A guide to ensuring an enjoyable trip with your aging parents.
So, you have decided to take a family holiday and take your children’s grandparents with you. Now you must ask yourself what you need to take care of so that the holiday is as relaxed as possible and finds its place among your best family memories.
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Our general recommendation: Plan carefully…and plan knowing that your plans will change! Here are five tips for a successful family holiday with Grandma and Grandpa:
1. Plan in detail
Whether your elderly relatives are in good health, suffering from a chronic illness or developing dementia, careful planning is the key to success.
First and foremost, plan the arrival and departure in detail. Think about how and when you want to travel. Do you want to travel by car, train or is flying the best option for you? Ask yourself, what would be the best time to arrive so that the grandparents can get used to a possible time difference? Do your elderly relatives have pets? If so, will you get pet care for the duration of the trip? Which medicines do the grandparents need?
As you can see, the list of questions goes on. To help you, here is a compact list of questions for you to ask when preparing for your holiday:
- Talk to the doctor: Talk in advance to your parents’ doctor. Find out if it is safe for them to travel, what you should pay attention to during the journey and what situations and activities are better avoided.
- Medication and medical records: Make a note of all relevant medical information including a list of necessary medications. Obtain a sufficient supply of medications in advance of the journey.
- Travel planning: Pay attention to longer connection times and travel breaks. Plan stopovers if necessary. If you are flying and the elderly relatives’ mobility is a factor, arrange transport with the airport. Consider renting a car with more space and possibly disabled-friendly functions.
- Insurance: Make sure that the grandparents are sufficiently insured for the holiday. Above all, you must clarify the existence of liability and health insurance abroad.
- Pack the familiar: Take a few familiar things of your loved one with you. These can be your mum’s favourite audiobooks, grandpa’s chess or card games, magazines or puzzles.
2. Hold on to routines
Try to keep the routine of your elderly loved one as consistent as possible, especially mealtimes and bedtime. Even the smallest changes can be overwhelming and exhausting, especially for someone who suffers from a medical ailment.
Ask your elderly relatives for a typical daily routine. If the grandparents have certain meal times and bedtimes, stick to them as much as possible. Other habits, such as television, a nap or the afternoon coffee and cake, should continue to be part of their routine. This way your elderly relative will feel comfortable and secure and will adapt to their new environment faster.
3. Time to settle in
Give your parents (or in-laws) time to adapt to changes and unusual habits in your holiday home. It usually takes at least a day or two to get used to a new location.
Start the first excursions and errands in the area alone. While you are exploring the place, the older relatives have time to settle into the property. If you are going on a group holiday, it is a good idea to go with your elderly relative a day or two in advance of the other parties so they can adjust without the frenzy of other people.
4. Always plan breaks
If you are traveling with seniors, the journey can take a little longer. Experts recommend planning outings at the resort in the least stressful manner. This includes planning for frequent breaks for snacks and drinks, toilet visits or just to rest. These breathers are good for the elderly and you can recharge your batteries too.
Excursions and trips to resorts can be exhausting, especially in hotter climates. Older people feel this very much and their body’s rhythm can quickly falter. Always plan moderate travel times and rest breaks.
5. Relax and enjoy
Don’t forget to relax and enjoy your time together. You too deserve a holiday and don’t have to be there for all your relatives around the clock. Housekeepers and elderly carers can help you in many areas, even when you are abroad.
Last but not least, be patient before and during your holiday. Even if it is not your absolute dream vacation, it is always worthwhile as these holidays with grandparents and their grandchildren won’t be possible forever. And now, off on the holiday and have a great time together!
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