Thanksgiving is nearly here, and for many people around the country, that means traveling to see family and friends. If you are planning on flying to celebrate the holiday, it is important to plan ahead. This is particularly true for you as a family caregiver. Preparation and careful approaches can help you to make this trip less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Use these tips to make your Thanksgiving air travel simpler:

• Contact the airline to let them know you are traveling with a senior. Ask if they offer priority boarding for those with mobility challenges. This can make boarding easier and reduce anxiety at the beginning of the trip.
• Find out about pre-check services. Many airports offer a service that makes it faster and easier to get through the security lines, which can save time and stress.
• Review all baggage policies several times before the trip, including what is and what’s not allowed in checked and carry-on baggage. This can save time and stress at the airport.
• Consider shipping clothing, gifts, and other items to your destination ahead of time to reduce what you need to bring on the plane.
• Leave behind toiletries and purchase them at your destination, or order them online for shipment to the destination rather than attempting to pack them.
• Book your flight as soon as possible, and look for a flight as early in the day as you can since these have the lowest chance of being delayed or cancelled.
• Pay very close attention to the weather leading up to the flight, and start making backup plans if there might be bad weather.
• Consider flying on Thanksgiving itself if feasible. Flights are cheaper and less crowded on the holiday itself.
• Avoid renting a car from the airport, as this will be much more expensive. Consider a ride share service or having your family pick you up instead.
• Arrive at the airport three or more hours before your flight. This provides plenty of time for checking baggage, going through security, and handling last-minute needs. Having a meal at the airport together can be a fun way to build up to the flight.

If you are unable to bring your aging parent along with you when you travel for the holidays, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy Thanksgiving away from home. As a family caregiver, you still deserve to enjoy your own traditions and experience your highest quality of life while caring for your loved one. In this situation, respite home care can be invaluable. With respite care, an in-home senior care services provider can step in to provide highly personalized care during the time you will be away. This care provider will follow your parent’s schedule and routine as closely as possible so they can stay comfortable and manage their issues effectively. Knowing your parent has this care can help you to enjoy the holidays without worry.

If you or an aging loved one needs caregiver services in Folsom, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.

Source

https://www.thanksgiving.com/thanksgiving-living/holiday-travel/thanksgiving-travel-tips

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Jay Bloodsworth

Owner at A Better Living Home Care

I started A Better Living Home Care Agency after seeing the impersonal and inconsistent service of large home care companies and franchises in the Greater Sacramento Area. I know, because I once worked for one. I left to put the “personal” back into home care.

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