Taking a family vacation with a senior in your life is a wonderful experience, full of opportunities to relax, connect and make memories together. Getting ready for that vacation, however, is a complex process. In addition to all of the moving parts involved in any group vacation, you’ll also need to handle all of your loved one’s needs in advance and prepare for anything that might go wrong.
That can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone: San Ramon is full of resources that can make senior travel preparations easier. Here are some of our favorites.
Top Options for Senior Travel Preparations in San Ramon, CA
From cooling, sun-protective clothing and supportive shoes to travel health insurance that covers unexpected medical needs on the trip, San Ramon has plenty of ways to help you prepare to travel with a senior in your life. Here are three of the best options:
- Gear Up for Summer
Seniors enjoy fun in the sun just as much as younger people, but without the right preparations, they may have to head back inside early. Many older adults have trouble telling when they’re hot or thirsty, so they’re prone to overheating on sunny days. Here’s the good news: Many of our local sportswear stores sell summer gear that can protect your loved one from the sun and help them stay cool.
For seniors, the right outfit can be the difference between relaxing on the beach and hiding in the cabana. Summer sportswear is built to draw sweat and heat away from the body, keeping your loved one cool and dry. Here’s what to look out for:
- Light, breathable fabrics. Linen or athletic synthetic fabrics wick sweat away from the body, cooling your loved one down as long as they’re hydrating properly. (Avoid cotton, which traps moisture and prevents cooling.)
- Loose fits. Loose-fitting clothes allow extra airflow, helping your loved one cool off better.
- Light colors. Lighter tones like white, grey and beige reflect light and heat away from the body instead of absorbing it.
- UV protection. Some brands make fabrics designed to block UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburns.
While you’re at the sports store, make sure to pick up these summer accessories as well:
- A good water bottle. A well-made water bottle will keep your loved one’s drink cold and make it easier for them to sip idly. Look for double-walled metal or plastic bottles with built-in straws.
- A sunhat. These protect seniors’ faces and scalps from the sun without trapping much heat. They’re especially important if your loved one is bald or has thin hair.
- Sunglasses. These will protect your friend or family member’s sensitive eyes from the harsh sunlight, preserving their vision. Try to get a pair with an anti-UV coating.
- High-SPF sunscreen. Bring more than you think you’ll need—it may not be available at your destination. Help your loved one apply it so they get full coverage, and be sure to reapply it every 2-3 hours (or immediately any time they come out of the water).
- Get Them Walking Shoes
Even on a relaxed beach vacation, seniors tend to spend a lot more time on their feet during summer adventures than they do in their everyday lives. A pair of comfortable, supportive walking shoes can make the experience far more pleasant by improving their balance, cushioning their feet and helping them conserve their energy.
Just like with clothing, breathable materials are important for walking shoes, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Unless your loved one already has a pair in good condition, make sure to take them on a trip to one of San Ramon’s local shoe stores.
Here’s what to look for:
- Fit. A bad shoe in the right size is better than a good one in the wrong size. Walking shoes should stay firmly in place without feeling tight or constricting. Make sure to get your loved one to try them on before buying.
- Cushioning. Athletic brands make heavily-cushioned walking shoes that cradle the feet, preventing soreness. Some high-quality brands use a springy foam that returns energy with every step, reducing fatigue.
- Support. A supportive sole can improve seniors’ balance while reducing discomfort.
- Light weight. Every bit of extra weight adds a little more fatigue. Seniors’ walking shoes should be as easy to move around in as if they were barefoot.
- Practicality. Vacations aren’t the time to worry about style. Encourage your loved one to get shoes they can comfortably wear for a long time, regardless of appearance.
It’s important to go shoe shopping at least a week before your trip so your loved one has time to break in their new shoes, or to return them if there’s something wrong.
- Get Travel Health Insurance
Many people are surprised to learn that insurance is crucial to travel abroad, especially with an older adult. Most American health insurance plans don’t cover any medical needs that occur outside the U.S., so overseas travelers are often surprised by huge bills when they come home. This is such a common problem that many tour groups and cruises—and even some countries—require you to have travel health insurance before they’ll let you in.
Travel health insurance is exactly what it sounds like: It covers any injuries or illnesses that occurred abroad. It can be hard to find and purchase it on your own, so it’s best to find a trustworthy insurance agency that can find the right plan for everyone on your family trip.
Get Help With Senior Travel Preparations in San Ramon, CA
Preparing for a family trip with a senior in your life can be a complicated process, but the resources available in San Ramon can make it a lot simpler. From local shops selling summer clothing and walking shoes to insurance agencies that can arrange a travel healthcare plan to cover any unexpected medical needs, there are plenty of travel prep resources at your fingertips.
If you need a little extra help with senior travel preparations, FirstLight Home Care of San Ramon is here for you. Our helpful caregivers can take care of a senior in your life the same way you would, freeing you up to handle all the other logistics.
Want to learn more about how we can help you? Contact us today.
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