Seniors have the freedom to travel whenever they want to their favorite destinations. Whether in a senior independent living community or a different type of residence, you can still enjoy all the benefits of traveling with your loved ones. Calling an independent living community home doesn’t mean you are confined to your surroundings. You still have the freedom to explore and live life to the fullest. Here are some tips and benefits of senior travel as you consider your next trip!
Benefits of Traveling While Living in a Senior Independent Living Community
Travel with Peers or Family Members
Planning a trip while living in an independent living community gives seniors the opportunity to travel with their peers and family members, giving them ample choices to explore. Some independent living communities also provide organized trips for residents. Look into everything your community has to offer.
Traveling Worry-Free
Seniors in an independent living community have the freedom to travel when they would like, as these communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle as well as security.[1] Independent living communities have security on site, and any maintenance is included, so seniors can travel at their leisure, worry-free.
Travel Help
Seniors who call an independent living facility home may have help with their travel preparations. They can talk to other residents about their travel plans, get advice, and even help arrange transportation.
Travel Tips for Seniors in Independent Living
Don’t Forget Medication
Before leaving for your trip, be sure you have any prescriptions ordered and ready. Always try to have a few extra days of medication with you in case of an emergency. You never know when a flight delay or other travel hassle may occur, and you don’t want to be without your necessary medication if this happens.
Consult any doctors if needed before travel to ensure that no other medical requirements need to be met.
Build in Plenty of Extra Time
You always want to have plenty of extra time when traveling. If flying, be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in and security checkpoints.
Bring Snacks and Beverages
Pack snacks and beverages if traveling by car or train, especially if medication needs to be taken during travel. If flying, be aware of restrictions on bringing certain foods and beverages on board the plane. Beverages are typically available onboard planes, and snacks or meals may be offered depending on the airline.
Consider Accessibility
Always consider accessibility before travel. To make your trip as accessible as possible, be sure to bring any mobility assistance tools, such as canes or walkers. If a wheelchair would make getting around the airport easier, be sure to ask in advance to make sure the airport has one available.
When booking hotel rooms, ask about accessibility, including in bathrooms. Some hotels can accommodate with grab bars and other items. You can also request to be booked on the first floor or near an elevator if there are mobility issues.
Ask About Discounts
Hotels, activities, and car rentals may be available at a senior discount rate. Be sure to ask ahead of time to try to save a few dollars. You may be surprised at what is available at a lower rate.
Are You Looking for Senior Independent Living? Contact Encore Communities
If you’re looking for independent living care in Washington, Encore Communities has two communities to consider. Our Country Meadows community in Silverdale, WA, offers spacious one and two-bedroom cottages with full kitchens. Amenities include weekly housekeeping, transportation, and a community clubhouse with a heated pool and spa.
Our other independent living community is the Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline, WA. Here, residents can choose from a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Each includes cable, Wi-Fi, and housekeeping services. Residents also have access to around-the-clock call systems and medication assistants.
Independent living with Encore Communities provides residents the privacy they want while offering assistance when needed. Regular wellness assessments are also available.
If you want to learn more about independent living at Encore Communities, contact us today and schedule a tour of our facilities.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/local-care/independent-living/
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
