With summer here, many of us have elderly parents traveling or planning trips with them. Taking the time to prepare can make a big difference in successful adventures for all ages, whether visiting family in another state or exploring another country. Laura Perry, MD, of Providence Senior Health, who also serves as Springs Living's regional president for geriatric medical education in Providence, joined us to share important information for seniors who travel.
Dr. Perry says it's a good idea to consult your primary care physician before embarking on a new adventure. She also offers these tips:
- When flying, make sure you keep a carry-on bag that contains both a list of medications and the medications themselves. If they have injectable medications or controlled substances, ask the PCP for a note to pass to airport security.
- If you wear hearing aids, be sure to bring extra batteries.
- If you use a mobility device, such as a walker or wheelchair, check with the airline in advance about its processing policy, including any fees. Ensure that any electrical equipment, such as a motorized wheelchair, will be handled safely during storage.
- If you have mobility difficulties, plan ahead to determine distances at each leg of the trip. Within the airport, from the airport to your place of stay and any other destination. Research the conditions of roads and sidewalks to see if it will be possible to navigate uneven sidewalks in a wheelchair or spiral staircases with a walker. People who don't have a mobility device but aren't generally active may want hiking poles if you plan to do a lot of walking.
- If you plan to go out at night, consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight.
- Make sure you have a way to carry a phone and ID when out and about. Fortunately, fanny packs are coming back into fashion and are a great solution!
To help support the health and well-being of all people as they age, find a Providence Medical Group clinic near you.
This segment is sponsored by Providence Health & Services.
