Traveling can be stressful for anyone. Airports are loud, bustling environments that are notorious for last-minute delays and a constant stream of people rushing by in every direction. Driving to your destination poses its own challenges, and even the most seasoned traveler can become overwhelmed during a trip. Some people may benefit from a little extra help during their travels.
Older adults and people with disabilities may face unique challenges while traveling, and even once they’ve arrived at their destination. A specially trained travel companion can help a person to safely and comfortably enjoy their trip. Let’s look at what travel companions do, why they’re a tremendous benefit for the entire family, and how they can help your loved one to arrive safely to the next family vacation destination, wedding, or other major life event.
What is a travel companion?
A travel companion is a trained professional who focuses on the care of your loved one throughout the duration of their travels. He or she will provide healthcare and companionship, along with extra accommodations to ensure that your loved one is comfortable while they are away from home. Some of the services a travel companion will provide include:
These are just a few of the tasks that a travel companion will perform in order to ensure that your loved one is comfortable while they’re away from home.
If your family travels to a resort, hotel, or cruise ship, your travel companion will remain with your loved one for their entire trip. They’ll help with maintaining a comfortable schedule, and they’ll help your loved one to fully enjoy his or her vacation while helping to minimize stress.
How can it be helpful to have travel companionship?
Many people who are elderly or suffer from disabilities find the idea of traveling to be too daunting. A travel companion gives them the freedom and courage to step outside of their comfort zone and visit new destinations. Travel companions are also great to bring along to assist with your caregiving responsibilities, so they can assist in providing peace of mind knowing you can all enjoy your vacation.
Although a travel companion provides tremendous help during the traveling part of your vacation or destination trip, they’ll also help your loved ones once they’ve arrived. Staying in a hotel or other new environment can be difficult for a person with cognitive or physical disabilities, and a travel companion will ensure that they’re comfortable for the entirety of their stay. They’ll assist your loved one with their medication schedule and personal hygiene, and they’ll help them to navigate a new environment that may otherwise feel scary and confusing.
With the assurance that your loved one is safe, happy, and well-cared-for, your family can relax and enjoy every moment of your trip.
Who needs travel companion care services?
Some people can benefit from having a travel companion to provide assistance throughout their trip. This includes:
- Older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- People who are recovering from a fall or other accident
- People who have suffered a stroke
- People with physical disabilities like blindness or those who cannot walk
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- People with cancer or other diseases that require medication and care
Older adults especially benefit from having a travel companion. Many seniors face mobility challenges or cognitive delays that can make traveling very difficult, and a travel companion can provide the services they need to travel safely. Travel companions are especially helpful for people with physical or cognitive disabilities since navigating a new environment poses all sorts of challenges. Travel companions can help people in all kinds of circumstances — from lifelong or chronic illnesses to those who are recovering from an accident or surgery — to enjoy their time away from home.
Your loved one deserves the best care during their trip, and you deserve to have the assistance you need to ensure that your entire family is taken care of while they’re away from home.
What issues can arise when someone doesn’t have a travel companion?
Traveling should be a fun, exhilarating, and relaxing experience for your entire family. Without a travel companion, your loved one may feel confused, afraid, or overwhelmed with the tasks they need to perform in a new environment. Luggage may too be heavy, airports may be too loud and overstimulating, and itineraries can be difficult to follow for a older adult or person with a disability. Without a companion along for the ride, your loved one may not be able to navigate their traveling plans alone, and if they’re traveling with family, not having a travel companion can provide an added sense of stress or anxiety.
Travel companions are specially trained to fully assist with the needs of their patient, and perform tasks that make the entire process go smoothly. With their help, your loved one won’t face overwhelming challenges that come with traveling away from home. Additionally, your family will have the assistance they need to provide necessary care for your loved one while you’re traveling. With a travel companion, your whole family can enjoy a relaxing and memorable trip together.
How can PASCO help with travel companion services?
PASCO believes that all people deserve to live as independently as possible, and everyone should be able to enjoy life to the fullest extent. Don’t let your fears keep you or your loved ones from attending special ceremonies, or from making memories on the next family vacation. Hire a caregiver so your loved one feels safe and cared for, so you can enjoy the trip together without worrying about all the details.
If you’d like to learn more about PASCO’s travel companion services, please contact us today. We’d love to help your family to travel together and thrive.
