Going on holiday should always be a pleasure of course. But with advancing years and declining health it can become more of a challenge – starting with the planning stage.
The good news is that there are increasing numbers of travel companies and related services catering specifically for older people. Indeed there are companies that specialise also in holidays for people with particular conditions including Dementia.
Older travel specialists Silver Travel Advisor recommends a range of specialist providers who can help you arrange all manner of different kinds of holidays from self-catering houses to hotels, coach trips and cruises. They also have specialist advisers to help with the planning of a holiday.
Airport Assistance
If you are arranging flights, booking in advance through the airline (which co-ordinates with the airports) you can organise different levels of assistance. You can arrange door to door service from home or drop-off at the correct terminal, through check in to the plane and at their destination. Be sure to book a “narrow” wheelchair if needed for the plane itself.
Get Packing
Why not get the suitcases sent ahead? It may feel a bit of a luxury, but is becoming more cost effective in comparison to the hold baggage charges from many of the airlines. It requires a bit of forethought – and no last minute packing! Try providers such as www.sendmybags.com or www.flymybag.co.uk.
Hiring mobility aids for a holiday
It may be difficult to take someone’s own mobility aid with them on holiday. There are companies that will hire out a range of different options, on a day or weekly rate, often at short notice, and include nationwide delivery and collection. You can try Wheelfreedom.
Driving Holidays
If the preferred holiday means driving in the UK, you might need to factor in more snooze and loo breaks than for yourself, and even non-motorway routes. Adapted car hire is available although more limited than regular hire in the UK and abroad. Contact large well-known providers as well as small local operators. Availability may dictate your final destination. One recommendation we have had is Indigo Car Hire who specialise in care hire for older people.
Public transport in the UK has improved for disabled travellers and those with restricted mobility, and both National Rail and National Express buses suggest forward planning directly with them to ensure a smooth journey.
Coaches, Cruises, Escorted Tours
If your parent is on their own, or even if they’re not, there are lots of holidays that should take the stress out of the whole thing: from no-fly cruises leaving from UK ports, to coach trips picking up all over the country, the world is their oyster these days. And, if your parent has a particular interest – bird watching, flowers or fishing for example, then why not encourage them on to an escorted specialist holiday?
The right holiday
The difference between a great holiday and a disaster lies in the detail of things like single supplements, grab rails in the shower, wheelchair or scooter access as well as particular dietary requirements or medical needs. While many holidays claim to be mobility/disabled friendly there may be limited accommodation of this nature, so planning well in advance is advised. Read one woman’s blog on the perils and pleasures of going on a cruise with a wheelchair.
Additional care and support
Finding a holiday companion amongst friends or relatives can add significant moral and practical support and fun. However, you might need to arrange a holiday which includes personal care assistance; increasing numbers of care companies can offer holiday assistance.
There are holiday companies which specialise in giving people living with dementia and their carers a break; providing bespoke or small group holidays and offering all the support needed to make it a real holiday. Take a look at Dementia Adventure.
Travel Insurance for the over 70s
Arranging travel insurance can be problematic with age and increasing frailty. We have researched a wide range of options, and you can find out more in our guide to travel insurance for the over 70s .
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The Perfect holiday
Useful lists to put together include 1) emergency numbers for the holiday destination, the address of the local hospital, taxi numbers and pharmacies; 2) your parents bank account details, NI and passport numbers , travel insurance details and a list of any medication.
It’s also a good idea for your parents to pack more medication than they might need, in case they get stuck somewhere; also a really useful idea to take a written list and to give you a copy so you’re not scrabbling around for information should you need it.
Whatever the holiday solution, happy travels!
Additional links/sources of information:
And if you would like to find out more about booking the perfect holiday for an older person, you may be interested in our podcast recorded with Silver Travel Advisor founder Debbie Marshall, discussing travel in old age.
