Traveling and Accessibility for Loved Ones as a Caregiver

[MeaghanO632926]

Hi All!

I’m Meg, an occupational therapist interested in the travel experiences of older adults — especially around comfort, mobility, and accessibility — to better understand common challenges during trips.

I'd love to start a conversation around challenges you may face when traveling with loved ones as a caregiver.

What kinds of accessibility challenges do you face with your loved one, particularly with lodging (toileting, showering, lighting, kitchen equipment, getting in/out of bed and on/off furniture)?

What solutions do you find have worked or what supports do you wish you had access to?

Do you travel as much as you'd like or do you find challenges with accessibility for your loved one to be a deterrent?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!!

[SereneSeagull]

Hi Meg.  I’ve just recently seen a very cool Device that someone I know used to get out of the car.  They have mobility problems, and getting out of a car was a challenge for them.  

it’s some sort of metal device with a handle that they put into the frame of a car door as they get out. It provided leverage and stability and evidently the place that this tool hooks into on car door frames is perfect.  I just looked it up, it’s called a car cane or car door assist handle.  Anyway traveling for them was really a struggle in cars until they got that tool.  

[dd98032427]

Airports are huge! So I finally got over my embarrassment and asked for a wheelchair and someone to push me.  What an improvement! The pusher got me through the airport quickly, even helped get me through the TSA screening. My husband used my walker, which helped him a lot. And then, when you get to the gate, you get priority boarding. I made sure to tip the pusher well.

[MeaghanO632926]

Thank you for sharing your perspective! From my experience working with people in their homes, I was primarily thinking about challenges with lodging but you make such a good point about transportation. After all, you need transportation to get to where you're staying! Did you find that they airport was friendly and accommodating when you requested assistance?

[WebWiseWoman]

Hi, Meaghan! Thank you for posting what imo is a very important topic.

I'm the one on the other side of this issue; I don't yet require a care-giver, but my mobility is fading very quickly; usually go out once in every other month via uber (don't want to cause issue with public transportation if I fall on the ramp). I've had excellent drivers but felt on my most recent ride I could fall when leaving the vehicle (due to my aging body).

I recognize this may seem small to some; to me, the idea of having EMTs respond when they might be needed elsewhere, others frightened, I first and foremost don't want to cause stress to any others! 3 years ago I fell in my apartment; I was so ashamed of having EMTs spend their important time on me...

Perhaps I'm wrong, but feel many elders don't want to be a burden to anyone, so perhaps that can be taken into consideration during your research?

Thanks again for an important topic!

[MeaghanO632926]

Such great perspective! I'm seeing a bit of a theme in the responses I've received - consideration for others and discomfort around "putting them out" by requesting or requiring assistance. Thank you for sharing this point of view. 

I'm glad to hear Uber is a service that helps you get out into the community. Are there certain considerations you take when selecting your Uber, such as an SUV, sedan, comfort plus? Are these options available to you? I live in an urban area where Uber is quite common and there are many different ride options to choose from but I understand this may not be the case everwhere 🙂