It’s that time of year again when many people plan their family vacations, reunions, and travel. If you have something coming up this summer that will require you to bring your aging loved one on a long flight, a little prep work beforehand can help make the flight go much more smoothly. You can even consult their senior care professional to help you prepare.
Here are eight steps to take to make a flight more pleasant before you even hop on the plane.
Book an Aisle Seat
When booking seats, upgrade your tickets so that you can choose your seats. First, choosing seats will allow you all to sit together, a definite way to make the flight more pleasant. Second, choosing an aisle seat for your loved one can make it easier for him if he needs to make multiple bathroom visits on a long flight.
Research Where You’re Going
Have your senior care provider spend some time with your loved one online learning about where he’s traveling to, especially if it’s someplace new. They can also help him find a tourist guide that he can bring on the flight to read as he travels.
Bring a Personal Bag
While a carry-on is nice as well, in a crowded airplane, it can often be difficult to get that carry-on out of the overhead storage area for things he might need during the flight.
While women often bring a purse, if you have an elderly male loved one, have him pack a backpack or satchel with items he’ll want immediate access to on the flight that he can put under his seat. This could be medication he’ll need to take during the flight, his reading glasses and a book, games, a charger for his phone, and snacks.
Bring Extra Snacks
Flights nowadays don’t provide as much food as they used to and if your loved one has blood sugar issues, he might need to bring some of his own to keep his levels stable. Even without health issues, extra snacks can help him if the flight takes longer than expected or if he doesn’t like what is served.
Also, have his senior care provider pack moisturizers in your loved one’s satchel. Lip balms, lotion, and hand sanitizer are a must for a long flight. Just make sure any liquids are less than the allowable amount on a flight.
Being a Water Bottle
Your loved one cannot bring liquids through security, but once in the terminal, there are usually areas for filling a water bottle. Make sure his is filled so he doesn’t get dehydrated on the flight.
Wear loose-fitting clothing. While it’s not only more comfortable, it’s less likely to cause deep vein thrombosis where a blood clot forms in the veins of the legs. Walking when allowed will also help prevent blood clots.
Bring a Pillow and Something Warm
Flights can be chilly and sleep-inducing. Your loved one will sleep better if he has items to make it more comfortable.
Your loved one will enjoy his long flight much more when he’s prepared with the proper essentials.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
