For those who need to travel with a guide dog, getting through the airport and boarding a plane can seem a daunting task. However, there are animal airport disability assistance services available that can help you through the experience, as well as personnel at the airport who are trained to support those with a guide dog.
In the modern world, the need to travel with a guide dog should not keep people from taking a trip they need or want to take. Keep the following steps in mind to ensure that your trip goes well.
Plan Ahead
Organizations such as the Guide Dog Foundation,
Inc. will provide demonstrations and practices of what to expect at airport security,
so you and your guide dog are fully prepared and confident during the real
thing. If you contact TSA Cares 72 hours before a
flight, they will also provide you with information on what to expect. TSA
Cares can also coordinate a passenger support specialist to help you through
the airport.
Picking a Good Day
Early morning flights are often best because
they experience the fewest delays. Traveling on Friday can present more
challenges as that is most often the busiest day at an airport. Saturdays are
usually the lightest day for travel.
Packing for Your
Trip
Remember to put your travel-sized liquids in a
quart-sized bag, and make sure any electronics larger than a cell phone are
easily accessible so you can remove them during screening. Liquids over 3.4
ounces are not allowed through airport security, unless said liquid is
medically necessary, though you will have to declare this to the TSA agents at
the screening for inspection.
Pack For Your Guide
Dog
Make sure to pack a small emergency-size kit for
your guide dog. This should include items such as medicine for an upset
stomach, hand wipes and paper towels.
Mapping Out the
Airports
When you travel with a guide dog, look up the airports you are going to be in to find the pet-friendly, animal airport areas where you can sit and wait in case there is a flight delay. The website Pet-Friendly Travels provides such a list. Also look for the location of bathrooms, places where you can water or other items, etc.
Packing Dog Meals
Make sure to pack pre-measured meals for your
guide dog. They are not prohibited and can be put into resealable plastic bags
in your luggage. Make sure to bring a small amount of food and whatever treats
are appropriate for your dog in the case of lengthy delays at the airport or on
the plane.
Reserve a Seat
Contact the airline at least one day before
departure – the earlier, the better – to secure the seat you need for you and
your guide dog. Some prefer to sit against the bulkhead. Airlines that do not
allow you to purchase a seat location in advance will allow you to pre-board
before the other passengers. Dogs can sit anywhere, as long as no part of their
body is in the aisle. In some cases, you may have to ask a fellow traveler to
share some of their foot space with your dog – an airline representative can
help you in this situation.
Going Through
Screening
There is no point during screening at which you will be separated from your guide dog or required to remove your dog’s harness and leash, though your dog may have to go through additional screening if you leave these items on. You will have to remove your jacket, belt, and shoes (unless you have TSA Pre-Check). If you are unable to do so, you will go through additional screening. You may also have to walk through a metal detector or receive a pat-down.
Pat-Down Checks
The pat-down will always be conducted by an
officer of the same gender as your present, and they will walk you through the
process beforehand. They will ask for permission before touching your guide
dog, and you can always request a private screening with a companion of your
choice or ask that the officer use a new pair of gloves.
Advocate and Ask
for Help
Do not hesitate to ask airport workers, airplane personnel and even fellow passengers for assistance, if needed. Under federal law, airports and airlines must provide accommodations for those with disabilities. And fellow passengers are often far more helpful than you might expect! Also, ask to speak with an airline representative who is designated to work with those who have disabilities if you run into any difficulties anywhere along the process. These are some tips to review before you travel with a guide dog. With the help of those at the airport and your own preparation, it’s a process that can and should go smoothly as the world gets better at supporting those who are differently abled.
Flying Angels provides its clients with flight nurses and flight coordinators who rank among the best in the non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) industry. They understand how to provide clients with the safety, security and peace of mind of having expert medical care and travel support.
The NEMT services provided by Flying Angels involve flight coordinators who make all the arrangements for the journey and a flight nurse who accompanies clients on the flight. They plan ahead with commercial airlines and airports, making any arrangements needed to clear obstacles patients might encounter during their trip.
People in a wide variety of situations use NEMT services. They include the following.
People who recently suffered an injury and want assistance while flying
Those who have had a medical procedure and require medical support during travel
Those with a chronic condition or illness that makes traveling alone difficult
Families who want a nurse to travel with older family members when they relocate to a new home
A flight nurse provides care during the journey and offers clients and their families the security of having a trained nurse as a flight companion.
Examples of Flying Angels in Action
The following offers a synopsis of several success stories involving Flying Angels providing NEMT services. You can read more details about each case on this page of case examples.
Caitlin and Emma
Caitlin had been assisting her mother, Emma, in relocating from her condo in a Florida retirement community to an assisted living facility near Ithaca, New York. The move brought Emma, 82, closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Emma manages well on her own, although with diabetes and some mild dementia she now can no longer live alone.
While Caitlin managed all the logistical aspects of the move, she recognized the need for assistance during the flight with Emma. That’s when she reached out to Flying Angels. The flight coordinator took charge of all the arrangements, from booking the flights to finalizing the plans. A flight nurse accompanied Caitlin and Emma on their trip on a commercial airline.
The flight nurse meticulously tracked Emma’s insulin supply, which she required every four hours, and kept a close watch on her blood sugar levels. Emma eventually slept during the flight, which landed only a few minutes behind schedule. At the airport, Caitlin’s husband and Emma’s twin grandchildren greeted them. Caitlin took comfort that experts at Flying Angels handled the flight, giving her one less thing to worry about.
Rose
After a tragic car accident, Rose lost the ability to move, becoming a quadriplegic before she ever learned to drive. However, with the support of Flying Angels, Rose can fly. She recently flew from a hospital in Kansas to a rehabilitation hospital in Colorado. Her caseworker called in Flying Angels to take care of the trip, taking the burden off of Rose’s parents.
Kim, the flight nurse, traveled with Rose, starting with picking her up in a wheelchair van, transporting her to the airport, and working with airline staff to get Rose comfortably on the plane. Kim monitored Rose’s vital signs throughout the journey and moved her every quarter of an hour. She also fed Rose her meals and ensured she drank enough fluids. She arrived safely, and her parents hope the rehabilitation therapy will improve her life.
Carl
Carl required Flying Angels’ services after he suffered a heart attack while biking through the Pyrenees in Spain with a group of college friends. His friends got him to a cafe where they could call an ambulance. Eventually, his doctor back in the United States recommended a clinic in Cleveland for him to go to for rehabilitation. The clinic recommended he get transported by Flying Angels.
As with every case, the flight coordinator took over, managing all the arrangements to get Carl back to the U.S. from Spain. Flight coordinators are also experienced in handling last-minute complications. In the case of Carl, it required getting a new connecting flight after the first flight was diverted due to lightning. Flying Angels got Carl to Cleveland a little late, but well in time to start the road toward recovery.
These success stories, just three of thousands, provide examples of how Flying Angels helps its clients every day. They provide world-class NEMT services that provide people with the medical care and travel support they need to ensure a worry-free medical transport experience.
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.
We live in the age of the “silver tsunami.” In the United States and many other developed countries around the world, the population is rapidly aging, a development that will impact everything from workplaces to healthcare services. It also means more adult children than ever face managing senior care for their aging parents.
The term “senior care” can mean different things to different people. As they age, seniors face a host of issues that can make their golden years more difficult. They include chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Many also experience reduced mobility and coordination that can impact them in a variety of ways, including placing limits on what they can do with daily activities as well as traveling (including the travel needed to relocate to another home).
Adult children can get as stressed as the seniors themselves in trying to solve these issues. But taking advantage of certain services and putting some smart tips into action can help resolve many senior care issues.
Ways Adult Children Can Meet the Challenges of Senior Care
The following provides an overview of some of the ways adult children can manage the challenges of senior care for their aging parents. Adult children who find themselves in this situation are certainly not alone. Data from the federal government shows that Americans 65 years old and up represented 16% of the population in 2019, but will make up 21.6% of the population by 2040.
Know Their Needs
The first step in meeting the challenges of providing senior care involves assessing the needs of the people involved. Seniors can experience a wide variety of health-related issues, but also may have financial issues or even experience loneliness. Whatever the case, an open and honest conversation about their needs and expectations is a good place to start. Adult children should have a detailed understanding of any issues their parents face, as well as medications they take and health services they require. This requires the parents’ input and feedback.
Make a Plan
A care plan should cover all the areas where seniors may need help. This can include many activities, ranging from regular medical care (such as sessions with a physical therapist) and help with household chores to having a travel companion during any trip they take or assistance in relocating to a new home that better suits their needs. Adult children should not leave out issues such as social engagement and daily activities that help seniors maintain their health (both mental and physical).
Delegating Responsibilities
Many tasks might fall to family members, such as helping with household chores or making runs to the grocery store. It’s important to delegate these responsibilities as evenly as possible among family to avoid creating caregiver stress. Over long periods of time, caregiver stress can lead to worse problems for the adult child who act as caregivers, including burnout and even depression.
Bring in Professionals
Having a good primary care physician is important, but professionals can provide invaluable assistance in many other areas of senior care. This includes services such as cleaning, grocery delivery, and flight nursing for trips or medical services. RN flight coordinators can also help with trip booking and special accommodations. Additionally, the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) offers Aging Life Care Managers who are trained to assess seniors’ needs, create personalized care plans, coordinate services, and advocate for their well-being. ALCA professionals can be a valuable resource for adult children navigating the complexities of senior care and feeling overwhelmed.
Having a good primary care physician is, of course, a central part of a care plan. But professionals can provide the best levels of senior care in many other areas. This includes almost every facet of senior care. For example, a cleaning service can help families better manage their aging parents’ home. Grocery delivery can cut down on how much the seniors have to drive. And flight nurses can accompany seniors on trips to family get-togethers, vacations or for medical services in other areas. RN flight coordinators can also book trips and arrange any special accommodations for seniors in advance.
Find Community Resources
In addition to professional services, adult children should also search for community services that can help them better manage senior care. This includes senior centers, meal delivery services if necessary, and free transportation services (such as transport to doctor’s appointments). These free community services solve two issues at once: they provide better services to seniors while also taking some of the burden off family caregivers.
Practice Self-Care
Meeting the challenges of senior care for aging parents can become both physically and emotionally draining. Adult children can help both themselves and their aging parents by practicing self-care. That can include taking breaks, finding time each day to spend on something the caregiver enjoys, getting support from other family members, and joining an online or in-person caregiver support group.
These are just some of the tips that can help adult children better meet the challenges of senior care for their aging parents. By planning and taking some smart steps, adult children can help their parents better enjoy their golden years.
