Three 'Must Do' Steps for Caregivers Traveling With Your Loved One
Vacation travel & caregiving survival tools (Part I)
Hello KIRC fam!
Welcome aboard to our newest subscribers and a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who is part of this growing tribe.
The topic of family caregiving can be daunting, so I appreciate those of you who engage and are willing to share your insights with others.
I’m writing this just coming off a short travel excursion. I’m having my morning cup of coffee and reflecting on my journey and experiences while caring for my mother, Nellie.
I can’t lie. I do not miss the constant stress and overwhelm I felt while in the midst of my caregiving duties. But I miss my mom something awful. It hits at the oddest moments.
I was thinking about the last trip my mother enjoyed. It was a road trip to visit my husband’s family.
We drove through Northern California, across the mountain pass near Lake Tahoe and Donner Pass, then made our way into Nevada. Nellie had a wonderful time. I did too.
The excursion proved to be a working trip for me, as the entire weekend I was making sure mom was safe, well cared for, and comfortable in the car, the hotel, having the right foods, and while in our relative’s home.
There are numerous outlets which track travel trends and provide statistics of what is going on out there in the travel world. Others offer a range of services and discounts for senior travelers.
But for family caregivers, some of what makes our travel successful is ‘trial by fire’ and then sharing our hacks with others. In other words, some of the REAL items that can make or break a trip.
This feels like just the right moment to share a bit of insight regarding caregiving and traveling. I hope this can help you in some way.
In previous posts I have addressed travel items, but this landscape is continually evolving. Not to mention, we all learn new items as we go.
As a professional communications consultant, I travel a great deal for work. That means I spend a lot of time in airports, on planes, and in hotels. I am a people watcher. I see things. Based on these observations and my own experiences of caring for my mother, here are a few survival tools you may want to consider for successful travel.
1. Double Your Time
Whatever your mode of travel - plane, train, car - give yourself as much extra time as possible. My rule of thumb? Go close to DOUBLE how much you might set aside if traveling by yourself.
As a caregiver you must think ahead of how much prep time you need before even leaving your home (shower, meal, packing, loading into your car, etc.) The absolute worst thing is for you to be rushed, to create stress for your loved one, or (God forbid) miss a flight, train, or another scheduled trip. The scenario can be avoided if you build in more time than you think you’ll need - then add another :30 -:45 minutes.
Driving to an airport? Consider that any extra bathroom stops will likely take longer. Those ten-to-15 minute pit-stops eat up time FAST! Also consider the time it takes to park once at your destination. Finding a spot, getting a shuttle, or walking to the terminal all takes more time than we generally account for.
Traveling by car? I always found that having a plan before even leaving the house made things much easier. Choose a route in which you know there are accessible locations to easily make food and/or bathroom stops. My go-to stop is a reliable grocery store.
More often than not, these locations have easy access, many have restrooms located right in the front, and you can replenish your travel rations at the same time. This is a win-win-win scenario.
2. Pack Food
The famous American Express slogan, ‘Don’t Leave Home Without It’ applies to family caregivers and food.
Preparing and packing food takes a bit of extra coordinating (and time) at the front end before any trip, but doing so is worth the effort.
I’m not talking packing an entire picnic basket. However, wise travelers assume something will go sideways and you will have delays. If you have food with you, the entire experience can feel much less painful. I am prone to getting hangry so I try to protect myself and those around me.
Plus, keep in mind that your loved one may not be able to eat just anything you are able to scrounge up along the way. Not to mention, that food is usually expensive. Or, your loved one may eat something that creates a digestive problem. Now you have an entirely different issue (on the back side) to deal with.
3. Research Your Routes, Locations, and Services
Which brings me to the final point: take a bit of time to do some research before you go.
Driving? Take a look at the layout of whatever highway route you are taking. Where along the way can you safely and easily stop?
Flying? Jump online to check out the airports you will be moving through.
Is there a shuttle, train, or tram you have to take and how is the airport layed out?
Do you have a major trek between gates or terminals?
Contact your airline to ask what assistance services are provided and request that help. Don’t let pride stand in your way! If help is available… ask for help.
*NOTE: As mentioned, I travel a great deal for work. I have noticed many airlines and airports are staffing larger teams dedicated to wheelchair assistance. Even so, there remains a strong need for personal responsibility and awareness. Make sure you and your loved one know which gate you need to be at. Do not rely only on the staff. If you have not done so already, make sure you download your airline’s app to your phone. Sign up. Make sure you will receive alerts of any changes.
Give yourself plenty of time between any connections. I avoid connections less than 2-hours. I know that time window can feel long. However, that gives you time in case there are any delays. It gives you time to wait for a wheelchair, make a bathroom stop, navigate to your next gate or terminal, and have a snack or food.
Family caregivers serve many roles and sometimes that includes being a travel coordinator. Make it a bit easier on yourselves by taking the time to plan and prepare.
There are so many little insights to share but for the sake of time, we’ll hold those for an upcoming post. We still have to talk about hotels, restaurants, and general ‘must do’ packing tips!
What are some of your travel survival tools which have helped you manage as a family caregiver?
Any personal stories involving airlines, airports, or other travel agencies you would care to share that might help others?
Until next time~
Julia
