Traveling with Seniors: Before You Go

By Lisa Gilmore

Disney Parks (c) Disney

Disney Parks are for the young and the young at heart. Any vacation planning can feel harrowing, whether you’re traveling with a young family of infants or toddlers, to traveling with the grandparents. There are tons of things to consider ensuring that everyone is safe and having fun, some travel tips are universal, but let’s explore some of the challenges and considerations when traveling with seniors.

This is Part One of a two-part series, focusing on planning and preparation before your trip. Part Two will go into detail on how to navigate the parks with your favorite Baby Boomers.

It’s important to have an open conversation with your older traveling party. Not every senior has the same energy level, dietary needs, or healthy concerns, so it’s important to assess the individual needs for your loved one. And depending on the age and mobility of Grandma or Grandpa, not all of these topics may concern you, but at least it’s a good place to start.

Medicine/Prescriptions

Make sure you have a complete inventory of what your loved one will need for the duration of your trip. This can include daily prescriptions, occasional “emergency” medicine, and your typical over-the-counter pharmaceuticals (Advil/Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, decongestants, band aids, etc). This may also include any supplemental vitamins they take. Plan ahead and make a list of the medications they may need to take every day and ration and organize them before you leave. This could include the handy “pill of the day” containers, or as simply as snack sized ziplock bags with a label for the day of the week and the person’s name. Labeling may seem like overkill, but you don’t want Grandma accidentally taking Grandpa’s heart pills!

A handy, portable way to keep medications organized while on vacation.

You’ll also need to be sure to carry copies of any necessary insurance cards and extra copies of their written prescriptions in case luggage gets lost/delayed or you need an emergency refill. Also be sure to keep phone numbers of any specialist physicians in case you need to contact them during your trip with concerns.

If your loved ones are on medication, it’s also a good idea to converse with their doctor or pharmacist to inform yourself of side-effects and potential drug interactions. If a loved one is on heart medication, maybe they shouldn’t take aspirin for their headache. It’s also handy to know about if there are any foods they should stay away from. It’s amazing the effects of caffeine or even a grapefruit can have when mixed with medication, so better safe than sorry and educate yourself before you go!

If your senior has other medical needs, like oxygen tanks, look into CARE Medical Equipment. Most of specialized equipment would require a current prescription, but they can help meet your needs for many medical requirements and deliver equipment to your resort.

Clothing

No matter what your age, a key part of your happiness during your Disney vacation is comfort. Whether you’re two or ninety-two, comfy clothes and supportive shoes are key elements to your vacation bliss.

Check the forecast for your vacation time for insight as to how to pack. Florida is usually warm and humid, and you can usually count on a rain shower or two during your vacation. You can expect temperatures anywhere from 70-90 degrees no matter when you go, another thing you can anticipate is the chill of refrigerated air. Disney resorts and restaurants always keep things as cool as they can indoors, so be sure your loved one packs a light jacket or cardigan to help offset that indoor chill.

Shoes are also important. Most senior citizens have embraced comfortable footwear. But they may not necessarily be aware that though their little tennies are fine for piddling around the house, they probably won’t hold up for the intensity of Disney walking. This is all the more important for seniors who may suffer from back pain or arthritis. Have them wear cushioned sole shoes to absorb shock and friction and help ease the pain when walking. Purchasing additional insoles may also help for those long touring days. Mole skin and band aids are always a good idea to have on hand. Moisture wicking socks can help add extra cushion as well as help minimize the risk of blisters.

If your loved one has specific arthritis issues in the knees or ankles, be sure to bring some ace bandages or braces they can wear under their clothes. That additional support can really make the difference! Compression socks may also be a good item to have on hand, especially if you have a long drive or flight, or even to wear in the parks for all of that standing. Be sure to check with your loved one’s physician beforehand, just to make sure it’s safe for them. Feel free to use the handy Touring Plan Packing List!

Fashionable? Not a chance. But they may help Grandma make it all day in the Parks!

Food

Disney is amazing at accommodating special dietary needs, but they usually need to know beforehand so they can prepare that special meal. Make any notes of special dietary needs when you book your Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR). It’s also recommended that you review the menus of the Disney restaurants so you have a good understanding of what is offered at each location and can help you with your planning.

Put their service to the test! If you have special dietary needs, note it on your reservations and reminder your server.

Though Disney has really increased their healthy food options, it could help to pack some healthy drinks to keep in the hotel room. Drinks like Ensure or Coconut Water before breakfast can help your loved one start the day off right. But be sure to check with their physician in case of dietary concerns.

Electric Conveyance Vehicle (EVC)/Wheelchair Rentals

Since there is a lot of ground to cover in the parks, you may want to consider renting a wheelchair or an electric scooter (ECV) for at least part of your stay. Your loved one may need a break from standing or walking, particularly if you plan to spend the whole day in the parks.

If you rent a wheelchairs or ECV from the Disney Parks, they are available for daily rentals on a first-come, first-served basis at the park entrances. The EVC rental price is $50 a day (with a $20 refundable deposit).

Renting a scooter can help your senior keep up.

Wheelchairs are available for $12 a day. If you purchase a “Length of Stay” rental ticket for $10 per day when rented for multiple days. Then, upon visiting a theme park, simply show your receipt at the rental location to receive your wheelchair for the day. But keep in mind that “Length of Stay” rental tickets may not be offered during peak periods.

If you rent a wheelchair or EVC at one of the Disney Parks, you must leave at the park when you exit. This could be problematic for seniors with severely limited mobility who need this type of assistance beyond the parks. There are several private companies in the Walt Disney World area that also offer ECV rentals, as well as wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility product length-of-stay rentals. Disney specifically endorses:

• Buena Vista Scooter Rentals: (866) 484-4797

• Best Price Mobility: (866) 866-3434

• Apple Scooter: (800) 701-1971

• ScooterBug: (800) 726-8284

• CARE Medical Equipment: (800) 741-2282

All of these vendors offer onsite delivery and pickup, but shop around to find the best price and vendor service for your needs.

Photo courtesy of Disney (c)

 

Pharmacies/Urgent Care

In the parks, Disney offers very basic First Aid Centers. If your senior needs urgent care or a prescription refill, it’s best to know what will be available in the area.

Florida Hospital Centra Care Walk-In Urgent Care Centers are open 8:00 AM to midnight, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary transportation is available and many insurance plans are accepted. The closest location is Centra Care Lake Buena Vista at 12500 South Apopka Vineland Road.

There is also a 24-hour Walgreens right next to Centra Care Lake Buena Vista, at 12100 South Apopka Vineland Road.

Hopefully, these tips will help you properly prepare for everyone to have a safe and fun trip! Stay tuned for Part Two when I help you navigate the parks with a senior!

 

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