If you’re planning on traveling a long distance with an elderly loved one this holiday season, or at any time of the year, you should make some considerations for senior care. One of the most important things to realize is that seniors have different needs and tolerances when it comes to travelling long distances. One of these differences is that they may not be able to sit still for long periods of time like you can.

Their joints and bones are not in the same condition that they were when they were younger. They may get achy more frequently and have to stand up and stretch. They may need to use the restroom for frequently as well, depending on the bladder health and even the medication that they are taking.

When you’re planning on a long distance trip, try to avoid doing it by car. If you are traveling more than a few hundred miles, try to get a flight. While you may have to spend a number of hours in the airport and then waiting on a plane, at least your loved one will be able to get up and move around, as well as use the restroom if and when it’s needed. A trip that would take at least 12 hours by car can usually be completed in less than 3 hours by plane, and that’s including going through the checkpoint.

If you decide that you’re going to drive, you want to know the route and where all emergency resources will happen to be along the route. You can contact a local travel center or call AAA to find out what resources they have available about this information. You also want to make sure that you know where all available rest stops will be. While you don’t anticipate having a restroom accident along the trip, if you are driving along long back roads that don’t have many gas stations or rest areas, then you may run into a problem if there is an emergency.

If you have any specific questions or concerns about your elderly loved one on a long trip with you, you can always contact senior health care services to get their perspective on the potential situation.

Just keep in mind that your elderly loved one may not be able to withstand a long distance trip the way that he or she used to and you should take that into consideration; it’s one of the senior care tips that is easy to overlook.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from the help of senior care in River Oaks, TX contact the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care. We help seniors and their families with many levels of home care service. Call (832) 271-1600 for more information.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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