Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville Offers Tips for Holiday Travel with Seniors

As families prepare for the holidays, it’s important to consider the needs of elderly family members to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time, says Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville.

The holidays can be a wonderful time to get the whole family together and spend time reflecting, celebrating, and creating new memories. However, traveling with elderly parents can require some advanced preparation to ensure a smoother trip. Seniors may have balance, vision, or memory problems that can make travel more difficult. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville has released a statement to the press with suggestions on ways families can ease travel challenges.

“When traveling with aging parents, there are many things to keep in mind,” says Jim Smeaton, owner of Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville. “For instance, they may need to take more frequent breaks along the way, or require special seating or assistance on the plane. Take time to consider their needs and how you can best meet them while not at home. Even if you’re not going far, you want to make sure that you have the right equipment, medications, and accommodations in place.”

If traveling by plane, there are several things to keep in mind. Call ahead to see what type of equipment can be brought onto the plane, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches. The elderly and those who need assistance are often able to board early and get situated before the rest of the passengers find their seats. “Keep prescriptions with you instead of packing them in checked luggage,” says Smeaton. “You never know when you might need them, and if your luggage is misplaced, you will have the medication on hand. Also, letting seniors sit on the aisle can make it easier to get to and from the restrooms.”

Smeaton also recommends preparing loved ones ahead of time by discussing travel arrangements and plans. Giving them advanced notice and reminders can help them better prepare and reduce anxiety and confusion about changes to their normal routine. If they have health issues, it can be a good idea to talk to their doctor as well for clearance that allows them to travel.

“Keep in mind the abilities and best interests of your aging parent,” says Smeaton. “Make sure that meals meet their dietary needs and are able to be enjoyed. You want them to be able to have the same things as the rest of the family. Also check to see that wherever you are headed will be accessible to them if they have mobility issues. Are there going to be a lot of stairs? Can they navigate the area with a walker or cane? What about a wheelchair?”

With advanced planning, families can ensure that their senior stays safe and remains as independent as possible, just like at home. An in-home care provider can help them to prepare themselves and their home for travel, making sure that laundry is done, plants are watered, bills are paid, and they are up and ready the day of the trip. Furthermore, a caregiver can be a wonderful companion to discuss their upcoming plans and memories of past trips.

“Make the holidays a time to remember and ease stress by starting preparations early,” recommends Smeaton. “Keep in mind your loved one’s physical and mental health and abilities and how you can best accommodate them. Writing down a checklist can help you to stay on track and not forget important details when packing or planning. Remember that an in-home caregiver can be a good resource as you’re making arrangements and considering your loved one’s needs. They can help your senior to prepare.”

To find out more about senior services, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 or online.


ABOUT:

Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville specializes in providing personalized, non-medical, in-home care to seniors in Western North Carolina. All caregivers have gone through a rigorous screening process to ensure safe and high quality care, and are bonded, insured, and background checked. Senior services include companionship in the home or to go out in the community; assistance with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and medication management; as well as basic personal care such as eating, dressing, bathing, grooming, and mobility. Always Best Care recognizes the importance of supporting seniors in safely and comfortably aging in place and maintaining their independence.

 

Media Contact
Company Name: Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville
Contact Person: Jim Smeaton
Email: Send Email
Phone: (828) 989-7263
Country: United States
Website: http://www.alwaysbestcare.com/us/nc/western-nc/asheville.aspx


Source: www.abnewswire.com

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