Helpful Holiday Travel Tips from a Senior Support Services Agency

Senior support services can help your loved one avoid stress during holiday travel

The holidays are finally here! Many of us wait a long time to spend some much-needed time with our families, particularly if we do not get to see them a whole lot during the year. However, the holidays can and do take their toll on us, particularly the traveling bit. Many older adults are especially affected, as a large number of seniors suffer from multiple chronic conditions and are generally weaker than they used to be. However, this should never be the reason they do not take part in the holiday cheer. As home care professionals, we at Visiting Angels of Aspen Hill wanted to share some tips we have learned along the way to help you have a merrier holiday season.

It is not just the travelling itself that tires out older adults. Although busy roads, traffic jams, layovers and long-haul flights can take their toll, there are many other aspects to holiday travel that can be very difficult. Examples include changes in plans and looking for accommodation and generally figuring out the hows, wheres and whens of holiday gatherings. The best thing you can do for your loved one right off the bat is take care of all of this on your own. If they have professional senior support services, work with their caregiver to see how they can help. Doing so is usually part of regular companion care services.

There is quite a bit else you can do to minimize your loved one's stress during the holidays. Doing so can also help you not get stretched too thin as you may have other responsibilities as well, like making dinner, cleaning the house, and taking care of your children. Let's take a look:

• Plan, plan and plan. If you are traveling with your older parent, consider everything that could possibly go wrong and address it ahead of time. Come up with a schedule and stick to it. Also, discuss the schedule with your senior to help avoid any anxiety they may be having about traveling.
• Organization is key. When you are traveling with a senior you have to take their health into consideration. Gather all of their medication and medical records in one place and make sure it's ready to go well ahead of time.
• If you need help, ask for it. There is no shame in being overwhelmed about traveling with your senior loved one. A senior support services professional tagging along with you could make a major difference.
• Do not rush. Remember, travelling may be stressful, but these are the holidays. The most wonderful time of the year. Appreciate that.

To learn more about our senior support services for families in Aspen Hill, Silver Spring, Laurel and surrounding communities in Maryland, contact Visiting Angels today!