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If you reside in an assisted living facility, you may have opportunities to leave for day trips or to go away for several nights. However, the thought of leaving the facility might be unsettling.
If it is, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many residents find it a little uncomfortable to think about being away from familiar spaces, routines, friends, and staff. But you can reduce the discomfort and enjoy some anticipation if you prepare for the excursion and take some precautions.
In this article, we provide you with tips on how to make day trips and vacations successful away from an assisted living facility.
One of the first rules of travel is to let people know where you are going and how to contact you.
Let the appropriate people in your assisted living facility and your family and friends know where you are going. Should a matter come up that needs your attention, people will be able to find you or get in touch with you.
It can create unease if you’re going away without knowing your travel plans. Ask the trip coordinator about the destination, stops along the way, and the general route. You should know where you’re going, who you’re going with, and how long you’ll be away. This will give you peace of mind and help you feel confident in knowing the plans.
Emergencies sometimes happen, and unexpected situations sometimes arise. Simply have backup plans in place and be prepared to handle changes. You should always have a phone with you as well as a list of phone numbers or people you can call for advice or help. You should also have a plan for a central meeting place in case you get separated from others in the group.
Medications should be carefully organized and prepared for any trip, especially one that is to last several days.
Make sure to have all important medications ready for every day that you will be gone, as well as a few extras. You may also want to bring your prescriptions as a backup in case you lose the medications or end up staying away longer than originally planned.
Make sure that any relevant documents are prepared and ready to go with you. It’s always a good idea to make photocopies of important documents, whether medical or travel related. Leave the originals at your assisted living facility.
It’s easy to forget to hydrate properly while on the go. However, being dehydrated can lead to health issues. Drink water the day before you leave, and consider taking a couple of bottles of water with you for the day away.
Traveling can be uncomfortable for seniors with mobility challenges or back and leg pain. A good idea is to stop every couple of hours so you can stretch your legs. This could make the difference between arriving at your destination in relative comfort or not. If it helps to have a support cushion, try to take that on the trip.
Pack everything you expect to need for your trip, including clothes, food and drink, medication, and emergency contact information. Don’t pack in excess, though, because carrying around lots of extra stuff can get to be a hassle.
If you are going on a vacation, try not to overload your itinerary. Be realistic about how far you can go in a day and how much energy you’ll have for activities. Plan in extra time for finding your way, settling in, or staying longer than planned at delightful stops.
Traveling takes time, especially as you get older. Ensure that you always have enough time to prepare for the trip and for the trip itself.
If you know that walking or motion in general is an issue, you may want to give yourself extra time so that you don’t feel rushed or arrive late at your destination.
If you think that you may need help, whether with transportation, mobility, or anything else, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources at your disposal that can make traveling easier.
Are you a budget traveler? Don’t sacrifice your safety, comfort, or health to save a few dollars. If you are planning on staying somewhere overnight, make sure there are appropriate facilities and resources for older adults.
Traveling with a companion has multiple benefits.
Life has gotten expensive in today’s economic climate, but senior discounts are everywhere. Whether we are talking about food, accommodations, or travel, there are often good ways for seniors to save some money. Ask for those senior discounts!
Worried about your belongings being stolen? Consider getting an anti-theft fanny pack, suitcase, or travel bag that has special features designed to discourage theft.
Try a day trip during off-hours or vacation during off-peak times of the year. Traveling when there are fewer crowds makes places easier to navigate.
If you follow the tips listed above, leaving your care facility for a day or even a whole week can be a delightful experience. Remember to have a plan, pack the essentials, and have fun!
