Senior relocation services refer to organizations that offer seniors support when they decide to downsize and move. They offer help in planning the move, leaning out their current home, and in making the move itself.
It’s an important service because while moving is tough for people at any age, it can prove especially hard for seniors. They often face having to leave a home where they’ve lived for years and accumulated many memories.
That’s a tough situation for both the seniors and their children. Senior relocation services can make a world of difference in dealing with relocating their parents. They range from concierge services who manage all the logistics of a move to nonprofit organizations that provide free labor for moving day.
Types of Senior Relocation Services
Every senior reaches a point where they start to think about downsizing and moving to a new town, often to live closer to loved ones. They also may move to live in the warmer climates of places such as Florida and Arizona or in an assisted living for family. Senior relocation services offer support in all phases of making the move.
Sometimes called concierge services, these companies offer turnkey services that include packing, unpacking, space planning, downsizing, car transport and change of address. They also will come in person and evaluate what the seniors have, helping them develop a plan to declutter their home. Seniors should focus on working with senior move managers accredited by the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM).
Another source for seniors who plan to downsize or move are the Aging Life Care Specialists who are part of the Aging Life Care Association. They offer a network of specialists across the country who assist people who are dealing with aging life care issues.
These are like regular moving companies, but they specialize in moving seniors. Or they’re a regular moving company that offers discounted rates for seniors. In either case, they can handle all the heavy lifting involved with moving that seniors cannot handle.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport
For seniors living with medical conditions or injuries that make it difficult to fly to their new destination alone, a non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) flight nurse can travel with them. They manage all medications and specialize in providing care at high altitudes. They also can manage booking all the travel arrangements.
Some non-profit organizations offer programs that help lower income seniors with moving costs. They include the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and the YMCA.
Downsizing Tips for Seniors
One of the most difficult parts of making a move for seniors is decluttering their current home and downsizing to fit into their new home. It’s a great feeling to accomplish this task, but it does require having a plan. The following tips can help.
Start As Early As Possible
Seniors should start a couple of months in advance with a checklist of what they need to accomplish before making the move. This checklist can include:
Getting floor plan of new home
Choosing which furniture to move
Getting rid of unwanted possessions
Contacting utilities ahead of time to turn off service
Filling any prescriptions needed before the move
That’s just a sample of the many items you might find on a moving checklist.
One Room At A Time
A good strategy to employ for a move is to do one room at the time. Completely clear out a room and pack it up before moving on to the next one. It’s a systematic approach that breaks the work into doable chunks.
When cleaning out rooms, keep in mind to eliminate any duplicate items. It’s amazing how many of these pile up over the years, especially in the kitchen. Also, chances are moving into a smaller place means having fewer rooms, such as a second guest room or an office. Declutter belongings with this in mind.
Sell or Give Away Items
When the time comes, don’t hesitate to sell some of your items through a yard sale or through online markets such as eBay. A little extra cash can help pay the costs of your move. However, keep in mind that most items won’t bring in much cash, so limit the time you want to spend in this area. It might be better to consider giving many items away to charity or to family and friends.
These tips can help you start planning your move, while senior relocation services can help the entire process go much smoother.
An estimated 75 million people live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Most of them can fly with high blood pressure as long as they remember certain safety tips that reduce the risk of any issues while traveling by plane.
The symptoms of high blood pressure can worsen at high altitudes. For example, a person with hypertension might find it more difficult to breathe on a longer flight. However, having hypertension should not become a barrier to flying. Even longer flights are fine if people take the right precautions.
As with other medical conditions such as dementia or traumatic spinal cord injury, those who want to fly with high blood pressure can choose to travel with a flight nurse who provides in-flight medical care and ensures you arrive at your destination safely.
What is Hypertension?
The term “hypertension” or high blood pressure refers to a condition where the long-term force of blood against artery walls is so high that it can lead to health problems. Most people are familiar with getting their blood pressure readings done at the doctor’s office.
Blood pressure machines provide two numbers. The top number is systolic pressure that measures pressure in the arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is diastolic pressure that measures pressure in arteries between heartbeats.
In general, doctors consider a consistent reading of 140/90 or higher as hypertension. A normal level is generally between 90/60 and 120/80. These can vary depending on the person.
Safety Tips for Flying With High Blood Pressure
When you fly with high blood pressure, you should not worry too much about the health risks, which in itself can drive up your blood pressure! While you should always consult your physician about any concerns, most people with hypertension are perfectly safe to fly.
As Dr. Neal Chaisson with the Cleveland Clinic writes, “There’s virtually no problem with these patients traveling on a cruise, by air or even overseas.” The main issue is to stay with your medication schedule through the trip.
The doctor advises those with hypertension to carry a card that states they have pulmonary hypertension and also has their pharmacy’s number in case they lose their medication. The pharmacist should be able to help arrange a prescription refill at a nearby location. Also, make sure to bring medication in a carry-on bag, do not place it in checked baggage.
The following tips address things people can do during their flight.
Stand up and move around when possible every two hours or so on longer flights
Avoid salty snacks that can drive up blood pressure
Sit in a way that allows for the best blood flow – do not cross your legs
Avoid alcohol
Take an ice pack on board to place on any areas where you begin to feel swelling, such as ankles
These tips can help avoid or relieve any symptoms you feel when you fly with high blood pressure. You also can contact a RN Flight Coordinator to find out more about how they can help you fly safely if you have hypertension.
When a loved one needs non-emergency medical transport, it can be difficult to know what option is right for them and their health. What is the best way to get them where they need to be? Should you fly or should you use ground transport? This blog post will help you decide what the best option for your loved one is.
What is long distance medical transport?
Long distance medical transport is a type of transportation service that helps patients with non-emergency medical transport. This type of service can be extremely important for people that are in need of moving closer to family to be cared for or who need to get treatment that isn’t available in their local area.
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to medical transport cost, so let’s take a look at some options and see what is right for you.
Air travel is faster by far than any other type of long-distance medical transport, including driving, busing, train rides, or boat/ferry transportation. This can be especially important if your loved one needs to get to their destination within a certain amount of time.
Cons of Air Transport
The biggest con of using air transport for medical reasons is that the cost can be very high. For example, if you need to get from Los Angeles to San Francisco for treatment, it may not make sense financially for you or your loved one to fly when driving would take about the same time and work out much cheaper.
The main pro of ground transport is that it’s typically less expensive than air transport, and the cost depends on how far away the patient needs to go, what they need taken along with them (luggage, wheelchair), and the vehicle they’re driving.
Other pros include how much more comfortable ground transport is compared to air transport, especially because they are not accompanied by an attendant at all times. Ground transportation options also give you and your loved one time to decompress and relax, which can be very helpful in these situations.
The main con to using ground transport for long-distance patients is that it’s slower than air travel and can take longer depending on how many layovers you have along the way. For example, if a patient needs to get from New York City to San Francisco, it might take them a day or two by bus/train while they could arrive much quicker via air transport. In the end, choosing between air and ground transport comes down to two key factors: how fast you need to get to your destination and how much money you want or can afford to spend. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them all carefully before making a decision.
Are you preparing to fly commercially and have questions about what to expect? This article contains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about commercial airline passenger assistance. If you are an older adult, please read this helpful guide for elderly air travel to get the best experience when flying. Securing assistance while traveling on a plane can be daunting, but we are here to help make it as easy as possible for you!
Knowing what different airlines offer can ensure you have the best experience; therefore, it is a common question individuals ask. Take a look at a comparison of four major commercial airlines.
American Airlines
The first airline we will look at is American Airlines. They provide a variety of services for disabled and elderly passengers. They offer help with mobility and medical devices such as wheelchairs. This includes assistance for transfers between your seat and an onboard wheelchair, as well as assistance moving the wheelchair to the lavatory door and back. To take advantage of this service, you will need to request a wheelchair in advance.
American also offers assistance with boarding and deplaning from all aircraft types. Before going through security, please let a ticketing agent know that you will need assistance on board, and they will provide you with a boarding pass that designates your special needs. You will also be given priority when it comes to seating.
Delta
Delta offers many of the same services as American Airlines and you will need to request special assistance in advance. In terms of services, Delta offers wheelchair and mobility assistance during every stage of your flight. You can bring medical equipment on board with you if the equipment meets health & safety requirements.
Delta also has multiple boarding options. They will allow you to board with other passengers, or they can pre-board you and try to help ensure that there is an empty seat next to you for extra space.
If you are flying on Southwest Airlines, assistance for the disabled begins when booking your ticket. You may select a special service as long as you meet their requirements. This service includes boarding and deplaning assistance, as well as help in the gate area and on the aircraft. Southwest also offers a pre-board option for those who need it. They will board you before any other passengers and like Delta, try to ensure there is an empty seat next to you.
United
United Airlines offers assistance to those with mobility and medical issues, such as wheelchair assistance at the airport and during the flight. Once again, however, this needs to be organized in advance. United also has a pre-board option for those who need it, as well as priority seating.
Can I have a flight Nurse on board with me?
Yes, you can hire a flight nurse to travel with you on commercial flights. It is worth considering if you want a more comprehensive service than what’s being offered by the airlines. While airlines are doing everything they can to improve air travel for seniors, you may need a more advanced level of personal care than what is currently available. This is where a non-emergency medical transport company can help.
Flight nurses travel with patients in both emergency and non-emergency situations. They have specialized skills in providing medical care at high altitudes and managing a patient’s medications. In the case of non-emergency flight nurses, they help patients plan their trips, navigate through the airport and deliver any medical care needed during the flight.
People like to travel because it’s enjoyable and relaxing, but unfortunately that’s not always the case for everyone. Older travelers might especially feel anxious if things don’t go as planned, which is why finding ways to reduce travel stress for the elderly is so important.
These senior stress reduction tips are designed for traveling seniors or their loved ones who plan to travel with them or help with travel arrangements. Keep in mind that in addition to these tips, it’s also possible to get air travel assistance for seniors through non-emergency medical transport companies such as Flying Angels. Age, illness or disability should not become a barrier that prevents people from enjoying travel.
For those looking to improve air travel for seniors, it’s helpful to break down each trip into three main sections. As you start to consider all the details of reducing travel stress for elderly travelers, these provide some guidance.
Before the Trip
Most of the work that result in reduced stress on a trip happens before you ever leave the house.
Consider delaying a trip if the travelers recently experienced an emotionally or physically taxing event, such as a death, divorce or major medical procedure. Those type of events can cause stress for travelers.
If the seniors involved have chronic medical conditions, ensure they consult with their physician before their trip and get medical clearance to travel.
Set up transportation to the airport from home and from the airport to the final destination (usually a hotel) before leaving home.
Call ahead to both airports and arrange any assistance you need getting from check in, through security and to the gate.
Use Google maps to become familiar with your destination. Knowing your way around will reduce stress once you arrive.
Book non-stop flights even if it costs a bit more. Changing planes and making your way through a third airport is a surefire way to increase travel stress
Keep these tips in mind to help improve air travel for seniors.
Pack the night before and have everything ready so you can leave and get to the airport early (a rule of thumb is to arrive about two hours before your plane departs). It’s much easier to wait comfortably at the gate than rush through a crowd.
If seniors are traveling without companions, start a routine from the first day where they check in with family members via text or phone call.
Bring something to read. An underrated way to cut out the noise and confusion around you – and avoid talking to strangers if you don’t want to – is to bring a good book or magazine, whatever you prefer to read. Time will fly by faster and reading helps people relax.
Pack all medications and important items in a carry-on bag. Don’t put them in checked baggage and run the risk of the airlines sending them somewhere else (a rare occurrence, but it happens).
Get a seat on the plane that allows for easy access to the bathroom. Board early if necessary.
Talk time to stretch your legs and walk a bit before boarding. Physical activity can help people feel more relaxed.
The destination is the reason people travel. However, a new city or unfamiliar country can cause stress, especially for seniors accustomed to their home routine. Once they are at their destination, these tips can help.
Start a vacation routine. Make time to simply sit and enjoy the day, read, or take a walk. Find a good place to have breakfast each day that is comfortable and relaxed.
Make a set time each day to contact loved ones and talk to them, letting them know how you are doing and what you’ve experienced.
Wear comfortable clothes and don’t overdo it. Dress to be active but plan each day with only enough “things to do” that you can easily accomplish. Vacation is not a time to “push yourself.”
Once back at home, it’s also important to not schedule too many activities for the first few days. Allow yourself some time to rest up after your trip is over.
It’s possible to reduce travel stress for the elderly if you take it seriously and plan ahead. These tips give you a good place to start and a better chance of having a relaxing, enjoyable travel experience.
It’s possible to fly with a traumatic spinal cord injury. However, doing so requires careful planning, consultation with a doctor, and knowing the rights of disables travelers. Traveling with a flight nurse can also provide peace of mind that all travel and medical needs are met.
If planned properly, flying with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is safe and enjoyable. It also can boost the mental health of an injured person who reaps the benefits of seeing new places and helps them realize that life does go on, even after a catastrophic injury.
Before making the decision to fly, it’s important for those with an SCI to understand the proper steps to take to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls of traveling with an injury. Just like when people fly after a traumatic brain injury, preparation is key in flying with SCI.
Traumatic spinal cord injury, typically abbreviated as SCI, involves damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. An SCI can cause changes in sensation, strength and other body functions below the site of the injury. These changes may be permanent or temporary depending on the extent of the damage.
Common causes of SCI include car accidents, falls, injuries during sports or recreation activities, and diseases such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and inflammation of the spinal cord.
Those who experience SCI will feel the impact not only in their physical health, but also emotionally and socially. Every year, scientists make more progress toward one day finding a way to repair spinal cord injuries. However, as reported by the Mayo Clinic, “In the meantime, treatments and rehabilitation allow many people with spinal cord injuries to lead productive, independent lives.”
For those who feel like they are able, travel also becomes an option.
SCI FAQ and Tips For Travel
Those who feel they are ready to fly with a traumatic spinal cord injury should keep the following in mind.
Consult With a Doctor
Now is not the time for spontaneity. It’s important to speak with your physician before making any travel plans. They can provide guidance on what you can and cannot do. Remember that each spinal cord injury is different, and every person’s body reacts in its own way to the specific type of SCI. You need to speak with your own physician about your own condition rather than rely around stories from others.
Know Your Rights As a Disabled Traveler
If you travel domestically, the Americans With Disabilities Act provides details on all the rights of disabled travelers, which include the right to travel freely and not face discrimination and harassment of any kind. You also are guaranteed help with wheelchairs and other assistance devices, as well as special seating accommodations on the plane. All buildings also must provide access to those with disabilities.
Important Issues For Your Travel Plan
Getting medical clearance and knowing your rights are just the first steps. Next, you will want to create a travel plan that considers all the important issues. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s worth it to think ahead on certain issues. Issues to cover with a travel checklist include the following.
What type of transportation will need to and from the airport?
If you use a wheelchair, will you bring your own? If so, make sure you understand the procedures for getting your wheelchair safely stored on your flight
What type of medications and equipment do you need to bring?
Is there a way to get assistance getting through security?
What’s the best place to sit during the flight?
Is the hotel at your destination accessible for someone with your needs?
Are local restaurants and other venues at your destination also accessible?
It’s important to consider all the little things at home that can turn into an ordeal while traveling, such as paying a visit to a small airplane bathroom. Make sure to think ahead for anything you might need or situations you want to avoid. Also, make sure all the equipment you are carrying is in good working order and that you have a backup plan in case something breaks, such as your wheelchair.
Should I Travel With a Flight Nurse?
Given all the situations and issues that people who fly with SCI must deal with, many decide to hire a professional flight nurse to make the flight with them. Flight nurses who specialize in non-emergency medical transport can handle many of the issues listed above, as well as booking your travel and making any needed special arrangements in advance. They also keep track of all medications and have training and experience in providing medical care at high altitudes and managing medical emergencies.
Enduring a spinal cord injury should not keep those who are physically able from enjoying their lives, including travel. With the proper planning and consultation with medical professionals, flying with a traumatic spinal cord injury is doable and gives you the chance for a well-earned break from the daily routine.
