 | Kevin Knaup received his Kansas Adult Care Home Administrator's license in 1983 and is the Administrator and part owner of Sunset Manor, Inc. in Frontenac, KS. He has been employed at Sunset Manor for 31 years. He is a member of Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Adult Care Executives. He has served on various local and state committees for education and training in the Adult Care home field. |
Senior Living
2011-10-20 12:22:58
Holiday traveling with seniors
Q: My husband and I would like to travel during the holidays and take my mother with us to see family. My mother, whose health and clarity has declined drastically in the last few years, has lived in an assisted living facility for the last year and we are not sure how to plan or what to expect. Do you have any practical tips to make this something we can handle?
A: The first and most important tip is to remember that no matter how hard you try, expect to hit some difficult points. We all want the holidays to be “ideal” but when we expect that there will be places that are harder than others, we are free to enjoy the moments that are ideal.
Prior to leaving on your trip, contact healthcare providers and ask if they have any recommendations such as a pre-travel check-up. Make a list of all providers with contact information, list of medications, and collect insurance paperwork. Be sure to have enough of all of your mother’s medications and medical supplies available to last the length of the trip.
When packing for her, keep the weather in mind but also remember that the older we are the more difficult it is to stay warm. Make sure the clothes are comfortable and are easy to get on and off. Pack extra toiletries such as incontinence products and absorbent pads to help avoid embarrassment.
Next, whether you are traveling by plane or car, plan for your parent’s comfort and plan ahead.
• Arrange prior to departure to have a wheelchair available in airports.
• Keep a folding cane or walker available.
• If driving long distances, plan stops for bathroom breaks and to stretch the legs.
• Keep the temperature warm enough and jackets handy.
• If she has medical issues, such as an ostomy, discretely mention it to
applicable airline personnel such as those conducting pat down searches to avoid any possible problems.
There are also things you can do while visiting to help make the trip comfortable, pleasurable, and memorable. Look for more tips next month.
