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Shanna ParrishTaylor
Shanna Parrish-Taylor is the Director of Nursing at Vintage Place Assisted Living. She is a RN with 9 years long term care experience, experience in critical care as well as hospice setting. Shanna is currently working on her master’s degree towards obtaining her ANRP. For more information on Shanna or Vintage Place please call 620-231-4554.
Senior Living
2012-08-02 11:18:54
What do I need to think about when traveling with a stroke victim?
Q- We (my wife and family, my parents, and my sister and her family) are planning to take a 6-week trip to visit family in Spain and Italy. We started planning this trip so my grandma could see family from both sides of her family. However, since we planned the trip she has developed some problems as result of a stroke. Is this trip still something she could enjoy and how can we overcome the problems we might encounter?
A- The trip is absolutely still possible is it is something her physician says is reasonable for her to do. However, you may need to shift your expectations of what the trip looks like to you. Travel conjures images of relaxation punctuated with exhilarating fun. However, not all travel is purely enjoyable or easy, even under the best of circumstances. Realistically, you will encounter many challenges, especially if your grandma has physical limitations. The up side is that it is also very worthwhile, and probably one of the rewarding and enriching things you will ever do. Here are some things you can do to make the trip comfortable and enjoyable, as well as work out some of the kinks: 1. Clear the trip with her physician. Get all of the necessary medications she might need for an extended stay. Get a copy of any medical records that may help in traveling abroad and keep her physician's name and number handy. Find out about what needs to happen for medical care while out of the country, if necessary. 2. Call airlines and find out what procedures they have in place to help people who may have mobility issues. Communicate your needs in advance of your trip so that accommodations can be made seamlessly and respectfully. 3. Try to travel during off peak hours. 4. Pack a carry on bag with everything your grandmother might need for the flight, including toiletries and an extra outfit. 5. Encourage trips to the restroom so that she can get up and stretch her legs throughout the flight. 6. Bring entertainment she would enjoy such as an iPod filled with her favorite music and DVD player for movies. 7. Plan on extra rest time throughout the vacation. 8. Discreetly manage care duties so that each caregiver has time away and time to indulge in other activities. 9. Remember that you may encounter additional accessibility issues while traveling. Choose rooms on ground level when possible. 10. Bring all helpful mobility aids, if necessary, such as a retractable cane. 11. Plan for quiet time away from the action so it is not overwhelming. I would also like to include, for others who may be traveling with someone with dementia, it is helpful to bring along portable, battery-operated door and window alarms for sliding glass and swinging doors. Being in a new place is confusing and often leads to loved ones trying to find their way to something familiar. May this trip be the most memorable and enjoyable of your life, and be sure to send a postcard or email and include us in on the fun!
 
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