Whether you are driving to a New England resort or flying to Europe on a long-anticipated vacation, travel requires careful planning especially when it includes elderly family members.

“First and foremost, traveling with older relatives takes planning and patience ” said Denise Rooney, manager of Atlas Travel International in downtown Lexington . “You'll know you're ready to leave when you have several detailed lists to include itineraries, medications, medical contacts, personal hygiene considerations and safety items.

“The key is to leave nothing to chance,” she continued. “Health and safety are key for anyone traveling, but for older adults with health concerns, this is even more crucial.”

Atlas Travel International agents recommend that elderly travelers (or their younger travel companions) prepare the following for any type of travel:

Medications & Health Needs

• Make a list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal remedies currently being taken; include dosages.

• Pack an appropriate quantity of each medication to last the trip plus an extra supply in case of delays in travel. Always keep medications with the traveler. All medications should be placed in a purse or carry-on bag to ensure it isn't lost with luggage..

• Pack all diabetic syringes or EpiPens in original containers with prescription information. Without the original packaging, these items may be confiscated as security hazards.

• Prepare a detailed list of names and telephone numbers of the physicians who prescribed the medications, so that they can be called in an emergency.

• If hearing aides are required, pack extra batteries.

• Carry the prescription for eyeglasses with you in case they are broken or misplaced.

• Bring a cane if needed for balance and supplies for denture or incontinence care. Often these items will not be available in a vacation destination.

• Wear medic alert jewelry and/or medic alert cards.

“Many senior travelers require oxygen,” said Susan Johansen, an Atlas Travel International vacation specialist. “You cannot take your own oxygen on airplanes today. We must make advance arrangements with the airline, sometimes with your physician contacting the airline directly. The airline then arranges for oxygen to be used on board the planes. If you do not use it, you often still have to pay for it once it is ordered.

“If you need oxygen in the airline terminal, in many cases, you need to order from a service that delivers it directly to the gate, as you cannot remove the onboard oxygen from the plane. These details are more complicated than ever, but we can handle these arrangements for you.”

According to Atlas agents, it is important for travelers to tell their travel agent up front that the trip they are planning will cater to an older traveler. This allows the agent to confirm first-floor or elevator-accessible accommodations at resorts or hotels, as well as arrange for special dietary needs on planes and cruise ships.

“Many customers don't realize all of the details we can take care of,” said Johansen. “Our focus is always your comfort and we understand that diet, room size and temperature, proximity to activities and ease of travel are key for seniors.”

 

Seniority Has Its Privileges

While travel for older adults can often seem daunting in the planning stages, seniority offers many perks. Various airlines and cruise companies offer special senior discounts on select trips. Tour companies including Globus, which offers fabulous itineraries worldwide, offer $50 off per person to travelers 60 or older.

While Disney resorts do not offer discounts to seniors, they do offer ways to make getting around more comfortable for elderly visitors. It's highly recommended to rent a wheelchair or a scooter to help elderly travelers cover the vast distances in the parks.

If your elderly traveler(s) has any health or mobility issues that will restrict their enjoyment of the attractions, you should see Guest Services and ask for a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) at Walt Disney World or a Special Assistance Pass (SAP) at Disneyland . The passes may allow one or more things: shaded waiting spot for those who are sun or heat sensitive; alternate entrance waiting area for those whose health can be impacted by crowds; front and center seating for those with severe visual impairment. These passes do not guarantee skipping lines, but make the wait much more comfortable for those with health issues.

Traveling with an elderly companion can be made far easier with careful planning and trusted advice from those who know how to get more from the travel industry.

If you have questions about travel with the elderly or about other travel topics, or if you have a suggestion for a future travel article topic, please contact me at:

Atlas Travel International
Vacations • Corporate Travel • Meetings & Incentives
1740 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington , MA 02420
Phone: 781-862-8050
Website: www.atlasgetaways.com
Email: experts@atlastravel.com