How to Plan a Vacation with Elderly Relatives and Friends

Traveling with small children has challenges. So, too, does traveling with an elderly person. In many ways it can be harder as there are often specific health and cognitive issues that need to be addressed. As I learned on a recent journey with two eighty-year old friends, a few simple tips came make the difference between a nightmare vacation and one filled with good memories.

Listen to what your senior companion is looking for in a vacation. Beach or mountain? Lazy do-nothing days or action packed? Travel cross-country or stay closer to home? Fly or drive? You and your elderly companion will need to agree on a general if not specific destination when planning your vacation. When comparing cities, resorts or cruises, look for those that offer a variety of activities for everyone in your travel party. Don't be too rigid about your destination choices; does your ski vacation absolutely have to be at a resort only accessible by helicopter, or can you be happy with a ski resort that has the amenities needed by your senior relative? If mobility is an issue you'll need to know ahead of time if a walker will be needed, if there are enough handicap accessible paths or sidewalks available, and if there will be physical assistance if needed.

Be aware of any health or mental issues your elderly traveling partner might have. When planning a vacation with a senior relative or friend it is important to check ahead for hospitals and urgent care facilities at your destination and look for reviews on-line to make sure health care is up to US standards if you're going out of the country. Medication cannot be skipped so make sure your senior friend has enough for the journey (NEVER pack in checked baggage). A "vacation over-ride authorization" from the insurance company might be needed to ensure enough medication is taken. Have a 3X5 card in your possession for each member of your group that details their insurance coverage, medical diagnoses, medications (doses and how often), and phone contact information for doctors and relatives. Should something untoward happen you will be able to get any information needed by the local medical providers in an instant. Have more than one person carry the information in the event you are the injured or ill person.

Set boundaries. Does your senior friend want to be coddled? Left alone? Do you expect to spend every minute together or is some alone time desired? Although it is wise to have a group leader, that doesn't necessarily mean everyone wants to be herded around like sheep. Discuss your needs and desires with your senior relative or friend and listen to theirs, too. Make sure all involved agree on the amount of togetherness so there will be no hurt feelings.

Be smart and discuss finances ahead of time. Friendships and family relations, like marriages, can easily be strained by questions about money. Have a plan in place for who pays what, and when. When deposits are required will one person pay and then be reimbursed? When will payment be received? Whether it's you or the elderly traveler, it is wise to have financial details written out and signed by all parties, especially if one person is paying the bulk of any up-front charges. Don't let money create a rift between you and your senior relative or friend when planning your vacation.

Plan for the unexpected. Vacations involve a large monetary commitment and cancellation can be costly. Purchasing travel insurance will protect that investment should anyone in the party become ill or die unexpectedly. Look for policies with your travel club, such as AAA, your credit card company, or choose from one of many insurance companies that offer this sort of policy. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau and search on-line for reviews and complaints to make sure you use a reputable company. Although you can usually purchase travel cancellation insurance directly from the airline, cruise line or resort, it might be less expensive to purchase a single policy covering all your expenses. In addition, there will be no conflict of interest between the company providing the service and the company providing the insurance.

Relax! When planning your vacation schedule be sure to leave some room for down time. As hearty and hale as your elderly companion might seem, they can become physically exhausted if you try to pack too much into too short a period of time. Pride can easily prompt your senior relative or friend to be too optimistic about their own ability to keep up with the rest of the group. Salvage their pride and your vacation plans by allowing everyone a chance to catch their collective breath.

Sketch out a vacation timetable. It is always helpful to have your itinerary written down in black and white. Organizing day-by-day, list where you will be staying, what activities are planned that day, and pertinent contact information for the various companies providing lodging, travel or other services. This will reduce the "What are we doing tomorrow?" queries. A copy left with family or friends at home will provide peace of mind should an emergency occur at the home front as well as keep important travel contact information in one central location.

Using the above information with help you and your senior fellow traveler plan a vacation that will be satisfying for everyone. Have a great time together and don't forget to take a lot of pictures!