3 Tips For Travelling With Elderly Relatives

Travelling is a rewarding experience at any age, and taking elderly relatives on a trip is a great opportunity for both parties to catch-up and bond with one another.

However, travelling with elderly relatives can present a unique set of challenges, and planning ahead will be key. Take a look at three things you may need to take into consideration to ensure the trip is enjoyable for all involved.

1. Arrange for Special Services Ahead of Time

If you are travelling via an airport, will your relative require wheelchair assistance, advance boarding or special seating near a restroom? Ensure you contact the airline you are flying with and arrange for these services to be implemented on your arrival.

Additionally, when going through security, alert the staff about any surgical implants as these may set off the metal detectors, and also remind your loved one to wear easy-to-remove shoes.

2. Leave Room for Downtime

Rushing from place to place can often leave all parties feeling exhausted and irritable.To avoid any stressful situations, plan to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would, and make sure your loved one has time to get settled.

If you are on a road trip, schedule in breaks to grab a coffee or a bite to eat, or simply to get out of the car and into the fresh air.

3. Make Sure Essentials are Easily Accessible

When you are travelling with an elderly relative, plan to bring a bag of essential items that you can keep close-to-hand. Packing their favourite snacks, drinks, card games, a neck pillow or necessary medication in a carry-on can make all the difference in helping your loved one feel secure.