by Sheri Fresonke Harper

Created on: September 19, 2009

Recently we took our parents to a wedding and found that their needs required careful planning. When you book the flight for someone elderly, make sure that you indicate if they require wheelchair help or not. Then talk with the airline. Many times the seat assignment for an elderly person can be altered so that they are close to the bathroom and close to the entry so they walk less. Most of these health tips are for elderly traveling companions that are in good health, starting with the essential questions of do they have health insurance or adequate money to cover expenses and does it cover them in the locale of choice.

Handle Forgetfulness to Ensure Health

To see your elder parents or friends off on a flight, you must get to the check-in counter early in order to get permission to accompany them past security. Forgetfulness is the primary reason you should accompany them. Although the staff person that wheels the wheelchair is very friendly and helpful, chances are you will need to see that they have any canes or walkers needed on board, their pills, their glasses, their hearing aids, etc. You may also be the one that explains how able your elderly parent or friend is to withstand the rigors of security. Security staff will want to know if they can stand and hold their hands overhead unassisted.

Handle Oxygen Delivery and Pickup

Oxygen weighs a lot and is difficult to manage, especially if you are in a wheelchair. If your elderly parent or friend requires the use of oxygen, but doesn't plan to take it on board, make sure that the oxygen is ordered in advance and scheduled for pickup on departure. Oxygen is easy to hook up and turn on; our experience was that diagrams on the machine told the whole story.

Provide Assistance at Car Doors

Car doors can be too heavy for elderly persons to open and close. Often, a stability problem can arise when they let go of their cane or walker and climb into the car. Help with their seat belts, sometimes they have difficulty reaching or seeing the hole. Ask or insist on driving.

Help Manage Wetware and Bowel Problems

Many elderly require the use of Depends, or other product used to absorb urinary leakage. Check that they have adequate supplies and changes of underwear. Ensure that they have supplies of anti-diarrhea and or constipation medicine.

Expect Hearing Problems

Communicating with the elderly can be a challenge. Speak louder if needed. Move closer. Use a pencil and paper if unable to get understanding.

Provide Adequate

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