Ways to Make Holiday Travel Easier for the Elderly

The elderly may find it more stressful to travel overto get to your gate. It may be a good idea for you to
the holidays because they aren’t used to all thetake an early morning flight when the traffic is lighter
traffic or all the crowds. There are ways to make it isthere too if you can get one.
much easier trip though if you plan ahead. Many elderlyIt is a good idea to carry your medical history with you
people take daily medications so make sure you havewhen you travel. This is even more important if you
plenty of it. Put it in a safe place where it isn’t likelyhave ongoing health issues. Your medical history can
to get lost. If you have extra pills you will want to packhelp medical professionals that aren’t familiar with
them separately. If you have some in your purse andyour needs assist you if you aren’t able to tell
some in your luggage you are fine if one of them getsthem. Make sure the medical history includes
lost.information regarding any medications you may be
If you are flying make sure you have a note from theallergic to.
doctor to identify what the medications are. You willOxygen tanks are a common item that elderly people
have to show them to security and you can keep theneed when they travel for the holidays. It can be
lines moving if you have the right documentation withdifficult to carry all of them with you that you will need
you. Holiday travel is very busy but don’t think for afor the duration. Instead of just staying home though
second that security is going to let their guard downtalk with the company that delivers your oxygen.
and just let you pass through with it.Chances are they can arrange for you to get the
Don’t attempt to carry heavy bags around theadditional tanks you need when you land at the airport.
airport. This can result in you getting hurt. If the airlineIf you are driving then you will be able to have the
you are traveling with offers a kiosk outside drive upoxygen tanks delivered to the hotel or the residence
to it and then go park your car. It is also a good idea towhere you are staying.
invest in luggage that has wheels on the bottom. ThisIt isn’t a good idea to travel with several oxygen
way you can pull them along instead of having totanks in your vehicle. They can burst into flames if you
carry them any distance. Most head, back, and neckare involved in a car accident. They are also very
injuries occur around the holidays due to carryingheavy and take up a great deal of space. Even if your
heavy luggage.oxygen tank provider doesn’t cover the area
If you use a walker or wheelchair make sure youwhere you are going for the holidays, they can put you
contact the airline in advance. They are more thanin touch with another company that does.
willing to accommodate such needs. Since the airportJust because a person is older doesn’t mean they
is so busy during the holidays though you need to letdon’t enjoy traveling for the holidays. Take your
them know in advance. This way they can be sure totime to make sure you cover all your basis. This will
have staff available to assist you.help to ensure you remain safe while you are traveling
You may want to arrive at the airport an hour earlierfor the holidays. The better trip you have getting to
than specified if you need special assistance. Duringyour final destination the more you will enjoy your
the holiday season you will find the airport to be veryholiday season.
crowded and this can result in it taking longer for you