care Center (Photo credit: Timothy Valentine)

In addition to giving your loved-one a safe place to socialize and receive care during the day, it will also provide the caregiver a needed respite and reduce the need for nursing home care.  Care giving can be both financially and physically exhausting and a break from the caregiver’s role can do wonders for both of you.

If you need a break or your loved one is isolated while you are at work, please consider the advantages of an Adult Day Care center. If you have any other ideas or comments, please leave them in our comment section. We want to hear them. Helping people care for their loved ones is what we care about. 

We look forward to reading yours.

Bob Gregory is an advocate for Seniors and is one of the founders of  www.seniorfacilityfinder.com. At SeniorFacilityFinder.com, we are dedicated to helping families get the Elder Care help they need without having to provide their personal information! If you find you need an assisted living facility or other type of senior facility, please consider www.seniorfacilityfinder.com.

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