Caregiver Tips for Travelling
Travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences in our lifetime, whether the goal is to see the world or visit friends and family. However, when we travel with a loved one with Parkinson’s, we may be faced with challenges we don’t anticipate – issues that simply aren’t there when travelling on our own. Medication and mobility can make a vacation more complex, regardless of whether you’re travelling by plane, cruise ship, or your family car.
No need to worry – all you need is a little extra preparation! Plan ahead, so that you and your family will be able to enjoy a hassle-free trip that’s memorable for the right reasons.
Consult with a doctor for travel approval and recommendations. The all-important first step is making sure your loved one is cleared for travel by his or her primary care doctor. Make sure the chosen destination is appropriate and ask the doctor for specific travel tips as well as any necessary vaccinations or extra medications.
Arrange special services ahead of time. If your loved one needs a wheelchair at the airport, advance boarding of the airplane or train, or special seating in a disabled row or near a restroom, get in touch with the airline personnel or travel company to make sure these are available upon arrival. Remember the security checkpoints, too: be aware of any surgical implants that might set off metal detectors, and wear easy-to-remove shoes. Contact hotels to check on things like shower bars and accessible rooms.
Research medical facilities at your destination. Especially if you’re travelling to an unfamiliar area, make sure you know where the nearest hospitals are, in case of emergency. Bring contact details for your own doctors, too, and any necessary insurance information.
Prepare all necessary documentation and identification. First, make sure travel documentation is in order: passports, if needed, as well as driver’s license, travel tickets and itineraries—and make multiple copies. You’ll also want to pack medical documentation: insurance card (if travelling outside of Canada), medication card as well as any prescriptions or physician’s statements.
Pack essential items in a bag that’s easily accessible. Make sure you have essentials close at hand: an ample supply of necessary medication, important documents and phone numbers, favorite snacks or drinks, a deck of cards or other entertainment, a light sweater, a hat, sunscreen, a travel pillow. These should be kept in a carry-on bag, or a tote that’s readily available.
Pack as lightly as possible. This is particularly important when travelling with someone who needs special care and assistance. Less in your hands will help give you more attention to focus on your loved one.
When possible, maintain a predictable daily routine. Maintaining a routine or a predictable schedule is important for reducing stress and anxiety. Keeping mealtimes, medication schedules, and rest times as consistent as possible—and planning flights and car trips accordingly—will lower the risk of having an “off” period at a critical point.
Plan for breaks and downtime in the schedule. There’s nothing less relaxing during a vacation than having to rush from place to place, and quiet time is even more important when you’re a caregiver to someone with Parkinson’s. Plan to arrive for flights earlier than you normally would, to make sure your loved one has plenty of time to get settled. On road trips, plan to take plenty of breaks, whether it’s taking the time for a full meal or simply a short restroom break.
Plan a schedule that accommodates your loved one’s needs. Travel when your loved one is most likely to do well, and both you and your family will get much more out of the experience.
Sources
Article adapted from the blog A Place for Mom (www.aplaceformom.com).
This content was published in the Summer 2014 edition of our quarterly magazine, Viewpoints. The content was accurate as of this publication date.