The official start of the fall season is just a few days away! For many Canadians, this news is a bit of a downer. The warm and sunny days of summer are soon to be behind us. However, for so many other Canadians, autumn is a wonderful time of year. The cool, crisp air combined with the vibrant colours of the fallen leaves make for an awesome atmosphere.
Some people actually prefer to travel during the fall. Whether it’s escaping the chilly temperatures, deciding to visit family or embarking on a bucket list trip, plans for autumn vacationing are taking place at this very moment. Naturally, “safety first” should be top of mind when planning a trip. This is especially true for elderly individuals.
Here are five ways older adults can put safety first for stress-free autumn vacationing:
1. Research senior-friendly accommodations.
Most older adults prefer peace and quiet when going on vacation. As a result, a party atmosphere isn’t exactly the ideal choice when selecting a place to stay. Not only should seniors research accommodations that meet their personal preferences, their lodgings should also cater to their physical challenges. It’s wise to seek out hotels, resorts and Airbnb properties that have elevators, ramps and/or ground-floor rooms.
In addition, the accommodations should be equipped with such features as non-slip flooring and grab bars in the bathroom. It’s also a good idea to confirm whether or not the property is close to restaurants, grocery stores and medical facilities. Are there shuttle services or other easy transportation options nearby?
Verve Senior Living agrees that older travellers should check for accommodation accessibility. “Knowing where the closest hospital is, along with restaurant options, gas stations, etc. is all good info to have,” says their website, “Being prepared is your #1 ally in travel for a smooth arrival and transitions!”
2. Get a check up before setting sail.
The last thing you want to have happen on your vacation is falling ill. It’s best to check in with your doctor before you set off on vacation. Be sure to discuss your travel plans with your physician to ensure you’re healthy enough to enjoy the journey. A check up will be especially important if your trip will involve any physical activities such as hiking or walking tours.
Will you require any vaccinations or extra medications? Some areas require such additional prep. As well, be sure that your medical devices are all in tip-top shape. We’re talking about hearing aids, glasses and your mobility devices.
“Approximately six weeks before your vacation, visit your doctor to share your travel plans and discuss any concerns,” encourages VHA Home HealthCare, “Your healthcare provider will review your immunization history to make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. They may also suggest other vaccines or preventative medications specific to your destination.”
3. Don’t skip on the travel insurance.
Many young vacationers consider travel insurance to be an unnecessary expense. It should go without saying, however, that anything could happen at any time. For seniors, it’s best not to take risks. Having comprehensive travel insurance is a must. It can cover everything from trip cancellations to medical emergencies.
Inquire about policies with your travel agent, bank or even your credit card company. Coverage should include emergency medical care, evacuations and trip interruptions. Be sure to keep a copy of your insurance information with you at all times. It’s also a smart to have a travel companion who knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
“As we grow older, we are also more susceptible to health issues or injuries than younger travellers,” points out Allianz Global Assistance, “Because most countries don’t provide free health care to visitors, travel insurance is a must-have if you need emergency medical treatment while you’re away. Additionally, an increasing number of countries have started requiring proof of emergency medical coverage.”
4. Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods.
We know that once the weather gets cooler, it’s easier to forget about staying hydrated. You aren’t sweating as much and you’re likely not as thirsty. Nevertheless, it’s important to carry a water bottle with you during your travels. Especially when you are participating in outdoor activities, you should be sipping water regularly.
It’s also best to watch what you eat when you’re travelling. Of course, it can be hard not to indulge in all of the wonderful delicacies found in the unique parts of the world you’re visiting. But don’t forget to include plenty of fruits, vegetables and fibre in your meal choices. Eating healthy will help you to keep your energy levels up and avoid any digestive issues.
“Eating healthy foods is essential for seniors while on vacation,” insists Senior Helpers, “Not only should they avoid processed and high-sugar items, but it is also important that they maintain their regular medication schedule to prevent any health issues from arising. Additionally, making sure to eat meals at consistent times will help them stay energized and balanced throughout the day!”
5. Make use of a travel mobility scooter.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we proudly stock a wide variety of high-quality travel mobility scooters. We have 4 wheel scooters and electric mobility scooter models available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Some models are great travel scooters that disassemble or fold for storage and travel. We also provide both mid-sized multi-use scooters and large, more robust scooters that can effectively handle more challenging terrain.
We’re particularly happy to carry Travel Buggy! Among the models we have available is the City 2 Plus Travel Buggy Power Wheelchair. This foldable power wheelchair mobility device is the perfect travel companion for flights, cruises or even just getting out and about with friends and family. Known as the lightest electric wheelchair in the world, Travel Buggy is ideal for travel because of its Lithium Ion batteries which are extremely lightweight and easy to carry. It’s very easy to remove the batteries for carry on to the plane.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we always ensure that you have the complete picture to make an informed decision. Be sure to stay tuned to this space as we will soon be releasing information about a brand new promotion involving our travel mobility scooters! To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
