Summer in South Florida… what a hot, humid and rainy time! If you’re planning to take a trip to cooler, dryer weather it is important to plan ahead. This can be especially challenging if you or your loved one are traveling with a disability. However, it is not impossible and can be quite enjoyable.
Here are some simple ways you can take your family summer vacation without leaving anyone behind.
Accommodations
It may seem obvious but it’s incredibly important to make sure your hotel room, time share or air bnb is ABA compliant. Ask when booking whether or not your sleeping quarters will be ground level. If there is a portion of the accommodations not on the first floor, are there ramps in place? This is crucial if your loved one depends on assistance with ambulation.
Transportation
If flying, will your airline of choice have special services available to seniors or individuals with disabilities? Check with the hotel about transportation services that are handicap equipped.
Medications & DME
Do not wait until it is time to start packing to being gathering any extra medications or medical equipment your loved one depends on. Let your primary care doctor know about your upcoming travel plans and make sure you have enough medications to last your loved one through the duration of the trip. If you find a refill is needed, request it a few weeks in advance so that you’re not planning the timing of your departure around a prescription being filled.
Urgent Cares & Insurance
In the unlikely event that during the course of your summer vacation your loved one finds themselves in need of medical attention you should know what your options are. Urgent Care facilities can handle the many challenges of flu symptoms, a cold or cough, as well as minor bruises and sprains. Many have in-house x-ray facilities available and most cities have a few to choose from. In addition to familiarizing yourself with their locations call your loved one’s insurance carrier to see which ones are in network. You can also visit the urgent care facilities website to see if a particular one might specialize in care for seniors or individuals with a disability.
Event Planning
Planning activities can be challenging when you’re dealing with a group of individuals with different abilities and interests. Make sure you have a variety of options, account for age, weather contingencies and mobility requirements. Give allowance for those in your party who may need to rest more frequently than others.
Travel Companion
Ok, so this one may not be a necessity, but we would be remiss not to inform you of the option! VIP America can refer an experienced caregiver to accompany you and your loved one(s) on your summer travels. Companion care is an incredibly useful resource and so few are aware it is available. We have a large pool of caregivers to refer, including those whose passions include travels and those who are more mature and may have a lot in common with a senior traveler. This frees you up to do some rock climbing, while mom and her companion can enjoy relaxing in the shade by the hotel pool. We have professional, caring individuals that can provide first class home health services in Stuart, and also while traveling.
Wherever you venture, near or far, we hope this summer is one full of memories with the individuals you treasure most!
