24 Jul Senior Travel Problems — Gone, Not Forgotten: A Caregiver’s Checklist
For those 50 and over who are the main caregivers to friends or relatives, traveling can present a problem: Who will take over in their absence?
The Visiting Nurse Service of New York has offered these Eldercare Services Travel Tips:
1. Choose an alternative caregiver or visitor to perform essential duties during your absence (food shopping, accompanying the older adult to doctor’s appointments, etc.). If he or she depends on a home-care worker, carry with you the name and phone number of a reliable home-care agency that can guarantee a replacement on short (two to four hours) notice.
2. Medications: Be sure there is enough supply, within easy reach. Post a list of dosages, and the times they should be taken. Take a copy with you.
3. Health Data: Post the name and phone of the older adult’s physician, hospital, a list of medications, name and phone of an emergency contact. Post the name and phone number of the substitute caregiver where the older person can see it. Make sure the doctor’s office has another contact besides you.
4. Keys: Set up for a trusted neighbor, building, or friend super to have a set in case of emergency.
5. Food: Stock easy-to-open, easy-to-prepare food and beverages, with an extra week’s supply. If temporary Meals-on-Wheels are not available, arrange for commercial providers to deliver hot meals.
6. Weather: Be sure air conditioners are in working order, with a fan for backup. Or, check the heating system. Be sure it is safe and he/she can regulate it if the older person relies on a portable heater.
7. Financial issues: Pre-pay current bills, arrange for sufficient cash to be on hand to meet expenses, and allow for small emergency expenditures.
8. Copies of your itinerary: Make certain the older person has one, including phone numbers. This is very important if you are the health proxy or the next of kin. Substitute caregiver should also have a copy.
9. Daily Routine: Pre-arrange transportation and escort, if needed, to the usual activities – social functions, church, medical and barber appointments – the life- and spirit-sustaining activities that give meaning and structure to an older adult’s day.
10. Emergency Plan: Mentioning what needs to be done in a medical emergency – a stroke or coma – can be very difficult, but it is important. So use the fact that you are going on a trip as a way to bring up this subject. A signed health proxy/living will should be given to the adult’s physician.
11. Special Touches: To make your absence easier on a loved one, call home, send flowers, leave a note and, by all means, send a postcard.
When travelling with seniors, you can avoid such problems if you have to follow these tips. Just make sure to take note all of these as well as get ready with your bus rental New England for the senior’s trip.
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