The summer is finally here, which means that if you are like many people you are thinking about vacation. Breaking free of routine and getting new experiences during the summer months is a classic activity that many families enjoy having together, and there is nothing more traditional that hitting the road for a road trip. Whether you are going for a short jaunt across the state or embarking on an epic journey across the country, a road trip is the perfect opportunity to make memories and boost your relationship with your aging loved one and the other members of your family.
While you might want to focus on all of the fun of your vacation, as a family caregiver it is important that you also keep in mind your care efforts and your parent’s needs. This ensures that you make the proper plans and take the right steps to help your parent enjoy their trip while also staying safe and healthy.
Use these tips to help keep a road trip with your aging loved one safe and enjoyable:
- Pack comfortably. Avoid trying to fit everything possible into your vehicle. This can diminish the amount of space that your parent has and can even put them at risk of something falling on them. Pack items so that everyone still has room to shift and adjust their body throughout the trip.
- Bring layers. Seniors tend to be more vulnerable to temperature changes that younger people and can seem cold all the time. This means that while your family is sweltering and wants to crank the air conditioning, your loved one is complaining that they are chilled. Encourage them to bring along a light jacket or sweater to keep them comfortable in the car, in restaurants, or during breaks that might expose them to different temperatures.
- Keep their personal care needs handy. Make sure that your aging loved one has personal care needs that they will use during the day close at hand during the trip. This should include any medications that they might need to take, food and water, lip balm, lotion, and other items.
- Plan for extra time. When it comes to traveling with a senior, timelines need to stretch. Trying to squeeze your trip into a shorter time can lead to a tired or anxious person driving, high tension in the vehicle if this timeline does not work, and even dangerous driving. Stretch out the amount of time that you think that you will need so that you can easily manage needs that arise during the trip.
- Plan for breaks. Blot clots, urinary tract infections, and other issues can develop in a relatively short period of time. Reduce the chances that your senior will suffer these and other problems by planning for breaks throughout the trip. During these breaks, get out of the vehicle, walk around, stretch, use the restroom, and drink water. This will help to keep everyone healthier and safer
- Follow the buddy system. Be sure that everyone who is in the vehicle knows to use the buddy system any time that they are out of the vehicle. This includes trips to the restroom, visits to convenience store to get snacks, and other breaks. Everyone should go with at least one other person to help ensure safety and security. Remember that no one, but particularly not elderly adults and young children, should be left alone in a vehicle that is not running.
Starting elder care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them throughout the course of your caregiver journey with them. An elderly home care services provider can step in to fill any care gaps that might exist in the care that you are able to give them, whether that means coming to their home once or twice a week to help them handle specific tasks such as bathing or grocery shopping, or being with them every day for several hours because you live at a distance. The highly personalized services of an elderly home care services provider help ensure that your senior gets the care, support, assistance, and encouragement that they need to manage their needs while also helping them to pursue more fulfillment and independence in their daily life as they age in place. When it comes to going on vacation with your family a care provider can make a tremendous difference for you. Whether it is a respite provider who cares for your parent at home while you travel, or a regular provider who comes along with you to care for them, this care provider can help you relax and enjoy your vacation more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care services in Lafayette, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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