Travel and Transportation

Last updated: 28-Oct-2008

Paratransit Service for Seniors

Paratransit is public transportation service for people with disabilities. It can be a lifeline for someone who can no longer drive or take the bus. Usually cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than asking for rides, it's an important tool to help people keep their independence. Many seniors are eligible for paratransit...

8 Tips for Safe and Comfortable Airplane Travel

Air travel doesn't have to be uncomfortable -- or even dangerous -- for your parent. Our expert tips can make the trip easier for both of you.

I have a good friend whose mom hops on a plane every summer to visit her. Or did. For the first time my friend doesn?t want her 80-plus mom flying alone, feeling her health simply isn?t up to it. She still wants her mom to visit, and her mom wants to come -- and she probably can.

Alternatives to Driving

Before your parent has to stop driving, it's a good idea to identify alternative sources of transportation. Consider the following sources, and learn how to access them.

Special Occasions and Challenges When Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's

An important part of caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease is to help her to continue to engage in activities that have special personal or family meaning (this is not a big problem in the early stages.) With suitable support, she will be able to enjoy taking trips, participating in events that...

Checklist: Travel for Someone With a Chronic Condition

Let the person's primary care doctor know of your travel plans. Take more of the person's medications than needed, along with a list of names and dosages. Check with the doctor to see if an immunization against Hepatitis A is recommended if traveling to high-risk areas. Take a list of all medical conditions...

Transportation

There is a network of transportation services, public and private, that will pick up the disabled and the elderly at their homes. These services rely on vans and paid drivers and run on a schedule to specific locations. Free transportation is available from community volunteer organizations, although most public services charge on a sliding scale...

Transportation

Travel

Some group tours and cruise lines cater to the elderly or disabled traveler. Before traveling long distances with a person who has a chronic condition, however, consult the person's doctor.

Transportation for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

Why Giving Up the Car Keys Is Such a Loaded Issue

Driving cessation is a major milestone in a person's life, and it's important not to underestimate how devastating it can be. You'll be better prepared to help your parents or other loved ones face this life change if you know what to expect.

The Best Way to Talk to Your Parents About Driving

What's the best way to approach your parents about their driving abilities? In The Driving Dilemma, Elizabeth Dugan encourages adult children to use open-ended questions and reflective listening techniques when they raise the driving issue.

Caregivers' Concerns About Their Parents Driving -- and What to Do About It

Caregivers say that talking to their parents about giving up the car keys is one of the most difficult -- and important -- tasks they face, according to a recent survey by Caring. com in partnership with the National Safety Council. The full survey results are available for download here (PDF)...