Holidays indeed pose another set of challenges for us caregivers! It’s hard enough to get our seniors moving everyday, what more when there’s unusual cheer in the air? The biggest challenge of all is to actually make holidays fun for both the senior and the caregiver.
If you are planning to take your senior to a holiday vacation, you might want to read these handy tips so you’ll have more time for fun and less time for stress!
· Research, research, research. Familiarity is your best friend. Even if you are going to a remote island that is new to you, there are tons of reading materials online as well as offline such as books and maps in your library. Or perhaps a friend has a story to tell about his or her experience going to that place. Do take note of the weather as it can definitely make or break a vacation.
· Use a lot of foresight. While doing your research, make sure that you are also playing different scenarios wherein your senior is the lead role. Try to imagine how your senior will be able to cope with the conditions you are about to face such as the weather, the accommodation, the facilities, transportation – these are only half of the battle so you really have to come prepared.
· Make a list. And check it twice. Sometimes it gets really hard to remember all the things that need your attention especially when caring for your senior 24/7 hence the need to jot everything down on a piece of paper. All of them. Together.
· Get clearance from the doc. Just because your senior is feeling the holiday cheer, acting all medically sound and happy, doesn’t mean they are okay to travel. You really need to consult their doctors first and tell them your plans. Also secure necessary prescriptions as you might need them when carrying medications abroad or cross country.
· Plan as many pit stops as you can. You know it’s not really good for old people to get all folded up for long periods of time unless you would like for them to die of embolism. They should be able to get some “stretch” once in a while.
· Bring in the weapons! Don’t forget your gadgets and aids as they will save you lots of tears when you get there! Don’t be afraid to “over accessorize” since you might need them anyway and afterall, it’s okay to bring a walking cane and not use it during the trip than end up buying a second cane because you didn’t bring your own.
· Keep things nice and simple. If your holiday vacation plans include a senior then you must work around their comfort. Activities like bungee jumping or trail hiking must be given second thoughts definitely while museum trips and beach walks are highly encouraged.