5 Tips for Summer Travel With a Senior
Summer is fast approaching and with that comes summer travel. Just because you live in a senior living community in Arizona does not mean that your summer travel has to stop! You can still enjoy summer travel just like you used to in a safe and fun way. One common misconception is that just because you are now living in or about to move into a senior living community in Arizona does not mean that you can never leave the community. You can and you should!
If your loved ones are taking a summer trip and want you to join them, or if you and your spouse want to take advantage of some summer travel just the two of you, there’s no need to hesitate. Go for it!
We here at Solterra Senior Living want our residents to keep living their lives to the fullest and to their healthiest. We also want to make sure they remain safe and healthy, even when they are off the grounds of our senior living community in Arizona.
To make sure that you have the best and safest summer travel this summer and for summers to come, it does take some preparation, but it is entirely worth it. Here are five tips for you to know and your loved ones to make sure they follow:
1. Medication Management
One of the most important things for you to have a plan for before you travel anywhere, especially internationally, is that you have all of the medications your loved one takes filled and ready. You do not want to be somewhere far from home and have them run out of their medication! The medication they take is vital to their health. You do not want them to be without it, and you definitely do not want that to happen somewhere new where you may not be able to access a refill of the medication.
Additionally, if you are traveling anywhere with a time difference, you want to make sure you account for this. If your loved one has medication that they need to take at the same time every day, make sure you are taking it at the time it is back home, not the time it is where you are.
2. Heat Stroke
Summer travel is fun but most places you go will be extremely hot. Because of this, it’s important to make sure your loved one stays hydrated. You should also make sure you are staying hydrated, too! Pay special attention to any signs of heat stroke so you can be proactive rather than reactive. Signs of heat stroke can include dry, flushed skin, confusion or a change in how they act, or fainting. A rapid pulse or a slow and weak pulse can also be a couple of signs. If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, get them to a cooler place like inside in air conditioning or under shade.
3. Hotels or Other Lodging
Even if your loved one is not in a wheelchair or uses a walker, you want to keep the hotel or other lodging in mind. For instance, you likely do not want to book a place that has no elevator or escalator. Stairs can be taxing, especially when carrying luggage up and down them! It can also be hard for them to climb the stairs after a long day out sightseeing. Make sure the room you book is on the main floor, or it has a functional elevator or escalator that your loved one can use.
If your loved one does require any special assistance such as an ADA compliant room, make sure to book that. It’s also a good idea to let the hotel or booking agent know as well.
4. Mobility
Not only should you make sure that the hotel or other lodging area you are booking has mobility options for your loved one, but you should also make sure any excursions or plans you make have them, too. For instance, if you are doing a tour somewhere, find out how much walking is included and if it involves going up and down stairs.
Another thing for you to keep in mind is that a senior’s stamina is not the same as your stamina. You can likely stay out on your feet all day, no problem. This is likely not the case for them. When making plans, try and break up your day so you have periods of rest. Consider going back to where you are staying in the middle of the day to take a break from the heat or even to allow your senior to rest up.
5. Let the Senior Living Know
If your loved one is living in a senior living community in Arizona, it is important for you to let them know that you are taking them with you and for how long. The senior living staff can also help you plan for this summer’s travel to make sure you are not forgetting anything and to make sure that your senior has a comfortable time with you. Lean on them to help! We know that our staff here at Solterra would be more than willing to, and they will be very excited to see their resident taking a fun trip with family.
If you are considering bringing your senior with you on your summer travel this year, don’t think twice about it! It is possible to travel with a senior. As mentioned, there is some advanced planning involved, but it will be worth it. The memories you make are priceless and your loved one is sure to enjoy spending time with you.
If your loved one is a resident here at Solterra, reach out to us and let us know how we can help you in your summer travel planning. We can help you prepare and help your loved one prepare, too. We’ll make sure they’re looking forward to it!