When traveling with an elderly and or ailing relative or friend, see that you remember to print out a list of the patient’s medical issues and medications, so if needed, it’s in a format that medical professionals anywhere in the world can easily understand. Such printed information can also be helpful when traveling through airports or other strict security enforced areas. Hearing aides, artificial implants in hips and knees, and pacemakers are among the list of medical issues that may trip security alarms.

If your elderly relative requires the use of oxygen, this must be communicated to airline officials in advance. FAA regulations prohibit the use of personal oxygen units during flights, although it may be checked below, if it meets with stringent packaging and labeling requirements. Airlines provide oxygen equipment during the flight for a small service and most require a 48-hour notice.

Travelers with heart conditions should avoid food laden with salt. Most airline meals have more sodium than is required, so it would be best if they order a special meal, should the airline provide such a service, or simply bring their own. Those on diuretics can lose significant amounts of potassium if they contract food poisoning and this may be even more dangerous if they are also on anti-arrhythmia drugs. Prompt treatment of diarrhea in this situation and hydration is essential.

When traveling with an elderly relative or friend, comfort is very important. Therefore make sure that you both take a few extra minutes to eat something, take any medication and go to the restroom once you have passed through security.

Check to see if the airline allows early boarding. The boarding process usually begins 30 minutes prior to scheduled take-off. Most airlines allow passengers needing special assistance to board the plane first, regardless of ticket class or seating. This will help avoid standing in a long line to board and give you time to get comfortable before the plane is filled with other passengers.

Drink plenty of water as the airplane air system can easily make you dehydrated. Make routine trips to the restroom even if it is just for movement, especially on long haul or even long flights. Carry a tube (not more than 100 ml) of soothing lotion or emollient as the cabin air is very drying. A small bottle of lavender or rose water face spray is also useful as it will not just hydrate yours and your companion’s skin, but the soothing aroma of the herbs will help you to relax, especially in the case of Lavender.

When traveling with the elderly, it is best to always be prepared for the unexpected.

Pack a light carry-on bag that contains a snack, a bottle of water and a two to three days supply of medication. Airlines don’t offer the meal options they used to and most airline meals are packed with salt causing bloating and discomfort. But do note the liquid limit imposed when traveling by air. Anything above 100 ml cannot be taken into the airplane.

Consider the travel peak and off-peak times. Your elderly travel companion may do better on a less crowded flight. If your travel plans are flexible, consider traveling during the middle of the day or mid-week when the airport is generally less crowded.

Allow yourself plenty of time for the arrival and check-in process. Many senior fares require check-in at the ticket counter to show proof of age. Keep the boarding pass and proof of identification handy for the security check points.

Check the age requirement for senior discounts with your airline carrier. If your travel companion is over the age of 65, they may qualify for a discounted ticket fare. Check the other fares as well, as the specials are sometimes cheaper than the senior discount.

By exercising some patience and sensitivity, you can be assured of stress free vacation or travel with your elderly companion.

When checking in at the ticket counter you will probably be told that your relative and yourself will be allowed to pre-board the plane in order to get settled before the majority of passengers are allowed to find their seats. Take advantage of this extra time to get your mother/father secured and comfortable in his/her seat and squared away before you take your seat. The flight attendants will pay special attention to your needs and will call for a wheelchair upon landing and will assist you in disembarking at the end of your trip.

Traveling by train has much of the same options offered, from free wheelchair access to attendants ready to assist you and your relative up to your train seat. However, be aware that train rides are notoriously hard on sensitive backs due to the rocking motion and the length of most train trips, so anyone with back problems may want to consider other travel options.

A long cruise might seem like the answer to many health problems, but you have concerns there as well to tend to. Is there a qualified doctor on board? Is he/she prepared to deal with your relative’s medical condition? Is the ship equipped with all the pertinent equipment in case of an emergency? How fast can your mother/father be removed from the cruise ship and taken to a hospital in case of an emergency? These are all major questions you should ask your ticket agent before laying down the cash for a leisurely cruise.

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The world’s population is aging and more attention is now being focussed on the needs of the elderly. This month’s posts will focus on traveling with the elderly, tips, must know facts and other information that I hope will be helpful the next time you have to travel with an elderly parent, grandparent, relative or friend.

Before any trip with an elderly friend or relative, it is prudent to consult their physician. They will be able to advise you on the best mode of travel and even the safest route, which often times may not be the fastest, but it is always better to be safe than sorry where health is concerned.

It is useful to bear in mind that older travelers are also more sensitive to changes in the climate and environment. The most important consideration is to ensure that the conditions of travel are suited to his or her physical condition.

Many airlines do not allow oxygen tanks to be transported, either as baggage or with the afflicted person. Therefore, if you are traveling with someone suffering from a respiratory condition, you will need to make alternate plans. The same holds true of certain cardiac ailments or those on certain medications, so do check with the airline before you book.

Many airports have made concessions for elderly passengers by providing free wheelchairs and transportation services to get them from the ticket counter to the gate and back. Just be sure to alert the ticket agent of your need and it’s more than likely that you’ll receive excellent service from enthusiastic assistants. Don’t over-estimate the ability of your elderly relative walk through the airport from gate to gate. Even a short distance can wear out someone using a cane or suffering from a physical ailment.

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