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Our new mobile medical alert system Mobile-On-The-go has got us thinking about traveling this summer!
Traveling enables seniors to experience new places and cultures, and it can help rejuvenate their minds and souls. However, some seniors may have health problems that make them unable to travel easily. If a condition or injury becomes a problem during travel, they may find themselves in a severe emergency. It may not be easy for them to find the medical services they need while they are in a foreign place (even in the USA), and the local doctors may not understand the severity of their conditions enough to provide the best treatment. While it can be a little risky for seniors with health problems to travel, certain precautions can help to prevent and deal with health emergencies while on vacation.
Tip #1: Talk to Your Doctor
This tip may sound like a disclaimer, but it is important. Your doctor knows your condition and health history better than anyone. They can help provide guidance on places you might be able to go in an emergency or even what to pack. Always, always, always talk to your doctor before any major trip.
Tip #2 Bring Enough Medication
If you are on medication, make sure you have enough medication to use throughout the trip. If traveling to a foreign country, certain medications may not be available, or they may be sold under different names. In case of an emergency, carry your doctor’s contact information and have an extra copy of the prescription on hand. Plan 1-2 days of extra medication in case you get stuck at an airport or have other unplanned delays.
Tip #3 Get Paperwork for Medications Containing Narcotic Drugs
Remember tip #1? Well here is another reason to talk to your doctor about your trip. Seniors who are using medications that contain narcotic or habit-forming drugs should get paperwork from their doctors before traveling. Laws vary from place to place and some medications may not be legal without this paperwork.
Tip #4 Label Medications Clearly Make sure all of your medications are properly labeled so that, if necessary, it is easier for a law enforcement official to quickly know what you have. This also helps a lot because when you are traveling, things may get bounced around and good labeling will help ensure you are taking the right medication on schedule.
Tip #5 Do Not Keep All Medications in One Place
Take necessary measures to ensure that medications will not be lost on the trip. Since bags can get lost during travel, it is important to carry the medication needed for a 48-hour period in a pillbox and carry it with you. If your luggage is lost during the trip, you will not be at a loss for medication. Contact your doctor and medical facility if luggage is lost that contains your medication.
Tip #6 Wear a Medical ID Bracelet
Those who have allergies, are on multiple medications, or have chronic medical conditions should always wear a medical ID bracelet AND keep a medical alert card in their wallets or purses. In an emergency, a medical ID can help provide life-saving medical information. A medical ID serves as a useful reference for doctors and pharmacists across the country as well as in foreign countries.
Tip #7 Bring Mobile-on-the-Go Mobile Medical Alert System
If you are traveling anywhere in the USA, you can now bring your medical alert system with you! With just the push of a button on our new mobile medical alert system, you are connected to a professional emergency operator from anywhere coast to coast, in Alaska, and Hawaii. With a battery that will last months and the security of One Call Alert’s personalized care, you can travel with peace of mind this summer!
Tip #8 Get Travel Insurance
All travelers with health problems should purchase a travel insurance policy before traveling. Those who have travel insurance will get medical compensation if they fall ill while traveling. Travel medical insurance plans typically cover the policyholder in the event they are hospitalized or need medical attention for an injury or illness. Special travel insurance plans are available for seniors with unique medical needs.
Tip #9 Special Air Travel Services
If you have mobility problems, call your airline and airports to find out about any special services that are available for disabled travelers. Certain airports have caregivers who can escort passengers to their planes. This makes air travel a lot more convenient. When purchasing airline tickets, be clear about your needs and preferences; airlines will do their best to accommodate travelers with special needs.
Tip #10 Be Careful Trying New Foods
When traveling to foreign countries or even a new place here in the USA, you may get the opportunity to try different types of food that you have never eaten before. We’re not saying don’t be adventurous, but be careful about the kinds of food you eat. Think about allergens or whether the spice will upset an ulcer. Have fun, but be careful.