When going on trips most families don’t make a big deal bringing things that they know they will need.  The things that we lug around simply just comes with the territory.  So when traveling with an elder, especially a frail older adult, the following are ideas to make outings go more smoothly. 

• Plan what items you’ll need to keep your elder comfortable while you’re out.  Anticipate that anything can happen so make things easier by bringing their medications, pillows or snacks.
• Know your loved ones limitations and your own. Seniors get tired easily and quickly.  
• Call ahead to your destination to ask about accessibility.
• Create excitement and talk to them about the trip. Show them videos or brochures so that they are looking forward to the trip. Seniors don’t like change, the more familiar they are to a place the better.
• Invite a person to go along.  If there are things that come up you will have someone to help you.
• Don’t push to travel.  Seniors change their minds quite often. Unfamiliar places may trigger fear, anxiety and confusion in elders with severe memory loss.
• Return to places that you have had successful trips.

Information provided by Rachel Zukerman