Aging and Life Enhancement
By Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A.
“To many people, holidays are not voyages of discovery, but a ritual of reassurance.” ~Phillip Andrew Adams
Whether it is the holiday season or a special occasion, the best-made plans from prior years may need minor or sometimes major modifications due to a change in circumstances, whether it is hearing, vision, mobility, endurance or cognitive changes of one or more of the participants.
Traveling by Airplane – First of all, evaluate whether the older adult should travel unaccompanied. Airports, overhead pages, security checkpoints, cancellations and baggage checks have made travel much more complicated, especially for older adults. If endurance, hearing, vision, or memory challenges are present, they are more at risk, even if it is a direct flight.
Years ago, a client of mine who was a retired executive and his wife were planning a plane trip to see their family for Christmas. He still had some residual issues from his stroke, primarily with his memory, processing detailed information, and word retrieval. He had been a frequent international flier but we discussed the challenges that might occur. When I contacted the family with his permission about my concerns, they decided they would fly one of the older grandchildren to Ohio to accompany them to the East Coast. Their daughter would do the same for the return trip and stay for a visit. Fortunately, my client and his wife finally agreed to the arrangement and reported afterward how grateful they were since there were plane delays. They agreed in the future this arrangement was in their best interest.
If you are traveling with an older adult, consider traveling at less busy times. Be careful not to be caught up in the busyness and rushing around. Allow enough time between flights. Sometimes flight delays create challenges that can upset the preplanned schedule upon arrival. The pace you might be used to and the one an older adult does best with are not usually the same. Irritation, anxiety and confusion may be the result of being in a different environment, as well as constant changes and information overload.
Make sure the person is also carrying information regarding insurance, medications and physician contact details, in case of emergency. A sufficient supply of medications should be taken on the trip to cover the time they plan to be away, plus some extra in case there is a delay on the return trip.
Traveling by Car – If you are taking the older adult with you in the car, your plans may need to be modified, especially if the person has dementia. Long trips are often not a great idea. Perhaps you will need to break up the trip and spend the night in a motel. That brings its own set of concerns and, for some older adults, it can add to the confusion. Bring along snacks and familiar items since there may be diet restrictions or limited places to stop. Stopping regularly for bathroom breaks eliminates some of the problems trying to find one with little notice. Pay attention to the music selections and try to minimize any arguing since that can upset them more easily now.
Traveling to a Colder Climate – First of all, what do you pack? Does the person even have some of the needed clothes, especially if there is a special event planned? It may be necessary to help the older adult buy a pair of sturdier shoes or boots in advance so that you have the necessary footwear if there is snow or ice in the forecast. Don’t forget the gloves, a scarf and a warm hat.
NOTE: With the possibility of slippery surfaces, some of which are not so obvious, more assistance may be needed when out and about. Some people may be resistant, so have a discussion with the older adult before you leave. If a person understands how and why you need to provide some assistance ahead of time, you may be able to avoid an upsetting situation.
Traveling to a Warmer Climate – Don’t forget to pack a hat, the sunglasses and sunscreen for the time you are going to be outside. Sometimes there is a drop in the temperature or maybe it is just spending more time in air conditioning. Either way, the necessary items may not be packed unless someone is offering the older adult some assistance.
- The person with mild dementia often does not seem to require supervision but traveling can reveal some previously unnoticed concerns. For example, older adults will often limit liquid intake to avoid bathroom breaks or may forget to get something to drink, so the risk of dehydration might increase unless gentle reminders are offered.
- Once settled in your new location, it is likely that everyone will get busy with the activities. One of my friends shared an experience that happened on a family trip last year. His grandfather went upstairs to take a nap and no one realized that he changed his mind and decided to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. He was there for more than an hour and got sunburned. Someone with dementia may have decreased judgment and not take appropriate precautions, as happened in this case. It never occurred to him to put on sunscreen or wear his baseball cap or long sleeves. Some medications also require avoiding being in the sun, so keep your eye on what the older adult is doing.
- Some other things to consider would be potential hazards, particularly if the older adult has hearing, vision or cognitive problems. In the warmer climates, more time might be spent around swimming pools, perhaps with pets, children and toys around. Outside furniture may be more difficult to get in and out of or less sturdy. If the older adult likes to go for walks, there may be uneven terrain and assistance may be important for safety reasons.
Being able to create opportunities for a loved one with some changes in functioning so they can enjoy time with friends and family is a gift to all. By having an increased understanding of what might be a potential problem, you can plan accordingly and provide opportunities for an older adult to participate in something that probably could not happen without your increased awareness and concerns.
“You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.”
~ Henry Drummond
