Disabled Travel. PART 05

TIP 8: Arrive at the airport early: Give yourself plenty of time before your flight to check-in, get through security and transfer to your gate. You need to be at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight and more if you’re traveling at a peak time. Remember to check in with your flight attendant before your plane lands to make a plan for exit.

TIP 9: Avoid connecting flights: even though wheelchairs are the last items to be checked into the luggage compartments, and the first things to be taken out, flying direct with no transfers, can save you unnecessary time and hassle. One exception to this rule is If you have trouble maneuvering into the tiny airplane lavatories, if this is the case, long flights may become uncomfortable, therefore a series of shorter flights might be a better and more comfortable option. If you do choose to connect, be sure to allow plenty of time between flights, at least 90 minutes, to get from one gate to the next.

Disabled Travel. PART 03

TIP 5: Pack extra medication: Always carry extra medication as well as a prescription and letter from your doctor. The prescription may not be recognized in a foreign country, but it does not hurt to have it on hand. Many experts even advise that you travel with two complete packages of essential medication in case of emergency. Store all medications and other necessary medical supplies in your carry-on bag and not in your check in luggage as its not uncommon for check in baggage to be delayed or lost. In some cases patients have died when their medication was lost with their baggage and the resort they travelled to was in a remote area with any access to a pharmacy.

TIP 6: Investigate physician availability: When you plan your holiday, be sure to research for physicians and their availability. In Singapore, almost all dialysis clinics are closed on Sundays and unless you go through A&E and get referred by the doctor for dialysis, you will have to do without until the next working day, and most kidney patients know that this is not an option.

So always do your research make the necessary calls and ensure that you have made the necessary preparations before you embark on your trip. Your doctor, health care provider, insurance company or local embassy can also assist by providing the names and contact numbers of physicians at your destination.

Disabled Travel. PART 01

Travel by people with disabilities, or disabled travel as its commonly known, has increased. The world, including the travel industry is finally waking up to the special needs that disabled travelers’ have, by providing more services and greater accommodation which is a step in the right direction.

This month’s posts will focus on this subject with tips and advice that we hope will be of help to disabled travelers, their companions, family and friends.

TIP 1: Always call ahead: Although in many countries service providers are required by law to accommodate travelers with special needs, they do require sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements. Be certain to mention your needs at the time of reservation, and call the provider 24 to 48 hours before your arrival to confirm that proper accommodations have been made. The Air Carrier Access Act requires that you give the airline at least 48 hours’ notice if you are traveling with a group of 10 or more disabled passengers.

TIP 2: Be specific and clear: When describing your disability, see that you explain all the details no matter how insignificant they may seem, because not all service providers know the terms and requirements of accessible travel, or the medical terms for certain conditions. At all times, don’t downplay the severity of the disability, as its important that the airline and hotel understands what you require and provides you with it.

To sum up this month’s posts; traveling with an elderly parent, relative or friend does not have to be stressful. So long as you are prepared, patient and understand their needs, it can be a fun and enjoyable trip.

Remember to make a list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal remedies currently being taken; also see that you include dosages. Pack an appropriate quantity of each medication to last the trip plus an extra supply in case of delays in travel. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so packing a weeks or two worth of extra pills does not hurt.

Always keep medications with the traveler. It is not uncommon for luggage to get lost, so be prepared for anything. 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 your elderly relative requires a hearing aide, pack extra batteries. Remember to pack an extra pair of glasses, plus the prescription with you in case they are broken or misplaced.

Bring a cane along if you think they would need it for balance and supplies for denture or incontinence care, as very often these items are not be available in a vacation destination. It is best if your elderly relative can wear medic alert jewelry and/or medic alert cards in case of an emergency.

I think we have tackled almost all, or at the very least, the most common worse case scenarios. So long as you are prepared and ready for anything, you will be sure to enjoy yourself and the time spent with your elderly loved one.

When flying, remember to arrange for an aisle seat for your elderly family member so he/she can get up and walk around with ease. This holds true for car and train rides as well.  A quick pit-stop to stretch their legs to crucial both for their comfort and health. The elderly face a greater risk for blood clots, when sitting for too long in one place, so it is important that they take constant breaks to simply walk around to prevent DVT.

Schedule plenty of breaks and time out for snacks. See that your elderly relative or friend hydrates themselves. Because the elderly are more set in their way, try to maintain meal times and sleep schedules.

When traveling with an elderly person it is always wise to be prepared. Bring along a mild laxative in your overnight bag, as constipation can be more frequent than diarrhea in the older traveler. Remember to pack extra batteries for hearing aides and make sure they are turned to an appropriate volume. Bring along an extra pair of glasses., after all, accidents do happen on long trips.

If you are from the USA, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a toll-free hotline to assist air travelers with disabilities. The line is staffed from 7 am to 11 pm Eastern time, seven days a week. Call (800) 778-4838 (voice) or (800) 455-9880 (TTY).