One of the best memories will always be from traveling as a family. I have learned that the key person to lead should always be the one who has the most patience to deal with all the requirements and a keen attention to detail. Usually, the younger members are given the responsibility as they are more well-versed in technology, have near-infinite energy, and are more flexible. The older ones are less resilient and usually hand the reins over to whoever makes their lives more comfortable. Therefore, the person in charge should be battle-ready to meet the possible needs that arise from traveling with the more senior members, especially those with mobility problems. The latter shouldn’t be a deterrent, as long as they are healthy enough and willing to be persuaded to travel. My 93-year-old mother has always been content with staying at home, but she enjoys the occasional trip when we force her to go. One of her greatest joys, and ours as well, is when we are together and complete as a family.
To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, the number one lesson is to always come prepared. What follows is a checklist that most of you may be aware of, including some additional tips that can be taken into consideration.
Number one. Get clearance from your physician. Bring all needed medications with you, as checked-in luggage might easily be lost, misplaced, or, worse, stolen. Have another member keep another set as an emergency supply. Always keep the prescription on hand just in case you are asked for it. In your first aid kit, include medications for fever, pain, allergy, motion sickness, hyperacidity, oral rehydration solutions, and topical preparations for superficial wounds, diaper rash, including an antifungal, alcohol swabs, and eye drops. As a doctor, I have also learned to bring a whole course of antibiotics just in case the need arises. On occasion, the contents of this mobile pharmacy have been shared with fellow passengers. If possible, check their immunization records and administer them way ahead of your trip. It would also be helpful to know where hospitals are located and if there are facilities for emergencies. Obtain travel insurance for everyone.
Number two. While you may ask for wheelchair assistance, there may be some instances where there aren’t enough to go around. Always bring a wheelchair of your own that is sturdy and light enough to carry, and have a member of the family take responsibility for it. While on a cruise, it was painful to see an 88-year-old lady asked to stand in line after being wheeled in, as she had no prior advice that a request had to be made before boarding the ship. She was traveling alone and had been separated from her tour group. It was a good thing that she had her foldable walking cane to enable her to go around, and that she was agile enough. Lesson learned: Ask your tour agent for all these requirements.
Number three. Stock up on your supplies. On one foreign trip, we assumed that we wouldn’t have trouble getting adult diapers as we were in a tourist-friendly area. We were wrong. Learning from this experience, we brought extra pieces of luggage for our next trip that contained this number one essential, together with antibacterial wipes to clean not only toilet seats but also to make quick swipes on surfaces that are frequently touched. A friend takes it a step further and always brings a handy sponge and a pouch of dishwashing liquid for cleaning and rinsing utensils. Bring enough face masks, especially if you find yourself in crowded or confined spaces.
In your carry-on, pack an extra set of clothes, a foldable umbrella, a lightweight coat that is suitable for both cold and rainy weather, headgear, gloves, and socks. Ensure that your elders are wearing comfortable and reliable shoes that can easily be slipped on or off. There are plenty of podiatrist-approved footwear options available.
Number four. Plan your schedule as much as you can around the needs of the more senior people in your group. Do not overfill your schedule. As much as possible, ensure that their routine is not disrupted, allowing enough time for them to rest and recharge. Curate the places you would want to see and check if these are senior-friendly.
Number five. Bring snacks and scour the area for places where there are hot meals or, at the very least, hot soup. Avoid using ice for drinks whenever you travel or consuming raw or half-cooked food.
Last but not least, in case you forget essentials, provide solutions before they come to know of the problem. At their advanced age, don’t you agree that they deserve royal treatment?
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