How Can You Protect Your Senior’s Safety On a Road Trip?

Going on vacation is something that many families look forward to every summer. A vacation with your family is a fantastic way to connect, make memories, spend quality time together, and experience new things, or revisit places that are meaningful to you. As a family caregiver, planning a vacation is not just about thinking of all the wonderful things you’ll do together, and making sure you plan what everybody wants to do. You must also keep in mind your senior’s needs and how you can help them stay safer and healthier throughout the vacation experience.

Use these tips to protect your senior’s safety on a road trip:

• Make sure there’s enough space in the vehicle for your parent to sit comfortably and shift positions. Nothing should be pressing against your parent, or restricting their movement.
• Insist your senior wears their seatbelt at all times throughout the travel.
• Make sure your parent dresses comfortably and in layers so they can quickly and easily adjust their temperature and not become excessively hot or cold.
• Do not place any luggage where it could slide and potentially injure your senior.
• If your parent has wandering tendencies, do not leave them alone in the car or allow them to go into rest areas or other unfamiliar locations by themselves.
• Consider having your parent carry or wear a personal GPS tracking device that will allow you to keep track of them should they get out of your sight during a break in the trip.

Bringing your senior along with you on a road trip can be wonderful, but it isn’t always possible. Simply because you are a family caregiver for an aging adult who is not able to be as active as the rest of your family doesn’t mean you are no longer able to enjoy your annual vacation. There is help available that allows you to still take your vacation, while knowing your parent is safe and properly cared for. If you are planning a vacation with your family, but don’t feel it would be appropriate to bring your senior along, consider respite care. This type of care can be used in conjunction with your parent’s regular home care provider to ensure they have continuous access to the care they need. With respite care, an additional care provider steps in to manage care tasks that you would usually handle yourself. This means they still have someone with them as much as they need to, while you’re able to go enjoy your quality time with your partner and children, take a break, and relax.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Wayne, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860 .