Elder Care in Zionsville, IN – Keep these Tips in Mind When Planning a Trip with a Senior Loved One and their Pet

You are planning for a road trip with your 81-year-old mother. She wants to visit her sister in another state and you’ve decided to drive her on this trip. However, she is bringing along her small Yorkshire terrier puppy. Well, it’s not really a puppy but to you the size of the dog basically keeps you thinking of it as such.

You have been providing elder care for her throughout the past several months and figure since you already have experience, this road trip shouldn’t really be a big deal. In reality, you need to plan ahead for any travel when somebody requires assistance.

Plan extra stops along the way.

You may already know that your mother needs to go to the bathroom more frequently now than she has in the past. Stopping at a fast food restaurant or other place to use the facilities is what most people tend to think about. You’ll also need to consider walking that dog when you stop as well.

Most pets, if well-trained, can “hold it” for a considerable amount of time. That doesn’t mean you should ignore that pet on this trip.

Make sure the elderly home care patient and the pet get plenty of water.

Just because you’re all sitting in a car doesn’t mean the body is not becoming dehydrated. Even if it’s the middle of winter, your body is losing water every hour. Depending on the type of medications that your mother might be taking at this point in time, she may become dehydrated more easily.

Bring plenty of water and make sure that the pet also gets an opportunity to drink. This can be done whenever you stop to use the facilities. Give the animal plenty of time to unwind from the car ride before deciding whether it even wants a drink of water. The animal might not drink right away (he or she might take several minutes of walking around before they realize they need to drink).

Make sure the accommodations can handle a pet.

If you’re staying with a family member, be clear that your mother is bringing along her dog. If they don’t want pets at their house, this could create an uncomfortable situation. If planning to stay at a hotel or motel, always make sure that they allow pets. Those that do often require an additional deposit.

The caregivers at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is an elder care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Zionsille, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.