Summer travel is an exciting time to get away and reconnect with the people who matter most in your life, especially in beautiful North Carolina. However, we know firsthand how hard it can be to relax and enjoy the moment when you’re a family caregiver. It’s difficult to step out of that role and just connect as a family member.
A little bit of preparation can make any travel, and especially travel with seniors, easier and more enjoyable. A few steps now can give you the breathing room you need to relax and enjoy your time away later. Here are a few of our favorite tips.
Greater Charlotte’s Top Senior Travel Resources
Living so close to a vacation destination, Greater Charlotte is full of resources to help you make the most of your upcoming trip. With healthy road snacks, lightweight summer wear and help with pet care, it’s easy to plan for success.
1. Get the Right Gear
The right travel packing list for seniors will make all the difference for your friend or family member, and a trip to a local outfitter like Great Outdoor Provision Co. can cover most of your needs.
Start with clothing; choose light, breathable layers made from moisture-wicking fabrics that’ll keep sweat from clinging to skin. If the senior you’re traveling with tends to get cold indoors, pick up a light outer layer that’s easy for them to take on and off. Make sure you consider senior sun safety as well; look at UV-blocking, lightweight tops like sun hoodies.
Make sure to pick up a sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes as well, especially if you’re planning any walking tours. Rather than ordering online, it’s important to stop into a shoe store and have them fitted properly to avoid injuries and fatigue.
Seniors tend to struggle with hydration, so plan ahead. Pack a water bottle they like to use, and don’t forget water flavor packets. Since the water where you’re traveling may taste different, adding a little flavor can make sipping more enjoyable. Head to our recent blog for more senior hydration tips.
2. Pack Some Snacks
Older adults often struggle to eat enough food under the best of circumstances, and travel can make it harder by putting their go-to options out of reach. It’s especially important to have food on hand for seniors while traveling, as they may need to stick to a specific schedule that can be thrown off on vacation. If they’re on a restrictive diet, it can be nearly impossible to find travel snacks they can actually eat along the way.
Before you embark, it’s best to stop by a local health food store like Berrybrook Farm to get your friend or family member some travel snacks that remind them of home. Health food stores stock a huge variety of healthy snacks in bulk, so you can mix and match to create a snack pack full of things they both can and will eat. They’re also very sensitive to dietary restrictions and make sure to clearly list all ingredients, so it’s easy to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
3. Send Their Pet On Vacation Too
If older adults aren’t sure their dog is safe and comfortable, they won’t be able to enjoy their vacation, no matter how nice it is. Often, neighbors and local friends are more than happy to dogsit while they’re away, but that’s not always an option. Your favorite volunteer sitters may have their own summer travel plans, and it’s particularly hard to get their help for extended trips or on short notice.
If you’re not certain you’ll be able to find a volunteer sitter, it’s time to contact a pet boarding service like The Barker Lounge. Far from a gloomy kennel, modern pet boarders are more like resorts for dogs, keeping them comfortable, entertained and fed. Just make sure to contact them a few weeks in advance—they’ll want to make sure your friend or family member’s pooch is healthy and plays well with others first.
Get Help With Senior Travel Prep in Charlotte, NC
Traveling with older adults can be wonderful, but it’s complicated. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available right here to make it easier. From travel snacks and outdoor gear to pet boarding assistance, Charlotte has plenty of ways to prepare for your family vacation.
If you need more hands-on assistance with travel prep, FirstLight Home Care of Greater Charlotte is here to help. Our dedicated caregivers can offer respite care, attending to your friend or family member’s needs while you focus on travel arrangements.
To learn more about how we can help, contact us today.
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