We had the opportunity to travel with my mother over the summer. We went to the Black Hills of South Dakota to visit family for a nephew’s/grandson’s college graduation. Both my brothers were there. It is rare that the three of us are all in one place. As there are no direct flights to Rapid City, SD, we changed planes in Minneapolis. It was a long day of travel, starting with the early flight at 7:30am with about 10 hours total to our destination. Plus, we gained two hours with the time change. So, it was a bit tiring to say the least for Kathy and me.
Now adding 30 years of age to my mother, she was a real trooper! She was excited about the trip, ready on time, with no complaints, and a real gem to travel with. She continues to walk with a walker but decided not to bring one with her as she said she will have enough “family arms” to hang onto. She walks our long driveway twice a day to stay strong and mobile. However, we did not expect her to walk the miles in the airport to and from all the gates.
We requested a wheelchair on her ticket. At curbside, it was a ghost town at 5:30am when we arrived at Bradley. Over the years, I have become a great advocate for the elderly. I went into the terminal and excused myself to the front of the line to the airline desk. I politely and firmly asked for wheelchair assistance which was met with a professional and curt, “We will send someone out.” I did not hold my breath for immediate assistance. In the meantime, Mom is leaning on a stanchion waiting to sit down. To my surprise, a wonderful woman with a bright smile comes to collect mom within three minutes. She not only whisked my mother away but helped with the bags! I mentioned we needed to stop at the desk to get our seats reassigned so we can all sit together. No problem! She was happy to oblige. At the desk, we encountered another delightful woman, where she looks at us, checks our bags, and upgrades us to better seats all for free. Amazing and so very easy! And that was the way it was the entire trip out and back. We got on the planes first, wheelchairs now waiting for us at every stop and gate. We “flew” through security as being a part of mom’s entourage! Mom was our “golden” ticket.
Thinking of logistics and before any travel, it is important to double check with the doctor to advise on the traveling ability of our senior. Of course, the senior with soundness of mind may be our starting point to measure their willingness to go in the first place. The doctor can provide tips and tricks to help make the travel more enjoyable and safe. Maybe the senior will be advised to wear their compression stockings due to sitting so much. Remember to have medications available and take them on schedule and not have them packed in the luggage. Drink fluids as needed and eat regularly to so as not to dehydrate and to avoid low sugar levels. Wear Depends if necessary. We can think of sensible ideas to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
It is nice to know that when it comes to air travel, our seniors are treated very well and like royalty. It was a pleasure to witness the airline staff’s kindness to my mother. And of course, she was very gracious about it which just makes them want to do more for her. So, traveling with a senior can be a real joy not only to see the look of reunions of family members, but the satisfaction of honoring a parent by including them in the celebrations themselves. As to Geron and travel, our staff have travelled with families to care for the seniors as needed. We can provide travel nurses and companions to accompany the person on the vacation, to the reunion, medical necessity appointment/treatment or whatever the reason for the trip. Trips can be local or worldwide.
As always, if you see or hear a change in your elderly person’s condition either physically or mentally, then we can help! We can discuss the various options with you for home care. We customize a schedule to fit the elder’s needs and wishes. From grocery shopping to end of life care, we provide both nurses and caregivers to assist where and when needed, which best suits the senior and their family members. From post-surgical care, medication management, injections, client advocacy with health care providers, memory care, showering, bathing, toileting, dressing, feeding, meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship, Geron can provide the care needed for our seniors to remain in our community.
If you are looking for home care, please call the office on 860-354-7698. We will be happy to talk with you! We look forward to hearing from you!
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