Going on family trips is often a source of great excitement and even better memories. But with your parents getting older, these trips can quickly become stressful and even painful for your aging loved ones.
The good news is that some thoughtful care and strategy can open up many possibilities to travel with your parents despite their age-related challenges so your family can continue to make memories together. The best trips start with a plan.
Here are some tips for traveling with aging parents, focusing on safety, comfort, and accessibility to facilitate a positive and enjoyable travel experience for the entire family — including selecting senior-friendly destinations, preparing for health needs, and managing mobility challenges during trips.
Safety First
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for any family taking a trip, and this is doubly true when older folks are among the cohort. Planning to take additional safety measures is a great place to start.
Install Travel Devices
Before the trip, be sure to outfit any transportation equipment with the necessary safety features. These features could include upgraded seat belts, chair lifts in a van, clasps for transporting a wheelchair, or even ramps to get out of the house. It can also be smart to attach an AirTag or similar device to the individual’s wheelchair or other accessibility device so that if it is lost or stolen during the trip, you can find it again.
Keep the Trip Appropriate
An important part of trip safety is planning trips that are, in and of themselves, safe options. Taking a mobility-challenged individual on a hiking trip to the Grand Canyon is likely unwise; instead, consider safety when selecting the destination and itinerary.
Comfort as a Criterion
While loved ones must remain safe throughout their journey, making them comfortable is also important. Remember to consider your parents’ comfort on the way to the destination and once your family has arrived.
Plan for Downtime
Older folks tend to have less energy than their younger family members and long trips can quickly wear them out or cause aches and pains. Plan for regular downtime to allow your loved ones to rest; a relaxed lunch in a public park or a few hours in a movie theater can do wonders. Not only does this help your parents to rest, but it also encourages the whole family to savor the experience rather than rushing from one famous sight to the next.
Bring Comfortable Items
Be sure to bring comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, an extra blanket for when it gets windy or a pillow to support their knees while sleeping can go a long way.
Double Check Medication
Many older adults rely on medications for their comfort and potentially even their lives. Always double-check that you bring enough medication for the duration of the trip, and bring extra (spread across multiple people’s bags) in case doses are lost or luggage is delayed. If your parents are sure to have enough medication to manage their pain, arthritis, and other discomforts, they will have a more pleasant time.
Remember Accessibility
Even if your home is accessible, the world at large may not offer the same opportunities to aging adults. Remember to plan for variances in accessibility at each stage of your trip.
Check Venues Ahead of Time
Whether staying at a hotel, visiting a live show, or planning a dinner at a restaurant, check the venue’s website or call ahead to see what accessibility options are available. Does the building have ramps, elevators, or railings? Are the bathrooms accessible?
Leave Extra Time
Traveling with an aging parent can be a lot of fun, but it also usually takes more time. From loading and unloading assistive devices to finding alternate routes that include accessibility features, it takes time to travel with older folks.
Plan accordingly so that you do not miss flights or reservations — and so your loved one does not feel stressed that they are being an inconvenience or “ruining” the trip for everyone else.
Make Family Trips Fun and Memorable
Your aging parents can continue to play a central role in your family’s trips and adventures for many years to come, but their participation may require some additional planning. If you need help understanding the many resources available to help your parents live the life they deserve, help is available.
Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities like Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you!
December 3, 2024, we ask you to please keep the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia in mind. As a non-profit we rely solely upon the support of community partners, grants and donations. To put your generosity into perspective, remember this, our funds go to enriching the lives of older adults in the communities we serve.