Summer Vacation is Here! Traveling with Seniors

 The summer season has arrived! Now that school’s out, many families will take a summer vacation. If you are planning on bringing a senior on your trip, here are some recommendations for traveling with them.
• Before you book a plane ticket, make sure your loved one is cleared to travel by their physician. In particular, those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other memory-related diseases should meet with a doctor prior to embarking on a trip to ensure that it is safe for them to be away from home for an extended period of time.
• Make sure to pack all of your loved one’s routine medications, as well as medicines for conditions that are exacerbated by traveling (i.e. altitude sickness and diarrhea). Pack additional doses in case your travel is delayed. Also include, as needed, an extra pair of eyeglasses and additional batteries for hearing aids. All of these items should be placed in your carry-on luggage, just in case your checked luggage is lost.
• Before you leave, make copies of your loved one’s passport and driver’s license, as well as prescription medication information. If you are traveling abroad, ask your loved one’s physician to provide you with the generic names of all medications, as some countries may not recognize the brand name they have been prescribed should you need more when you are abroad.
• Vaccines – make sure your loved one is up to date on all vaccines. Schedule a visit to have any outstanding vaccines administered before you embark.
• Airports are often willing to assist seniors with the check-in and boarding process. If seniors need assistance getting to their gate, for example, airports have wheelchairs on hand to transport them. Sometimes, seniors will also be fast-tracked through security and benefit from shorter lines. When checking in for your flight, consider requesting a seat for your loved one that is located near the restrooms, or an aisle seat to make it easier for them to board and exit the plane. In your carry on, pack compression socks for your loved one, which can enhance comfort on the plane.
• Check on senior discounts for hotels, rental cars and even flights! When booking hotels, consider requesting to be placed either on the first floor or near an elevator if your loved one suffers from mobility issues. Make sure to ask for an ADA compliant room if they use a wheelchair.
• As seniors are more likely to tire quickly, avoid scheduling too many activities in one day. Check in on their stamina often, and allow time for rest to ensure that the vacation is truly relaxing for everyone.
Bon voyage!
Oakmont is a luxury senior living community in Santa Clarita offering independent living, assisted living and memory care. Oakmont of Santa Clarita residents often travel with their families during the summertime. When residents are away, staff members ensure things run smoothly at home by feeding and walking pets, continuing routine housekeeping and watering plants. Our Health Services Department assists residents in preparing for their trips by providing them with a list of their current medications and coordinating prescription refills to last the length of their time away. All residents at Oakmont enjoy five-star amenities like a salon & day spa, movie theater, restaurant-style dining, gardens and walking paths, a pet park and more.
To learn more about Oakmont of Santa Clarita, contact us at 661-295-2025 or visit our website www.oakmontofsantaclarita.com.