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\u2019re a family caregiver. It\u2019s difficult to step out of that role and just connect as a family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s easy to plan for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The right travel packing list for seniors<\/a> will make all the difference for your friend or family member, and a trip to a local outfitter like Great Outdoor Provision Co.<\/a> can cover most of your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with clothing; choose light, breathable layers made from moisture-wicking fabrics that\u2019ll keep sweat from clinging to skin. If the senior you\u2019re traveling with tends to get cold indoors, pick up a light outer layer that\u2019s easy for them to take on and off. Make sure you consider senior sun safety<\/a> as well; look at UV-blocking, lightweight tops like sun hoodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to pick up a sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes as well, especially if you\u2019re planning any walking tours. Rather than ordering online, it\u2019s important to stop into a shoe store<\/a> and have them fitted properly to avoid injuries and fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seniors tend to struggle with hydration, so plan ahead. Pack a water bottle they like to use, and don\u2019t forget water flavor packets. Since the water where you\u2019re traveling may taste different, adding a little flavor can make sipping more enjoyable. Head to our recent blog<\/a> for more senior hydration tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019re on a restrictive diet, it can be nearly impossible to find travel snacks they can actually eat along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you embark, it\u2019s best to stop by a local health food store like Berrybrook Farm<\/a> 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 <\/em>and will <\/em>eat. They\u2019re also very sensitive to dietary restrictions and make sure to clearly list all ingredients, so it\u2019s easy to prevent any unpleasant surprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If older adults aren\u2019t sure their dog is safe and comfortable, they won\u2019t 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\u2019re away, but that\u2019s not always an option. Your favorite volunteer sitters may have their own summer travel plans, and it\u2019s particularly hard to get their help for extended trips or on short notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not certain you\u2019ll be able to find a volunteer sitter, it\u2019s time to contact a pet boarding service like The Barker Lounge<\/a>. 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\u2014they\u2019ll want to make sure your friend or family member\u2019s pooch is healthy and plays well with others first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traveling with older adults can be wonderful, but it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need more hands-on assistance with travel prep, FirstLight Home Care of Greater Charlotte<\/a> is here to help. Our dedicated caregivers can offer respite care<\/a>, attending to your friend or family member\u2019s needs while you focus on travel arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Pack Some Snacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Send Their Pet On Vacation Too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Help With Senior Travel Prep in Charlotte, NC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n