Journeys related to health care or medical needs can be filled with uncertainty and challenges. For those with medical conditions or those in need of special assistance, the prospect of such travel is often daunting. This is where the concept of a medical escort comes into play.
A medical escort is a trained professional who accompanies travelers, providing medical expertise, assistance, and peace of mind throughout the journey. It can help people in various circumstances, including seniors relocating for health reasons, those who need to travel for treatments, and those with chronic medical conditions or disabilities that impede mobility.
What Does a Medical Escort Do?
A medical escort is a skilled and well-trained nurse who accompanies patients during their medical journeys, typically on commercial flights. Companies like Flying Angels that specialize in medical transport exclusively hire flight nurses with extensive experience in emergency room and acute care settings.
Medical escorts fulfill various roles, including emergency response. For instance, they provide vital assistance to individuals involved in accidents or affected by health crises, ensuring their condition remains stable until they reach a medical facility. Additionally, medical escorts can be present during non-emergency medical transportation situations.
Regardless of the scenario, the role of a medical escort is undeniably challenging. These professionals often find themselves traveling alone with a sick or injured patient at altitudes of 35,000 feet, requiring a high level of competence, adaptability, and composure.
How a Medical Escort Benefits Travelers
The primary benefit of having a medical escort is the presence of expert medical care throughout the journey. Whether a client has a chronic medical condition, requires regular medication, or needs specialized equipment, a medical escort is equipped to handle their needs. They can administer medications, monitor vital signs, and provide immediate medical attention if necessary, ensuring that a client’s health is the utmost priority.
Other benefits include the following.
Personalized Assistance
A medical escort understands that every traveler’s needs are unique. From assisting with mobility issues to ensuring a smooth transition during airport security checks, a medical escort offers personalized assistance tailored for each person’s requirements. This level of care helps alleviate stress, allowing individuals to focus on their health-related objectives rather than logistical challenges.
Reduced Travel Anxiety
Medical-related travel, especially for those with conditions, can often trigger anxiety about potential complications or emergencies. With a medical escort, this anxiety is greatly reduced. Knowing that a trained professional is ready to manage any medical situation provides a sense of security and peace of mind, making the journey smoother.
Seamless Coordination
Coordinating medical needs, travel logistics, and accommodations can be overwhelming. A medical escort takes care of these details seamlessly. They contact airlines, hotels, and other service providers to ensure the journey is as smooth as possible. This removes the stress of managing various aspects of the trip and lets clients focus on the experience itself.
Access to Medical Facilities
Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can raise concerns about accessing medical facilities in emergencies. A medical escort is well-versed in local healthcare resources and can guide clients to reputable medical centers when needed. This knowledge ensures timely and appropriate medical attention, regardless of the destination.
Companionship and Emotional Support
Traveling for medical reasons can be emotionally taxing. Having a medical escort provides not only medical assistance but also companionship and emotional support. They are there to listen, engage in conversations, and offer solace, making the journey more bearable.
Customized Itineraries
A medical escort, understanding medical needs and limitations, offers guidance tailored to health-focused journeys. They ensure all aspects of the trip are aligned with the individual’s health requirements and constraints.
Peace of Mind for Loved Ones
For family members and loved ones concerned about a client’s well-being during their journey, a medical escort offers reassurance. They provide regular updates and ensure that medical needs are addressed, giving peace of mind to those at home.
A medical escort can transform a health-focused journey from a source of stress and worry into a smooth and organized experience. For those considering medical relocations, treatments in different locations, or any health-related travel, a medical escort’s expertise is invaluable.
Flying Angels specializes in non-emergency medical transport. It’s an important service that ensures safe medical travel by offering people the opportunity to fly with an experienced flight nurse when they make a trip with a commercial airline. Flight nurses have extensive medical knowledge and experience, including expertise in providing care at high altitudes.
The service also includes the booking of all travel accommodations by an RN flight coordinator, who also work with airports and airlines to make any pre-trip arrangements that make the flight go smoother. Flight nurses also manage all medications and medical equipment. Flying Angels specializes in reducing the concerns of travel for a wide variety of people from those injured on vacation to seniors relocating to a new home.
What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transport?
High quality NEMT service plays a crucial role in ensuring safe medical travel for patients who require medical attention but do not need emergency services. They go beyond the classic non-emergency transport that carries people to and from medical appointments. Flying Angels’ NEMT services involve traveling with clients on commercial flights, ensuring safe medical travel by making comfort and safety a priority.
They also provide people with the peace of mind of traveling with trained and experienced flight nurses. They can provide medical assistance during the journey if the need arises, ensuring the patient’s well-being throughout the trip.
For patients with medical conditions, recent injuries, or even recent surgeries, travel can seem stressful and anxiety-inducing. Quality NEMT services alleviate this stress by providing a smooth and reliable experience, allowing patients to focus on the journey rather than worrying about transportation logistics or managing medicine.
Who Uses Safe Medical Travel?
The safe medical travel provided by Flying Angels is available for people in a wide variety of situations. No matter the situation, the focus is on providing reliable medical and travel services that make the journey safer and more enjoyable for clients. Some of the situations where NEMT services can provide significant support include the following.
Those with medical conditions. People who have chronic conditions that impact their mobility or cognition may feel safer traveling with a flight nurse. This can also include those who have recently recovered from a stroke or a heart attack.
Senior relocations. Families may hire NEMT services to provide medical assistance for their aging parents as they relocate, including a flight nurse who makes the relocation journey with them. They can help them navigate the airport, find the best seats on the plane, and more.
Nursing home or assisted living facility transfers. When individuals need to move between nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home care in a different part of the country, NEMT can provide a suitable means of transportation.
Hospital discharges. After a hospital stay, some patients may require NEMT to return home or move to another healthcare facility for continued care or rehabilitation. This is especially true for those discharged from hospitals in foreign countries who need medical services for the flight home.
Flying Angels supports safe medical travel through NEMT services that keep patients healthy and comfortable during their trip on a commercial airline. They provide a reliable, needed service for people in a variety of situations who require assistance when they travel.
Travel medical insurance is an essential coverage that protects policyholders from unexpected medical costs while traveling. Unlike trip insurance, which focuses on issues such as lost luggage or canceled flights, medical travel insurance is designed to address healthcare expenses during travel.
By giving travelers a safety net in case things go wrong while they’re away from home, travel medical insurance provides peace of mind. For example, medical travel insurance allows senior travelers to relax and enjoy their trip, whether it’s relocating to a new home, going to a family reunion or taking a long trip.
Understanding Medical Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance is a specialized policy that offers financial protection for medical emergencies during travel, particularly for those traveling internationally. Many travelers opt for medical travel insurance, giving them peace of mind that they are covered in case the unexpected happens.
Because most domestic insurance policies do not extend coverage to international travel, having dedicated travel medical insurance becomes a necessity. It’s only valid while traveling, but can cover the cost of medical care required while out of the country.
While it typically only covers costs associated with emergencies, it also may cover the costs of non-emergency medical transport, such as being transferred from one caregiver to another or hiring NEMT services to travel with you on your flight home.
Coverage Offered by Non-Emergency Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage for various medical situations during a trip. Some of the essential coverage includes the following.
Emergency medical care. Medical travel insurance covers the cost of emergency medical treatment in case of accidents or unforeseen illnesses that may require immediate medical attention.
Emergency dental costs. If a traveler experiences a dental emergency while abroad, medical travel insurance will cover the necessary dental treatments.
Medical evacuation. In the event of a medical emergency in a remote area where adequate medical facilities are unavailable, travel medical insurance can arrange for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest suitable medical facility.
Medical travel insurance is indeed a cost-effective alternative to traditional trip insurance. It’s important to distinguish between the two types of insurance to avoid any confusion. Unlike trip insurance, which is priced based on the total cost of the trip, medical travel insurance premiums are determined by factors such as age, trip duration, and coverage amount. As a result, daily premiums for medical travel insurance are significantly lower, often as little as a few dollars a day.
In contrast, trip insurance can be much costlier, mainly because it covers different aspects of travel, such as trip interruptions or cancellations. However, for travelers who prioritize comprehensive coverage for potential medical expenses while on a trip, medical travel insurance emerges as an appealing option that provides financial protection without breaking the bank.
First, the policy should cover medical expenses equivalent to or exceeding domestic health insurance coverage. This ensures you won’t have to bear out-of-pocket medical costs.
It’s also important to verify that the policy includes adequate coverage for medical transportation expenses. Travelers should also look for a reputable insurance provider offering round-the-clock customer service. This way, you can seek assistance and file claims regardless of your travel destination’s time zone.
Medical travel insurance is a fundamental safety net for individuals embarking on international journeys. It offers invaluable financial protection against unexpected medical expenses and ensures that travelers can access quality healthcare during their trip. While similar to trip insurance in some respects, travel medical insurance has distinct coverage and serves a specific purpose. When purchasing medical travel insurance, it is crucial to read the policy’s fine print and select a plan that aligns with your travel needs and provides comprehensive medical coverage. By investing in non-emergency medical travel insurance, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your health and well-being are safeguarded, wherever your travel takes you.
Elderly parents often find the prospect of air travel daunting. From navigating airports to dealing with long flights, older travelers can find the experience physically and emotionally demanding. However, by following proven tips for supporting elderly parents during air travel, it’s possible to ensure their journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Many elderly travelers worry about the airport screening process or mobility issues. While these are valid concerns, it’s important that they do not keep seniors from enjoying travel. In some cases, having a travel companion along for the trip can make it much more relaxing and enjoyable. However, whether they travel alone or with a companion, the following elderly airline tips also can help make the journey less stressful.
Ways to Support Elderly Parents During Air Travel
One of the most important reasons to follow tips for supporting elderly parents during air travel is peace of mind. When seniors travel alone, especially if they have limited mobility, their family or caregivers may worry about their well-being. By following smart tips and providing support and assistance, they can have more peace of mind, knowing their elderly parents are well cared for during their travels.
Plan Ahead and Communicate
The first step is to plan the trip well in advance, ensuring that you accommodate the specific needs of your parents. It’s a smart move to inform the airline in advance (such as when purchasing tickets) about any mobility issues, medical conditions, or special requirements your parents may have. Also, get a seat with extra legroom or proximity to the restroom, if possible. Make a point of speaking with the airline or airport about arranging wheelchair assistance and other support services at both the departure and arrival airports.
Carry-On Medications and Essentials
A key step when elderly parents travel is to pack their medications, necessary medical equipment, and personal essentials, in a carry-on bag. This allows them easy access to medication during the flight. Also, if there is a delay or lost luggage, they won’t be left without their essential items. They should pack medications in original labeled containers and carry any required medical documentation or prescriptions.
Mobility Assistance
Some of the biggest concerns for older travelers revolve around mobility, especially those who experience difficulty moving and standing for long periods or those with chronic health conditions. To address this issue, request airport assistance or arrange for a wheelchair to be available at all points of the journey. This allows elderly parents the ability to more easily navigate airport terminals comfortably, as well as reducing the risk of falls or excessive fatigue.
Layer Clothing
Anyone with elderly parents knows they experience temperature changes more profoundly. They should consider wearing loose, comfortable clothing . They also should dress in layers, allowing them to add or remove clothes depending on the temperature inside the airport or airplane. Also, comfortable footwear with slip-on features or adjustable closures make it more convenient to get through security checks and walk through the airport.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Air travel can lead to dehydration, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort. Elderly parents should drink plenty of water before, during, and after a flight. It’s also helpful to pack healthy snacks or meals in a carry-on bag so they are handy throughout the flight. For longer flights, it’s important to note some airlines provide special meal options for those with specific dietary needs.
Offer Emotional Support and Patience
This is perhaps the most important advice for supporting elderly parents during air travel. It’s the foundation for all the other tips. Whether they say it or not, elderly parents may feel overwhelmed by air travel. Offering them emotional support, reassurance, patience and understanding can help reduce their stress and make the entire process run much more smoothly.
Remember to stay calm and organized to help reduce your parents’ stress levels. Check in with them often, address their concerns, and make them feel comfortable and supported. That’s the best way you can support them as they prepare for air travel.
As parents age, their families face challenges in providing them with care, especially if they live far away. Long-distance caregiving can overcome the difficulties caused by great distances through careful planning, effective communication, and the wise use of available resources.
It’s also important to remember that families of aging parents are not alone. Organizations such as Aging Life Care Association can provide assistance in connecting families with the care they need for their parents. Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies also provide valuable services, booking travel accommodations for elderly parents and also providing specially trained flight nurses to travel with them.
Common Issues When Supporting Aging Parents From Afar
Adult children face a variety of issues when providing long-distance caregiving to elderly parents. However, they can better address those issues if they consider the following common challenges and potential solutions.
Communication and Coordination: Facilitating Caregiving Efforts
Maintaining open and regular communication with aging parents is crucial for long-distance caregiving. Regular phone calls or video chats allow you to check in on your parents’ well-being, as well as get a detailed understanding of their daily routines. By practicing active listening and offering emotional support, you can make them cared for while also identifying any areas of concern. Communication also keeps you informed about their health, medical appointments, and any changes in their medication or treatment plans.
Establish a Local Support Network
Reach out to friends, neighbors, and other family members who live close to your aging parents. They can help you establish a support network that helps you monitor what is happening with your parents, as well as assist with transportation, grocery shopping, home maintenance, and even companionship. Building a network of trusted individuals ensures your parents have someone nearby who can respond to emergencies or provide assistance when needed.
Financial and Legal Considerations: Navigating Responsibilities
Helping your aging parents organize legal and financial affairs can provide both them and you with valuable peace of mind. Encourage your parents to create or update essential financial and legal documents, including wills, investment portfolios, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives from physicians. Familiarize yourself with their financial accounts, insurance policies, and retirement plans. Consider consulting with a professional, such as an elder law attorney or financial advisor, to navigate legal and financial complexities. Having a clear understanding of their wishes and being prepared can alleviate stress and ensure better decision-making in the future.
Arrange Visits and Plan Quality Time
Schedule regular visits to spend quality time with aging parents. These visits are not only an opportunity to provide hands-on care but also a chance to create lasting memories. Plan activities that your parents enjoy and cherish, such as going for walks, sharing meals, or engaging in hobbies. These moments strengthen your bond and show your commitment to their well-being. During visits, assess their living conditions, address any safety concerns, and make necessary adjustments to enhance their comfort and security.
Emotional Support and Self-Care: Caring for Yourself while Caring for Others
Providing long-distance caregiving to parents is rewarding, but it can also take a physical and emotional toll. It’s crucial for caregivers to prioritize their own self-care. Taking care of oneself while caring for aging parents is not selfish, Rather, it’s an essential step to take for maintaining overall well-being and providing the best possible care.
Because it’s a long-distance situation, caring for aging parents can evoke a wide range of emotions, including stress, sadness, guilt, and frustration. It’s crucial to acknowledge and process these emotions. It’s also key to take time to engage in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as talking to a supportive friend, journaling, or seeking professional counseling.
Supporting aging parents from afar requires thoughtful planning, effective communication, and the use of available resources. With long-distance caregiving that focuses on dedication and proactive caregiving, adult children can make a positive difference in their aging parents’ lives.
Flying on a commercial airline when you need to carry medical equipment may seem intimidating. In addition to getting through security and having the proper documentation, air travel with medical equipment also raises concerns about accessibility, the availability of assistance, and the complications of packing and carrying equipment.
But following some smart tips – and partnering with people who have experience in helping those traveling with medical equipment – can make the journey much smoother.
It’s an issue that comes up frequently in media reports. National Public Radio reported that those with disabilities, who often have medical equipment, report feeling “anxiety” and “dread” just thinking about flying. The New York Times reported that flying with a wheelchair can be “embarrassing” and “uncomfortable.”
It doesn’t have to be that way. Despite these stories, air travel with medical equipment can go much more smoothly with the right amount of preparation and assistance. It’s certainly an area where having your travel booked by an RN Flight Coordinator and making the journey with a flight nurse can make your trip much easier.
Tips For a Smooth Journey With Medical Equipment
While those who use medical equipment may have justifiable concerns about traveling on a commercial flight, it’s important to know many people who use medical equipment successfully fly every day. Airlines and airports are increasingly equipped to support passengers with various medical needs, and there are steps you can take to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
What Medical Equipment Can You Bring?
The place to start when planning air travel with medical equipment is finding out what you can and cannot bring on a flight. The Transportation Security Administration offers a list of what is allowed on an airplane.
The list includes common devices such as blood sugar test kits, crutches, inhalers, insulin pumps and glucose monitors, walkers, and wheelchairs.
It’s important to check with the guidelines to see the details on some items. For example, the TSA allows nebulizers in carry-on bags, but they must be removed from the carrying case and undergo X-ray screening. Passengers are allowed to keep face masks and tubing in the case. Devices with lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should always go into carry-on baggage. Passengers may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device in for X-ray screening.
In general, medical devices are allowed in carry-on bags, but not checked baggage.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Passengers can bring a portable oxygen concentrator onboard in carry-on and checked bags. The TSA provides a list of portable oxygen concentrators that meet FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) specifications for inflight use. The TSA notes that even permitted devices may not get through a checkpoint “if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.”
External Medical Devices
Those with an external medical device attached to their body, such as a feeding tube or ostomy bag, must inform the TSA agent where it is located before the screening process begins. You may detach it for screening through the X-ray if it is safe to do so.
Passengers can use electronic assistive devices during flights, as long as they have documentation or a manufacturer’s label that assures the device meets FAA standards for safety and hazardous goods. Airlines require advance notice on the use of these devices. For example, United Airlines asks passengers to give information about these devices when they book a flight, adding: “We need to know at least 48 hours in advance that your device meets FAA requirements.”
Packing and Transporting Safety Equipment
When it comes to packing and transporting medical equipment, a wide range of related issues require your attention.
Carry-On. This allows you to maintain direct control over your equipment, reducing the chances of damaged or lost medical equipment.
Research. Knowing TSA rules is important, but you should also research online to find out the policies of the airline you are flying on. Also, notify them in advance about your intention to bring medical equipment on the flight.
Packing. Pack and secure medical equipment using sturdy cases or bags designed for the device. Consider using padding or cushioning materials to protect fragile components. Clearly label your medical equipment and its components, including any removable parts or accessories.
Batteries and chargers. Pack enough batteries, power adapters, or chargers for medical equipment. Place them in a carry-on bag, along with any accessories.
Documentation. Bring copies of important medical documents – especially prescriptions and letters from healthcare providers describing both your condition and the need for medical equipment.
Ensuring Accessibility and Assistance
As noted by AARP, the federal Air Carrier Access Act mandates that airlines and airports provide accommodations for those who need assistance with mobility issues, hearing and vision impairment, and other types of debilitating conditions. It’s important to ask for assistance in advance, either when booking a flight or through an airline’s special assistance team.
When booking online, every airline will offer the chance at some point in the process to request special assistance. This can help your travel go much more smoothly. Most airlines will contact you a few days before your flight. If they do not, experts recommend contacting the airline to ensure they understand what you will need to safely and comfortably make your flight.
On the plane, airlines have special wheelchairs for the narrow walkway between rows of seats, allowing them to transport you to your seat. Your regular wheelchair and walker will get stored with the cargo in the plane.
While it comes with a certain amount of challenges, air travel with medical equipment is possible. It’s important to understand what you can and cannot bring on your trip. It’s also a situation where it’s worth considering working with a professional non-emergency medical transport company to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
