Taking grandchildren on a trip can be a wonderful experience for seniors. Before settingoff, however, they should make sure they are up to date on the latest safety information and prepare for the realities of traveling with young children. Here are some vacation tips your elderly loved one should keep in mind for smooth and safe travel with grandchildren, brought to you by the Mississauga home care experts at Home Care Assistance.
Acquire the Necessary Documents
It’s essential to travel with proper identification, health insurance, contact information, recent photos, and notarized health care authorization from the grandchildren’s parents. If your loved one is traveling abroad, his or her grandchildren may need passports, vaccinations, or a written, notarized letter from the parents allowing the children to travel overseas.
Try a Test Run
If your loved one’s grandchild hasn’t ever been away from home for long, a weekend trip before heading off on a two-week cross country jaunt may be a good starting point. This can allow your loved one to gauge the grandchild’s comfort level and plan for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise before taking a longer trip.
Involve the Child in the Planning
How involved the grandchildren should be depends on their age. It’s important for your loved one to remember the things that hold his or herinterest won’t necessarily be the same for young children. Planning a healthy mix of kid friendly activities and being prepared with toys and games in case the grandchildren get bored along the way can help ensure a smoother trip for everyone.
Pack Light
With children in tow, it’s best to travel as unencumbered as possible. Though that might not be realistic if your loved one’s grandchildren are younger than five, older kids don’t come with as much gear. For that reason, children aged 9 to 14 are the ideal age for taking on longer trips.
Seniors in good health who are fortunate enough to travel sometimes still face small challenges when at home. If your loved one needs help with light housekeeping or transportation for errands and appointments, for instance, consider hiring a caregiver from Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider ofhourly care in Mississauga. We can customize a care plan for even just a few hours a week, and all services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For more information, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at 905-337-1200 to schedule a free in-home consultation.