Traveling can be a wonderful experience for older adults and their caregivers with a little planning. Make traveling fun and safe when caregiving away from home for an older adult with medical considerations, such as dementia or incontinence.  The following information and tips maximize enjoyment and minimize stress.  Traveling can be a wonderful experience for older adults and their caregivers with a little planning.

Each older adult will have different traveling needs and preferences.  Some common conditions requiring special accommodations are dementia and memory loss, limited mobility, use of medical equipment (such as oxygen or wheelchairs), incontinence, and special diets.  Planning ahead will reduce the stress of caregiving on a trip and allow both you and the older adult to have a great time.

The Basics

• Many businesses and services (lodging, seating, transportation, and more) have senior discounts.  If you don't see them advertised, be sure to ask!  
• Knowing the location of the nearest hospital, and verifying that health care at your destination will be covered by your insurance provider, will save valuable time should there be an emergency.
• Trip cancellation insurance can reduce pressure to go on a trip if the older adult is not feeling up to it.
• Many lodging providers are happy to accommodate room preferences if you contact them ahead of time. Consider the 1^st floor, a room near the elevator, or one to lobby and other amenities (such as pool, casino floor, restaurant, etc.).
• Most places in the United States are handicapped accessible, but this may not be the case in other countries, so do your research when traveling overseas.

Packing Must-Haves

• Make sure you have packed enough medications for entire trip.
• If the any medications will need to be refilled while traveling, be sure that local pharmacies at travel destination share prescription information with your home location. Bring back-up glasses, dentures, etc.
• Make a list of doctor's contact information and any documentation about medical conditions. Have this available in case you have to visit a hospital or doctor while away.  Bring along a pair of compression socks to prevent swelling or potential blood clotting.

Car Travel

• If renting a car and the older adult intends to drive, verify any maximum age restrictions the rental company may have.
• Pick highways that have convenient rest-stops that are likely to be senior-friendly.
• Stop frequently to stretch and walk around.  If you are planning a multi-day drive, keep the driving time short each day so that the older adult is not too uncomfortable or exhausted to enjoy the destination.

Plane, Bus, and Train Travel

• Be in communication with airline, bus, or train company before beginning travel. Inform them of any special instructions or considerations, including:
• Wheelchair, oxygen, or other medical equipment
• Special meals and dietary restrictions, particularly with allergies,
• Need for accompaniment or supervision, especially with persons with memory loss, and seating near a bathroom, in the bulkhead, or on an aisle.
• Check if "kneeling" buses are available ("kneeling" buses have steps that lower for easier boarding). 
• Other considerations for bus travel include:
  • Availability of a wheelchair lift
    
  • Whether older adults will ride in their wheelchairs for the trip or sit in seats with the wheelchair stored
    
  • If handicapped seating is near their companion's seat
    
• Pack all medications in carry-on. Don't forget that all gels, liquids and fluids should be in a one-quart plastic bag for airport security.
• Aisle seating is best for stretching and frequent bathroom use.
• Ankle and leg exercises keep blood flowing on long trips.

Tips for Traveling with Mobility Restrictions

• Choose lodging with conveniently located elevators and handicapped equipped rooms.
• Even if the older adult does not normally use a mobility device such as a scooter, walker, wheelchair or portable seat, consider using one or more of them while traveling. Especially in settings where large amounts of walking or standing are expected (such as the zoo, a museum, or even going through the airport) using a mobility device might help conserve energy. Many attractions have wheelchairs or scooters available to borrow or rent.
• If the older adult has a history of falling or walking unsteadily, it is advisable to speak to a doctor or physical therapist about any special recommendations they have for traveling.
• Call ahead for special requirements for mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, if destination has security checks or metal detectors.

Tips for Traveling with Dementia or Memory Loss

Even if the person with memory loss has always loved travel, the change in routine and new settings can be a big adjustment. Depending on the kind of dementia and how far it had progressed, travel may not be recommended.  In later stages of diseases like Alzheimer's, consult with your physician or geriatric specialist about the possible effects of traveling. If you do decide to travel:

• Try a shorter trip first and see how the person with memory loss responds.
• Maintain as many aspects of normal daily routine as possible (i.e. meal times, bed time, etc.)
• Make sure the person with memory loss has gotten enough to eat and drink and plenty of sleep so they are best prepared for the new challenges travel presents.
• Have the person with memory loss wear an ID bracelet or necklace in case of separation from you, the caregiver.
• Avoid over stimulation and crowded areas.
• Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion.