Tips and Tricks for Traveling with Disability Challenges
Submitted By Nancy R. Poland
Graces Message
When my dad had advanced Lewy body dementia he lived in a nursing home for 16 months. At visits, I would ask myself, “What can I do to make this visit enjoyable for Dad and me?” I tried different ideas, some successful, other times he appeared oblivious. Since then, in my studies of caregiving resources, I have come across more ideas.
In this article, you will find many tips and tricks to support couples who are interested traveling.
Traveling With A Care Partner Who Has A Disability Can Present Unique Challenges
Traveling with a care partner who has a disability can present unique challenges. Included in this article are tips for people with both physical and cognitive disabilities. While there may be ideas you’ve heard before, this is a good refresher.
From a personal point of view, I am sharing ideas that have worked when I traveled with my dad with dementia, and my husband with limited walking mobility.
Whether these ideas are universally applicable, I do not know. Verify your needs ahead of time.
Buckle up for an easier travel experience!
Airline Travel
For anyone with mobility challenges, when you reserve airline tickets, also reserve a wheelchair, even if the person does not usually use one. A designee from the airline will generally push the wheelchair. (You may be able to push it yourself, but it is easier if they manage the security and screening process.)
What if you forget to reserve the wheelchair? Ask for one at the check-in desk. If you’re experiencing walking trouble in the airport, look for an airline phone or representative for assistance. Carts driven by airport representatives are also a great solution.
We found out the hard way wheelchairs are airline-specific; they don’t belong to the airport. After a particularly frustrating incident, I contacted the relevant city airport commission about this issue.
They responded and agreed that this does cause issues, and they would like to see it fixed.
Personal wheelchairs or other mobility devices, such as walkers, can be checked in along with luggage. Alternatively, they can be brought to the gate and left outside the door. The device should be available when you arrive at the next gate.
The airline has a narrow wheelchair available for individuals who require assistance getting to their seats.
On our most recent trip, we checked a rollator walker for my husband; they took care to wrap it in a large plastic bag and mark it fragile. I don’t know if all airlines do this, but I was glad to see his device was being treated with care.
More tips:
- If possible, we sign up for direct, refundable flights (or have trip insurance). The extra money is worth the reduced stress.
- The airlines will announce at the beginning of loading, “Anyone who needs extra help can load now.” There are no rules as to who can use this option (assuming you do need a little extra time).
- If confined to a wheelchair, try wearing a catheter on a long trip. A travel partner can easily empty the resulting gel, which is preferable to not drinking water and risking dehydration.
- On our last trip, I did not realize my Global Pass had expired, which prevented me from using pre-check. In contrast, my husband was able to use pre-check. This can become particularly challenging if you are pushing a wheelchair or traveling with someone with cognitive disabilities.
- I took my parents to a wedding out of state when my dad had dementia. I packed lunch so we wouldn’t have to stand in line. (Make sure food is TSA-approved.) Dad had to use the bathroom; I waited for him outside in case he wandered off. Now we can use technology to keep track of someone who might need extra assistance – take advantage of such tools. (See tip below.)
If possible, we sign up for direct, refundable flights (or have trip insurance). The extra money is worth the reduced stress.Hotels
Did you know handicapped rooms in hotels are not standardized? I have observed a range of accessibility features, from a fully accessible roll-in shower to a standard bathtub equipped with a movable shower chair. Toilet seats vary in height and may or may not have a safety bar.
If you or your care partner has a particular need, it’s best to call the hotel and ask ahead of time. This is particularly true if you’ve reserved through a third-party service, such as Expedia or Hotels.com. On several occasions, I have reserved a handicapped room only to discover that it was not available.
If you discover that the shower, bath, or toilet is not accessible, they may be able to transfer you to another room or provide alternative aids, such as a shower chair. if they cannot accommodate you and you must leave, ask for a refund.
Request a ground-level floor if there is no elevator.
Hotels built before January 26, 1993, do not need to be fully ADA-compliant in terms of accessibility design standards. However, they must remove barriers to accessibility where it is “readily achievable.”
More Handy Tips
- For individuals with limited mobility or those who wander, check ahead of time to see if museums or historical sites offer a wheelchair or scooter. However, even if you do check, they may run out, so consider an alternative, or go early.
- Cruise companies can recommend a place to reserve a scooter or walker ahead of time and have it delivered right to your room
- Bring your handicap car plaque when you travel – this can be a lifesaver if you rent a car or travel with friends or family.
- GPS phone tracking is handy; we use Life 360, which is a free download.
- Bring necessary medical supplies, medications, and equipment, and carry a list of drugs, doctors, and pharmacies.
- Pack a small travel kit with essentials, such as a first-aid kit, extra batteries for medical devices, and any adaptive tools you may need. Keep essential items easily accessible in your carry-on bag.
- Double-check that health insurance coverage is available wherever you go.1
- Bring a refillable water bottle. I recently bought ones that roll up for ease of going through security.
- Remembering sunglasses, mouthguards, CPAPs, and hearing aids can make a happier trip for all.
For individuals with limited mobility or those who wander, check ahead of time to see if museums or historical sites offer a wheelchair or scooter. However, even if you do check, they may run out, so consider an alternative, or go early.If your travel partner has dementia, consider taking steps to make the trip less stressful. Staying in one place can be calming. If the person has advanced dementia, it may be too stressful to take them out of their familiar environment. If not everyone is having a good time, traveling may not be the best option.
Tour Group
Check the trip descriptions to ensure you and your care partner meet the level of activity on the excursion. For example, Road Scholar rates their trips with activity levels from easy-going to challenging.
Inform the tour guide about any special requirements ahead of time; they may be able to assist with special needs. Most are willing to go above and beyond to ensure their participants have a fun and successful trip.
Conclusion
No matter how hard you try, you will still run into travel snafus. Try to remain calm and find the positive aspects of the situation. Most people are kind and helpful, especially in the service industry. As Mr. Rogers says, “Look for the helpers.”
Now – off to the races!
Visit Nancy Poland at www.gracesmessage.com for caregiving resources.
Nancy R. Poland
Graces Message
Nancy R. Poland shares her passion for helping caregivers, live with grace and hope. Her website for a wealth of information for caregivers. It provides tailored resources, highlights of her books, hope for those who have experienced loss, valuable insights regarding dementia, improving senior’s lives, health care news, and more. Nancy also shares a personal page on loss that has resources for processing grief.
