Elderly parents often find the prospect of air travel daunting. From navigating airports to dealing with long flights, older travelers can find the experience physically and emotionally demanding. However, by following proven tips for supporting elderly parents during air travel, it’s possible to ensure their journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Many elderly travelers worry about the airport screening process or mobility issues. While these are valid concerns, it’s important that they do not keep seniors from enjoying travel. In some cases, having a travel companion along for the trip can make it much more relaxing and enjoyable. However, whether they travel alone or with a companion, the following elderly airline tips also can help make the journey less stressful.
Ways to Support Elderly Parents During Air Travel
One of the most important reasons to follow tips for supporting elderly parents during air travel is peace of mind. When seniors travel alone, especially if they have limited mobility, their family or caregivers may worry about their well-being. By following smart tips and providing support and assistance, they can have more peace of mind, knowing their elderly parents are well cared for during their travels.
Plan Ahead and Communicate
The first step is to plan the trip well in advance, ensuring that you accommodate the specific needs of your parents. It’s a smart move to inform the airline in advance (such as when purchasing tickets) about any mobility issues, medical conditions, or special requirements your parents may have. Also, get a seat with extra legroom or proximity to the restroom, if possible. Make a point of speaking with the airline or airport about arranging wheelchair assistance and other support services at both the departure and arrival airports.
Carry-On Medications and Essentials
A key step when elderly parents travel is to pack their medications, necessary medical equipment, and personal essentials, in a carry-on bag. This allows them easy access to medication during the flight. Also, if there is a delay or lost luggage, they won’t be left without their essential items. They should pack medications in original labeled containers and carry any required medical documentation or prescriptions.
Mobility Assistance
Some of the biggest concerns for older travelers revolve around mobility, especially those who experience difficulty moving and standing for long periods or those with chronic health conditions. To address this issue, request airport assistance or arrange for a wheelchair to be available at all points of the journey. This allows elderly parents the ability to more easily navigate airport terminals comfortably, as well as reducing the risk of falls or excessive fatigue.
Layer Clothing
Anyone with elderly parents knows they experience temperature changes more profoundly. They should consider wearing loose, comfortable clothing . They also should dress in layers, allowing them to add or remove clothes depending on the temperature inside the airport or airplane. Also, comfortable footwear with slip-on features or adjustable closures make it more convenient to get through security checks and walk through the airport.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Air travel can lead to dehydration, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. Elderly parents should drink plenty of water before, during, and after a flight. It’s also helpful to pack healthy snacks or meals in a carry-on bag so they are handy throughout the flight. For longer flights, it’s important to note some airlines provide special meal options for those with specific dietary needs.
Offer Emotional Support and Patience
This is perhaps the most important advice for supporting elderly parents during air travel. It’s the foundation for all the other tips. Whether they say it or not, elderly parents may feel overwhelmed by air travel. Offering them emotional support, reassurance, patience and understanding can help reduce their stress and make the entire process run much more smoothly.
Remember to stay calm and organized to help reduce your parents’ stress levels. Check in with them often, address their concerns, and make them feel comfortable and supported. That’s the best way you can support them as they prepare for air travel.
As parents age, their families face challenges in providing them with care, especially if they live far away. Long-distance caregiving can overcome the difficulties caused by great distances through careful planning, effective communication, and the wise use of available resources.
It’s also important to remember that families of aging parents are not alone. Organizations such as Aging Life Care Association can provide assistance in connecting families with the care they need for their parents. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies also provide valuable services, booking travel accommodations for elderly parents and also providing specially trained flight nurses to travel with them.
Common Issues When Supporting Aging Parents From Afar
Adult children face a variety of issues when providing long-distance caregiving to elderly parents. However, they can better address those issues if they consider the following common challenges and potential solutions.
Communication and Coordination: Facilitating Caregiving Efforts
Maintaining open and regular communication with aging parents is crucial for long-distance caregiving. Regular phone calls or video chats allow you to check in on your parents’ well-being, as well as get a detailed understanding of their daily routines. By practicing active listening and offering emotional support, you can make them cared for while also identifying any areas of concern. Communication also keeps you informed about their health, medical appointments, and any changes in their medication or treatment plans.
Establish a Local Support Network
Reach out to friends, neighbors, and other family members who live close to your aging parents. They can help you establish a support network that helps you monitor what is happening with your parents, as well as assist with transportation, grocery shopping, home maintenance, and even companionship. Building a network of trusted individuals ensures your parents have someone nearby who can respond to emergencies or provide assistance when needed.
Financial and Legal Considerations: Navigating Responsibilities
Helping your aging parents organize legal and financial affairs can provide both them and you with valuable peace of mind. Encourage your parents to create or update essential financial and legal documents, including wills, investment portfolios, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives from physicians. Familiarize yourself with their financial accounts, insurance policies, and retirement plans. Consider consulting with a professional, such as an elder law attorney or financial advisor, to navigate legal and financial complexities. Having a clear understanding of their wishes and being prepared can alleviate stress and ensure better decision-making in the future.
Arrange Visits and Plan Quality Time
Schedule regular visits to spend quality time with aging parents. These visits are not only an opportunity to provide hands-on care but also a chance to create lasting memories. Plan activities that your parents enjoy and cherish, such as going for walks, sharing meals, or engaging in hobbies. These moments strengthen your bond and show your commitment to their well-being. During visits, assess their living conditions, address any safety concerns, and make necessary adjustments to enhance their comfort and security.
Emotional Support and Self-Care: Caring for Yourself while Caring for Others
Providing long-distance caregiving to parents is rewarding, but it can also take a physical and emotional toll. It’s crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own self-care. Taking care of oneself while caring for aging parents is not selfish, Rather, it’s an essential step to take for maintaining overall well-being and providing the best possible care.
Because it’s a long-distance situation, caring for aging parents can evoke a wide range of emotions, including stress, sadness, guilt, and frustration. It’s crucial to acknowledge and process these emotions. It’s also key to take time to engage in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as talking to a supportive friend, journaling, or seeking professional counseling.
Supporting aging parents from afar requires thoughtful planning, effective communication, and the use of available resources. With long-distance caregiving that focuses on dedication and proactive caregiving, adult children can make a positive difference in their aging parents’ lives.
Flying on a commercial airline when you need to carry medical equipment may seem intimidating. In addition to getting through security and having the proper documentation, air travel with medical equipment also raises concerns about accessibility, the availability of assistance, and the complications of packing and carrying equipment.
But following some smart tips – and partnering with people who have experience in helping those traveling with medical equipment – can make the journey much smoother.
It’s an issue that comes up frequently in media reports. National Public Radio reported that those with disabilities, who often have medical equipment, report feeling “anxiety” and “dread” just thinking about flying. The New York Times reported that flying with a wheelchair can be “embarrassing” and “uncomfortable.”
It doesn’t have to be that way. Despite these stories, air travel with medical equipment can go much more smoothly with the right amount of preparation and assistance. It’s certainly an area where having your travel booked by an RN Flight Coordinator and making the journey with a flight nurse can make your trip much easier.
Tips For a Smooth Journey With Medical Equipment
While those who use medical equipment may have justifiable concerns about traveling on a commercial flight, it’s important to know many people who use medical equipment successfully fly every day. Airlines and airports are increasingly equipped to support passengers with various medical needs, and there are steps you can take to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
What Medical Equipment Can You Bring?
The place to start when planning air travel with medical equipment is finding out what you can and cannot bring on a flight. The Transportation Security Administration offers a list of what is allowed on an airplane.
The list includes common devices such as blood sugar test kits, crutches, inhalers, insulin pumps and glucose monitors, walkers, and wheelchairs.
It’s important to check with the guidelines to see the details on some items. For example, the TSA allows nebulizers in carry-on bags, but they must be removed from the carrying case and undergo X-ray screening. Passengers are allowed to keep face masks and tubing in the case. Devices with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should always go into carry-on baggage. Passengers may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device in for X-ray screening.
In general, medical devices are allowed in carry-on bags, but not checked baggage.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Passengers can bring a portable oxygen concentrator onboard in carry-on and checked bags. The TSA provides a list of portable oxygen concentrators that meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) specifications for inflight use. The TSA notes that even permitted devices may not get through a checkpoint “if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.”
External Medical Devices
Those with an external medical device attached to their body, such as a feeding tube or ostomy bag, must inform the TSA agent where it is located before the screening process begins. You may detach it for screening through the X-ray if it is safe to do so.
Passengers can use electronic assistive devices during flights, as long as they have documentation or a manufacturer’s label that assures the device meets FAA standards for safety and hazardous goods. Airlines require advance notice on the use of these devices. For example, United Airlines asks passengers to give information about these devices when they book a flight, adding: “We need to know at least 48 hours in advance that your device meets FAA requirements.”
Packing and Transporting Safety Equipment
When it comes to packing and transporting medical equipment, a wide range of related issues require your attention.
Carry-On. This allows you to maintain direct control over your equipment, reducing the chances of damaged or lost medical equipment.
Research. Knowing TSA rules is important, but you should also research online to find out the policies of the airline you are flying on. Also, notify them in advance about your intention to bring medical equipment on the flight.
Packing. Pack and secure medical equipment using sturdy cases or bags designed for the device. Consider using padding or cushioning materials to protect fragile components. Clearly label your medical equipment and its components, including any removable parts or accessories.
Batteries and chargers. Pack enough batteries, power adapters, or chargers for medical equipment. Place them in a carry-on bag, along with any accessories.
Documentation. Bring copies of important medical documents – especially prescriptions and letters from healthcare providers describing both your condition and the need for medical equipment.
Ensuring Accessibility and Assistance
As noted by AARP, the federal Air Carrier Access Act mandates that airlines and airports provide accommodations for those who need assistance with mobility issues, hearing and vision impairment, and other types of debilitating conditions. It’s important to ask for assistance in advance, either when booking a flight or through an airline’s special assistance team.
When booking online, every airline will offer the chance at some point in the process to request special assistance. This can help your travel go much more smoothly. Most airlines will contact you a few days before your flight. If they do not, experts recommend contacting the airline to ensure they understand what you will need to safely and comfortably make your flight.
On the plane, airlines have special wheelchairs for the narrow walkway between rows of seats, allowing them to transport you to your seat. Your regular wheelchair and walker will get stored with the cargo in the plane.
While it comes with a certain amount of challenges, air travel with medical equipment is possible. It’s important to understand what you can and cannot bring on your trip. It’s also a situation where it’s worth considering working with a professional non-emergency medical transport company to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Traveling presents a thrilling and rewarding opportunity to break away from the mundane and discover new horizons. Yet, those considering traveling with chronic health conditions might hesitate to move forward with their travel plans. However, chronic conditions should not keep people from enjoying traveling.
The key is to approach travel with careful consideration, good planning and preparation. Doing so can result in a trip that is both safe and pleasurable. While the following tips can help those traveling with chronic health conditions reach that goal, it’s also worth your time to consider working with non-emergency medical transport professionals who can make all your travel rearrangements and also travel with you.
It’s important to consult with your doctor and other important healthcare providers before traveling with chronic health conditions. As noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, you should try to meet with your healthcare providers as much in advance as possible before your trip. They can provide guidance on issues such as any risks you face with travel, as well as plan for any immunizations, medications and medical devices needed before and during your trip.
Medication Management During Travel
This is an area where careful planning and organization are required. The goal is to make sure you have an adequate supply. The first step is to talk with your doctor, letting them know what your travel plans involve. They can offer advice on the proper amount of medication to take with you. They may even adjust your dosages for the duration of the trip, so speak with them well in advance.
Always take medication on the flight so you are not stuck without your prescription medications if your checked baggage ends up in another airport! Also, bring a prescription from your doctor in case you have to get a refill while on your journey. Use pill divider cases to carry your pills and set alarms or reminders on your phone or watch for when you need to take your pills (especially if you travel to a different time zone).
Preparing a Medical Travel Plan
Research your destination and learn about the local climate, altitude, and accessibility to medical facilities. Determine if you need vaccinations or additional precautions. Become familiar with local healthcare services and emergency contact information, including hospitals and any clinics that specialize in your condition.
Another key component of a good medical travel plan is ensuring you have plenty of medication for the duration of your trip. To help with any security issues, consider packing medications in their original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions and any other necessary documentation.
It’s also important to consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical costs involving your chronic condition. Always carry insurance information and emergency contact numbers with you.
Ensuring Comfort and Safety During Your Journey
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that those with circulatory problems may experience swollen legs and discomfort on longer flights. They suggest stretching legs and arms at least once an hour, performing leg lifts several times an hour while seated, and wearing well-fitted or compression stockings.
You can also stay more comfortable by watching what you eat and staying hydrated. Carry water with you at all times and drink plenty of fluids. Make sure to also bring all mobility aids that you may need, including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
Other tips for comfort and safety to keep in mind.
Choose a seat that accommodates your needs, such as an aisle seat that gives you easier access to the restroom.
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes that allow for easy movement and minimize any restrictions or pressure on your body.
Bring your own pillows, cushions, or lumbar support to provide added comfort for your back and neck.
Keep in mind that airlines are equipped to help those with special needs. Inform them in advance about your condition and request any special assistance you may require, such as wheelchair assistance or priority boarding.
Traveling with chronic health conditions requires careful planning, but it should not hinder your desire to enjoy your journey. By following these tips, you can embark on a memorable trip while managing your health effectively.
An injury suffered while on vacation. Chronic conditions that inhibit range of motion. Traveling after suffering a stroke or heart attack. These are just some of the situations where travelers can benefit by using non-emergency medical transport by air.
What can people expect using NEMT transport? They immediately have a partner who can work with them on booking all the arrangements for their journey. They also reap the benefits of having a trained flight nurse travel with them throughout their trip, providing medical assistance when needed. They also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from flying with someone trained to provide emergency medical care, if needed.
Non-emergency medical transport by air has gained in popularity in recent years as people increasingly see the value of working with healthcare professionals for their next long-distance trip, whether the location is domestic or international.
What Is NEMT?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) refers to a service that involves transport of patients who do not require emergency medical attention, but still need assistance. In the case of an NEMT company such as Flying Angels, the service involves traveling with a flight nurse who provides assistance and medical services to clients who are traveling by commercial airline.
People use NEMT services for a variety of reasons. Families partner with an NEMT company to help them with a senior relocation. Others may suffer injuries while traveling and seek NEMT services so a nurse can fly back home with them. Others suffer from chronic conditions or injuries that keep them from flying safely on their own, including broken bones, head trauma, or dementia. Some want a nurse to fly with them if they recently had surgery.
Whatever the case, the goal of NEMT services is to ensure the safe, reliable transport of patients who have difficulty traveling on their own.
Services and Benefits of Non-Emergency Medical Transport by Air
Working with a high-quality NEMT service provides a wealth of benefits in a variety of areas. They include senior relocations, medical reparations, long distance vacations to both domestic and international locations, and as an air ambulance alternative.
Booking Travel in Advance
Quality NEMT companies make all the arrangements for each client’s travels. It’s a service that directly enhances the experience. For example, an RN Flight Coordinator is an experienced nurse who knows how to arrange a trip in a way that benefits the client. This includes booking direct flights whenever possible, working with airport officials to ensure clients have a safe and comfortable trip through the airport, and securing any needed early boarding privileges from commercial airlines.
Traveling with a Flight Nurse
Flight nurses travel with clients during the entirety of their trip on a commercial airline. They have years of nursing experience and the training required to provide medical care at high altitudes. They also work with airport and airline officials to get any assistance required as well as manage the patient’s medication and medical equipment.
During the journey, a flight nurse monitors the client’s health and provides any medical assistant needed. They make sure patients take their medication at the proper time and also use any medical equipment properly. This can prove especially helpful to seniors with medical conditions who feel uncomfortable traveling long distances alone.
Coordination with Airports and Airlines
Both the RN Flight Coordinator and the flight nurse work with airport and airline officials to help smooth the way for the journey. That includes issues such as having a wheelchair waiting when they arrive at the airport and getting medical equipment through security. They also work with the airline to get early boarding and find favorable seating (near a bathroom, for example). Thanks to years of experience working in the transportation industry, nurses affiliated with NEMT companies know who to talk to in order to get the services people need.
Benefits of Using Non-Emergency Medical Transport By Air
The services provided through NEMT companies benefit clients in many different ways. Most importantly, NEMT flight nurses keep patients comfortable during their trip and also ensure that they arrive safely at their destination.
NEMT services also reduce stress. Those who work with non-emergency transport professionals don’t have to worry about making flight arrangements, finding the right person to talk to at the airport or airline to get special services, or having medical complications arise while flying alone. Healthcare professionals manage all of those issues.
People also can save money using NEMT services rather than an ambulance, which is far more costly. Using NEMT can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for travelers who don’t need all the services offered in emergency transportation.
These are some of the services and benefits to expect when using non-emergency medical transport by air. It’s a service that can vastly improve the travel experience for many types of people who might otherwise have difficulties or feel much more stressed if required to travel alone.
We live in the age of the “silver tsunami.” In the United States and many other developed countries around the world, the population is rapidly aging, a development that will impact everything from workplaces to healthcare services. It also means more adult children than ever face managing senior care for their aging parents.
The term “senior care” can mean different things to different people. As they age, seniors face a host of issues that can make their golden years more difficult. They include chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Many also experience reduced mobility and coordination that can impact them in a variety of ways, including placing limits on what they can do with daily activities as well as traveling (including the travel needed to relocate to another home).
Adult children can get as stressed as the seniors themselves in trying to solve these issues. But taking advantage of certain services and putting some smart tips into action can help resolve many senior care issues.
Ways Adult Children Can Meet the Challenges of Senior Care
The following provides an overview of some of the ways adult children can manage the challenges of senior care for their aging parents. Adult children who find themselves in this situation are certainly not alone. Data from the federal government shows that Americans 65 years old and up represented 16% of the population in 2019, but will make up 21.6% of the population by 2040.
Know Their Needs
The first step in meeting the challenges of providing senior care involves assessing the needs of the people involved. Seniors can experience a wide variety of health-related issues, but also may have financial issues or even experience loneliness. Whatever the case, an open and honest conversation about their needs and expectations is a good place to start. Adult children should have a detailed understanding of any issues their parents face, as well as medications they take and health services they require. This requires the parents’ input and feedback.
Make a Plan
A care plan should cover all the areas where seniors may need help. This can include many activities, ranging from regular medical care (such as sessions with a physical therapist) and help with household chores to having a travel companion during any trip they take or assistance in relocating to a new home that better suits their needs. Adult children should not leave out issues such as social engagement and daily activities that help seniors maintain their health (both mental and physical).
Delegating Responsibilities
Many tasks might fall to family members, such as helping with household chores or making runs to the grocery store. It’s important to delegate these responsibilities as evenly as possible among family to avoid creating caregiver stress. Over long periods of time, caregiver stress can lead to worse problems for the adult child who act as caregivers, including burnout and even depression.
Bring in Professionals
Having a good primary care physician is important, but professionals can provide invaluable assistance in many other areas of senior care. This includes services such as cleaning, grocery delivery, and flight nursing for trips or medical services. RN flight coordinators can also help with trip booking and special accommodations. Additionally, the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) offers Aging Life Care Managers who are trained to assess seniors’ needs, create personalized care plans, coordinate services, and advocate for their well-being. ALCA professionals can be a valuable resource for adult children navigating the complexities of senior care and feeling overwhelmed.
Having a good primary care physician is, of course, a central part of a care plan. But professionals can provide the best levels of senior care in many other areas. This includes almost every facet of senior care. For example, a cleaning service can help families better manage their aging parents’ home. Grocery delivery can cut down on how much the seniors have to drive. And flight nurses can accompany seniors on trips to family get-togethers, vacations or for medical services in other areas. RN flight coordinators can also book trips and arrange any special accommodations for seniors in advance.
Find Community Resources
In addition to professional services, adult children should also search for community services that can help them better manage senior care. This includes senior centers, meal delivery services if necessary, and free transportation services (such as transport to doctor’s appointments). These free community services solve two issues at once: they provide better services to seniors while also taking some of the burden off family caregivers.
Practice Self-Care
Meeting the challenges of senior care for aging parents can become both physically and emotionally draining. Adult children can help both themselves and their aging parents by practicing self-care. That can include taking breaks, finding time each day to spend on something the caregiver enjoys, getting support from other family members, and joining an online or in-person caregiver support group.
These are just some of the tips that can help adult children better meet the challenges of senior care for their aging parents. By planning and taking some smart steps, adult children can help their parents better enjoy their golden years.
