Plan Carefully When Traveling with Older Adults

After making certain her elderly parents were comfortably situated
in the family van, Mary joined
her husband in the front seat for
the three-hour drive to a family
holiday gathering. She turned
off the radio, knowing that her
father had a hard time following
conversations with the
background noise of music or
commercial announcements. She
also did a final check of her
travel list, making certain she had
the necessary medications and
other special supplies her parents
would need for the overnight trip. Satisfied
that she hadnt forgotten anything, Mary
told her husband they were ready to go. Whether driving 20 miles to a family holiday gathering, or flying to Arizona for a winter vacation,
travel often requires careful planning for older adults. Everyone wants to remain healthy and safe so they can fully enjoy a holiday or trip, Jennifer McAlister,
Curative Senior Services Supervisor, said. The best
advice I can offer to mature travelers is to plan well in
advance when possible and create a well-organized check
list before packing for a trip. The checklist also is helpful
for adult children helping elderly parents prepare for a
trip. Be especially mindful of medications and other
special needs when planning to travel. McAlister recommended people keep the following tips in mind when planning for a trip: Medications Make a list of all prescription medications, over-the- counter medications, vitamins and herbal remedies
currently being taken, as well as the dosage taken
each day. Plan to pack an appropriate quantity of each medication to last the duration of the trip, plus an
extra supply in case of unexpected travel delays.
Pack medication in a purse or carry-on bag when
traveling by airplane, bus or train. Keep medication in the original containers to avoid confusion and so that you have dosage instructions
with you. Bring a list of names and telephone numbers of the physicians who prescribed the medications, so that
you can call in an emergency. Hygiene and Safety Supplies Be aware of personal hygiene needs, such as denture care and incontinence, and pack appropriate supplies. If a hearing aide is required, bring extra batteries. Carry the prescription for your eyeglasses with you in case they are broken or misplaced. Bring sun screen if planning an outdoor vacation. Bring a cane or walking stick if you sometimes need it for balance. Wear medic alert jewelry or bring appropriate medic alert cards. Personal Safety Take only the credit cards and personal identification needed for the trip. Pack lightly to avoid muscle strain. Ask for assistance from family members, porters or valets
when handling luggage. Provide an itinerary of your travel plans, as well as emergency contact numbers, to a neighbor or loved
one. Check in with that person on a regular basis. Traveling with individuals who have a physical disability or dementia requires particular attention to
detail, McAlister said. For example, hotels or the home
of a family member must accommodate any special needs
of the individual such as wheelchair accessibility or
special dietary needs. Plan ahead and make reservations
for each planned stop along the route. McAlister also recommended avoiding lengthy trips or situations that would cause anxiety for someone with
dementia. Consider a nearby, familiar destination with
few activities, she said. This can minimize confusion or
agitation. Flexibility also is important for older travelers, McAlister said. If the individual feels tired, or a chronic
illness has flared up, it is perfectly understandable to skip
planned outings and rest, or to cut the trip short, she said.
Being comfortable is the most important consideration. Connection A Curative Senior Services Newsletter Dec. 2003 Plan Carefully When Traveling with Older Adults Variety o f Programs Offered Curative Care Network Senior Services offers a number of programs for
Milwaukee and Waukesha County
residents, including: The Curative Senior Care Center,
an adult day service facility in
Waukesha providing care to adults
with health concerns or dementia. It
is equipped with a Wander Guard
alarm system. Call 262-574-9147
for more information. Supportive Home Care Program
Our Supportive Home Care Aides
can provide assistance with
Homemaker Services, Shopping
and Errands, Personal Care, and/or
Respite Care. Call 262-574-9147
for more information. For additional information about Curative Care Networks Senior
Services programs, visit our web site at
www.Curative.org. Take a Common Sense Approach to Winter Safety Wisconsins harsh winters can lead to a number of safety issues. Take a
moment to review some common
sense tips about winter safety. Clothing Tips Select well-fitting shoes
or boots with a substantial
tread to give plenty of traction on
slippery surfaces. Wear waterproof boots and outer
clothing. Water chills the body
more rapidly than air or wind. Dress in layers so you can adjust
what you are wearing to the
temperature. The day may start
cold and become milder. Wear sunglasses to protect the
eyes from sun glare on snow.
Remember to remove the
sunglasses when you go indoors. Mittens keep hands warmer for
outdoor activities. However,
well-fitting gloves provide better
hand coordination when driving. Slippery Surfaces Assume all outdoor surfaces are
slippery. Be especially careful of
ice hidden by patches of snow, or thin clear patches of ice that are
difficult to see. Be careful of slippery surfaces at
the entrances to buildings. Melted
snow and ice just inside a
doorway may result in slick tile
or vinyl floors. Take smaller steps when walking
and slow down when driving. Use hand rails at all times. To minimize injury, try to relax
your body if you do fall. Skin Care Sunscreen is just as important in
the winter months as it is in the
summer. Look for a facial
moisturizer with built-in
sunscreen protection to make
certain you are protected
on bright winter days. Dry skin is especially
prevalent in Wisconsins
cold, dry winter months.
Apply lotion to the entire body
and use a humidifier indoors if
air becomes too dry. Basic Safety Avoid going outside in cold conditions alone, or if you are
alone, make certain someone
knows you are outside. (If you
wear a Lifeline pendant, keep it
on when doing outdoor tasks
around your home.) If you have health concerns that
make outdoor activities difficult,
ask a neighbor or family member
to help with shoveling and
other outdoor winter tasks. Winter Driving Safety Just as when you are walking,
assume all roadways are slippery.
Be especially wary of clear
patches of ice that are difficult to
see. Make certain your car and tires
are well maintained and prepared
for extreme cold and slippery
conditions. Maintain a safe distance between
other vehicles and avoid sudden
braking. Be alert to changing weather
conditions. Unless it is an
emergency, avoid driving in snow
or icy conditions. Homemaker Services
a Thoughtful Gift
for Busy Caregiver
or Elderly Parent Curatives Senior Care
Center has a unique gift
idea for the holidays the
gift of a helping hand.
Curative Senior Services
provides Homemaker
Services for older adults or
caregivers who share a
home with elderly family
members. A Supportive
Home Care Aide will
provide assistance with:
Light cleaning
Meal preparation
Laundry
Homemaker Services are
available for $16 per hour.
A 3-hour minimum visit is
required. For additional information, call 262-574-9147.

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