If your aging loved ones have mobility issues or chronic pain, a long car ride might be something they avoid at all costs. But while many seniors struggle with lengthy car travel, even a short time in a vehicle can be uncomfortable for certain individuals. Knowing this, we’ve gathered some guidance to help make car trips as comfortable as possible for older individuals. If you’d like personalized advice or have questions about high quality homecare services in Toronto and the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’d be glad to hear from you!
Prepare your vehicle
Before you pick up your aging loved one, make sure your vehicle is ready for them. Clear the seat and foot areas of any garbage and other items, set the seat to a comfortable height with plenty of leg room, and warm (or cool) the car to a comfortable temperature. You should also make sure you have space in your trunk for any assistance devices they’ll be bringing along with them (a walker, for example). Depending on your car and your loved one, having a backrest or other supportive cushions may be helpful. Here’s one that supports the upper and lower back, and another option for those who need extra cushion underneath them.
Minimize walking distance
If your loved one has mobility issues, walking to a parked vehicle may feel a lot longer for them than it does for a younger or more able-bodied person. To make this transition as easy as possible, try to position your car directly in front of their house or condo building. If you can’t leave your vehicle there, consider having your loved one wait in the lobby or in front of their house while you move the car to them (put on your four ways as needed, and always be sure it’s safe to stop). You may want to consider keeping a car cane on hand, too—this will help many seniors get in and out of vehicles with confidence and lower their risk of falling.
Consider their comfort
Finally, to ensure your aging loved one’s comfort for the duration of the drive, consider keeping the radio off or at a low volume. If they’d prefer to have music or talk radio on, ask them to help identify a comfortable volume—it may be louder or quieter than you’d expect, depending on auditory issues and/or hearing aids. It can also be helpful to have a container of tissues and a bottle of water on hand. If it’s a particularly long drive—for example, if you’re traveling several hours to visit family members in another region—consider bringing a cozy throw blanket for their lap, a neck pillow and/or some snacks (just avoid any choking hazards). Not only will these thoughtful touches make seniors more comfortable, it will show how much you care.
Thanks for reading, and please share this information with anyone who may find it helpful. If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga or the surrounding areas, please visit our website or contact us. A member of the Living Assistance Services care team would be glad to speak with you.