This post is all about a Checklist for Traveling With Your Senior Parents (Printable Checklist)! The general population is growing older and the number of seniors has been rapidly increasing over the last decade. Not only are people living longer and longer, but the Baby Boomer generation is entering their retirement years in huge numbers.
Although this fact has many trickle-down consequences, the most common is that more and more parents are living with their adult children. Even for those that are living independently, the number of families with multiple generations has definitely increased.
This not only enriches your family dynamic for the better but allows you and your children to be able to spend more time with the older generation.
Family vacations and travel with your parents can change not only the number of people in your group, but it can also mean a lot of changes to your planning, which vehicle you travel in, and packing routines.
Seniors tend to have more personal needs — as well as medications and health concerns — than the other members of the family. Thus, getting ready to travel with your parents can take a bit more planning to make sure that things go smoothly.
Checklist for Traveling With Your Senior Parents
Take a look at our checklist that can help you get organized and confident that you are properly prepared before heading out the door to make some great family memories! You can print the Checklist For Traveling Seniors Here!
Medical
Before you set out on your trip, have a quick check-up with their doctor to clear them for travel. Fill all prescriptions and medications, and remember, it is very important to take all prescriptions with you in original bottles!
*Allergy medication
*Non-prescription medications including aspirin
*Antacid
*Motion sickness tablets
*Arthritis cream or medications
*Sunscreen and insect repellent
*Asthma medication
*Hearing aid battery accessories
*Reading glasses
*Compression socks
*Portable wheelchair/Walker/Cane
Electronics
*eReader
*Phone
*Camera
*Tablet
*All chargers, power cords, and connection cables for electronics
*Portable DVD player and movies
*Spare batteries
*Earphones
*Booklight
Paperwork
When traveling or crossing any international borders you should have all of the following paperwork with you in your carry-on luggage.
*All hotel and travel reservation details
*Passport
*Visas
*Driver’s license
*Photocopies of all of your identification
*Records of vaccinations
*Information about the local embassy in the country that you will be visiting
*Maps
*Specific directions to your destination
*Translation language guides or books
*Emergency contact information
*Doctor’s name and contact information
Personal Items
*Cash or checks
*Credit cards
*Traveler’s checks
*ATM cards
*Prepaid phone cards
*Books and magazines
*Magnifying glass for reading
*Puzzles
*Sunglasses
*Water bottle
*Money belt
*Gum
*Travel pillow/spine pillow
*Comfortable walking shoes
*Walking stick or cane
*Baseball hat or sun hat
*Hand Sanitizer
Although there is no way to anticipate everything that may occur while you are on vacation, being prepared is the best way to have some peace of mind.
Every situation is different and each family member has their own needs, but by following simple packing guidelines may help you make your parents more confident and comfortable while you are on vacation. Having everything in order before you head out for the horizon can make even the smallest travel hiccup pass smoothly.
Have you ever traveled with your parents? What essentials do you recommend for the trip?