There are a few reasons that we might need to travel with elderly relatives. We might be fetching them to stay with us for a while, or helping them to move to a new home, or into a senior care facility. Sometimes, we’re just spending time together, enjoying a holiday with important members of our family. Whatever your reason for travel, however, you may have some concerns about flying with elderly relatives.
Why Should You Worry About Flights with Elderly Relatives
Why you should, and how much you should, worry about taking flights with elderly relatives will depend on their health and fitness. If your relative is in good health, has great mobility, and doesn’t have an existing or debilitating condition, then chances are, they’ll enjoy a flight as much as a younger person.
However, as we get older our health and mobility often decline. Your relative might find a flight very uncomfortable, they may need medication or other assistance along the way. Dry air can lead to breathing difficulties, and even before you get on the plane, they might struggle with all of the queuing and waiting around.
Take a Nurse
If your elderly relative has complex medical needs and you are worried that something could happen at the airport or on the plane that you wouldn’t know how to cope with then flying with a nurse can be a great option. Learn more about a concierge nurse service and how it could help you during your trip.
Stick to Major Airlines
We’re often tempted to fly with a budget airline to save money. But the bigger airlines often offer more comfortable flights, better food, and more support if we have any additional needs.
It can also help to try to find direct flights, which means there’s no risk of a rush for a transfer, the journey doesn’t take as long, and waiting around is reduced.
Contact the Airline
There may be many different ways that the airline can help you if you are traveling with an elderly relative. They may be able to offer a wheelchair for use in the airport, early and supported boarding, a seat with more legroom, and other comforts.
They’ll also be able to give you advice on what medication and medical equipment you can take in both your hand luggage and any bags you check, any restrictions on medication in the country that you are visiting, and tell you whether you need a doctor’s letter.
Think About the Other End
You might be so focused on making the journey safe and comfortable that you forget what happens next. If you are going on holiday, make sure you book an accessible hotel and ask for a ground-floor room. Whatever your reason for travel, you’ll want to stop off for something to eat and drink as soon as you can, and you might want to hire a car from the airport to avoid too much walking around.
Older people can enjoy travel as much as the rest of us. We just might need to take more precautions to make sure they are safe, healthy, and looked after.
