Managing Medications and Healthcare on the Road: Tips for Senior Travelers

25 Jul, 2023

Planning a vacation with your senior loved ones can be a wonderful experience. However, it's essential to address their mobility challenges. Some elderly adults may face difficulty with stairs or long walks and require mobility aids like canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. Don't worry, though! With proper planning, you can still have a fantastic trip together.

This summer, embark on an exciting journey with your senior family members by following our expert tips for traveling with seniors. We'll show you how to make the most of the vacation season while ensuring comfort and enjoyment for everyone involved! Let's get started on creating unforgettable memories together.

Worry-Free Wanderlust: 10 Medication Tips for Seniors on the Go

1. High SPFs Provide More Protection

Before embarking on your travel adventure, create a list of all the medications you take, including dosages and timings. Keep a copy of your prescriptions handy and, if needed, carry a doctor's note for medical supplies like needles.

No sunscreen protects your skin from sun rays 100%. Moreover, the SPF does not impact the time sunscreen protects you; the duration applied for both high and low SPFs is not more than two hours.

2. Get an Electronic Pill Dispenser

Stay organized and never miss a dose by using an automatic medication dispenser. These user-friendly devices are perfect for managing complex medication schedules and are travel-friendly too. Such devices make medicine management easy, both at traveling and great for seniors with complex medicine regimens.

3. Track the Time Zones

Remember to adjust your medication schedule when traveling according to the new time zone. Consult your healthcare professional to decide whether to stick to your home time zone or adjust to the destination's time zone. As a result, you can prevent any kind of suffering even in different locations and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

4. Pack Medication Securely

Ensure your medications are safely packed in their original containers with clear labels. Use a storage box to protect them from damage during your journey. This will also help you pass through customs quickly and make it easy to find the medications when needed.

5. Keep Medication Handy

Keep all your medications within easy reach in your hand-carry, fanny pack, or carry-on bag. Avoid packing them in checked luggage to prevent delays or lost baggage issues, especially when traveling via air. Also, be prepared for lost luggage or theft, so remember to pack a little extra than usual to avoid any hassle during the journey.

6. Stay up-to-date on Vaccinations

Check vaccination requirements for your destination country and get vaccinated in advance, especially after the recent pandemic. Depending on the country you plan to visit, you may need to take a few vaccinations six weeks before leaving for a trip.

7. Plan Your Diet

Research local food and drink options that complement your diet and won't interfere with your medications. Seek advice from your healthcare professional on dietary restrictions while traveling. Planning this in advance will help you relief from diarrhea or any other health issues that impact your travel plan.

8. Know Medication Restrictions Abroad

Be aware of any medication restrictions in your destination country, including over-the-counter drugs Tylenol, Aspirin, and certain supplements. Always check on any potential restrictions when traveling abroad because every country has its rules and regulations for carrying medicines.

9. Secure Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance to ensure peace of mind in case of emergencies, hospitalization, or travel delays during your trip. If you avoid this, you may end up spending thousands of dollars on your health, which would be out of your travel itinerary.

10. Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Before traveling, talk to your doctor about your trip plans. They can help you prepare a travel health kit, offer dietary advice, and provide necessary prescriptions and documentation. Your doctor can also advise on what to eat and drink while traveling and explain any changes to the current medication schedule that may have to be implemented. They can also prepare a doctor's note and prescriptions for all medications to help you be better prepared when passing through airport security and customs.

Besides, the above-mentioned tips, ensure you explore some health sites for detailed information on elderly travel plans. Take every precaution possible to keep yourself or maybe your parents who are going along safe and healthy. Traveling with family is an amazing thing. With some caution and meticulous preparation, the trip could be more enjoyable for seniors.

For more information about Central Valley Medical Providers and its network of providers, please visit us at www.cvmedpro.com or call us at 866-423-0060. The team at Central Valley Medical Providers would like to ensure that your needs are taken care of and assist you as you navigate your way through the growing and ever-changing healthcare world.