Homecare: The holiday season is almost here and people are going to start traveling to see distant friends and family members.

If you’re going to be traveling with a senior loved one that is in a wheelchair, or may need a wheelchair, planning in advance can make the difference between an easy and successful trip or a trip that is bad for you and you’re senior loved one. Having homecare providers around to help would be a great idea.

Use these tips from other family caregivers and mobility experts to make traveling with a senior loved one in a wheelchair easier:

Ask For A Wheelchair In Advance

If you’re traveling with a senior loved one by plane and your senior loved one can walk but maybe can’t do stairs or can’t walk long distances ask for a wheelchair when you book your tickets if possible. If not call the airline and ask for a wheelchair as soon as you book your ticket. There are a limited amount of wheelchairs available for use and if you wait until the day of the trip you may not be able to get one. Assume your senior loved one will need one and request one. If they don’t need it then you can cancel it on the day of the trip but if they do need it you will have one.

Ask For An Escort Pass

Depending on the airline you may need to ask for an escort pass so that you will be allowed to go through security or board with your senior loved one to help them. Check-in advance if the airline requires one and ask for it well in advance if it’s required. If you don’t you could end up facing delays that could cause you to miss a flight or have other hassles.

Consider Renting A Vehicle

If you are traveling by car take stock of whether or not your car can accommodate a wheelchair. Some can’t, and others can but would be very uncomfortable for your senior loved one. Higher seats are easier for your senior loved one to get in and out of so if you have a sports car or a car that has low seats you may want to consider renting a vehicle. Renting a van, especially a van designed to transport wheelchairs, can make the trip much easier for everyone.

Homecare: Get A Swivel Pad

A swivel pad can be a game-changer when you need to help your senior with mobility challenges in and out of a car. The pad will make it much easier for your senior loved ones to swing their hips and their legs in and out of the car. If they need to transfer to a wheelchair from the seat you may also want to use safety straps. An in-home care provider can help you learn to use the straps so you will be comfortable using them. The homecare provider can also help your senior loved one get comfortable using a swivel pad.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Homecare in Flowery Branch, GA, and surrounding areas.
Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in  Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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