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Going on a trip with an aging parent might seem challenging at first. They are used to being at home and might not even agree to it, for one thing. But traveling with an aging parent can be as enjoyable as the trips you used to take with your parents earlier in life, with a few adjustments. Keep these tips in mind:

1 – Discuss the trip with your parent for a few weeks before going on the trip – Talking about the trip before you go allows your parent to voice an opinion on the trip as well as to get prepared for the travel.  You can’t prepare them completely, but if you talk about things beforehand they will have an idea of what to expect. Talk to them about what they’d like to do; your parents may be advanced in years but still knows what he or she is interested in doing.

2 – Take all medicines and see a doctor for prescriptions to take on the road – Make sure that you have a suitable container for your parent’s medication. But more than that, make sure to see your parent’s doctor before the trip to write out prescriptions in case your parent needs more while you’re away. You might also consider asking your parent’s doctor if any anti-anxiety medication might be appropriate to take as well. Make sure you have the doctor’s number as well.

In addition to medicine, make sure you take along any other medical supplies and devices your parent may need, such as an oxygen tank or wheelchair. Some places already have wheelchairs, such as airports, so keep that in mind too.

3 – Have a plan in place for unexpected toileting issues. – Plan ahead of time what you will do if your parent needs a bathroom right away. Do your best to stop regularly for a bathroom break, but surprises can occur.  Have a change of clothes immediately available and reassure your parent that everything is alright.

4 – Plan your itinerary according to your parent’s limitations. – If your parent cannot stand for long periods, don’t take him or her on long hikes or long shopping trips. Keep in mind what your parent can and cannot do so that you know, before you arrive at your destination, what kinds of activities to focus on while you’re traveling.

5 – Be flexible. – Things can change. And if you’re traveling with a parent who has dementia, unfamiliar situations can lead to unpredictable behaviors. Be ready to make changes in your itinerary according to how your parent is feeling and behaving that day. Have enough money with you that you can go back home right away if you need to.

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Traveling can be a great way for you to bond with your aging parent, as well as a relaxing trip for you. Have a good time seeing the sights and sharing your travels with your parent. Your parent probably took you on many trips as a child and now, you can repay the favor for both of you.

Linnea Goodrich is the owner of Firstat Nursing Services, which is the only Home care Agency in San Diego that is both State licensed and certified by the Alzheimer’s Association.  Firstat Nursing Services has been providing a higher standard of home nursing, home health and home care services for elderly, disabled and injured people in the greater San Diego area since 1997.  To pick up a copy of her free report “Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Hire a Home Care Provider,” Visit, http://FirstatofSanDiego.com