For many people, they will avoid taking their elderly relatives or friends on holiday since it can cause a lot of bother and stress. There are many things to consider, and unless you have the patience and can deal with the challenges that will arise, it can become very different. Here are the main things to think about when you take elderly people on holiday.

Don’t take other people

It’s okay to take one or two other people, especially if they’re going to help you out with everything that the holiday involves. However, if you’re thinking about taking young children and the rest of the family, think again. This is particularly true if your elderly relatives have health problems such as dementia, arthritis or Alzheimer’s. They will require constant care while on holiday, so the more time you have to devote solely to them, the less stressful it will be.

Find somewhere suitable to stay

If they can swim, walk and move around independently and without much help, you’ll have a wider range of accommodation options. For beach holidays, you could have a look at pool villas in Semniyak or luxury resorts which have many activities available. You can all go out and play golf, attend a spa session or spend hours swimming in the hotel pool or sea. You can go to other destinations which don’t have a beach, but most elderly people like to go somewhere they can relax and not have very much to do. Some hotels and villas are specially suited to older guests, and are kitted out with stair lifts and other equipment to help out.

Don’t forget any medication

Most old people have to take regular medication, and failing to do so could be very dangerous and may even put their lives at risk. Ask beforehand what medication they need to take (ask a nurse or doctor if necessary) and make sure that you pack enough to last them for the entire trip. It is then your responsibility to check that they are taking the medication when they need to while they are on holiday with you. If it helps, some people like to colour code the medication packages so that they know which ones need to be taken in the morning or in the evening etc. If you need to, you can also make a chart setting out when the different medication needs to be taken.

Check out provisions at the airport

People suffering from diabetes or other health problems might have to stop and eat at regular intervals throughout the day. Before you leave, check out what food is available at the airport to make sure there are suitable things available. If the elderly people you are taking on holiday are vegetarian or religious with special dietary requirements, are there enough places to eat in the nearby area and at the airport?

You should also check what the airport is like for disabled access if necessary. Do they have wheelchairs and more comfortable chairs to make life easier for you and your loved one? If you need to, phone the airport beforehand to ask all the questions that you have.