Tag Archives: travel

January 11, 2025 · 1:36 pm

Snow day in Atlanta

We had the rare snow day in Atlanta on Friday. It snowed a bit more than expected intown, and upon waking one walked into a winter wonderland.

It’s always fun to see how pets react to snow, especially when they don’t see it very often. My dog Murphy was braver than expected. My girl kitty Serena, who on a sunny day loves to try to bolt out the door to explore the yard, approached the snow with extreme caution and immediately regretted her decision, haha. And Dorian, my boy cat, the daredevil of the bunch, flat out refused to even put a paw into the snow.

Growing up in southern California, I never saw snow until I moved away for college, but I remember my mother having fond memories of snow days on the farm in Tennessee where she grew up. While there were still farm chores to be done, school was out. The family would make snow cream from the freshly fallen snow. Of course nowadays, with all of the pollutants in the environment, this wouldn’t be safe to do, but back in the day, my mother had fond memories of this rare, special treat.

Of course, winter weather can bring challenges to those with health issues and their caregivers. Last year around this time I wrote about keeping your loved ones with dementia warm and comfortable during winter weather events. I notice that as I age, the cold tends to bother me more so I’m using some of the tips on the list as well, such as layering and paying attention to my hands, which can be a challenge to keep warm.

Hope you are staying warm and cozy this winter season.

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October 23, 2023 · 8:00 am

Travel tips for caregivers

From my recent visit to Amsterdam.

I just got back from my first trip overseas since before the pandemic. Here are some observations I made that may be helpful for caregivers.

  • Verify that you and your loved ones have the required travel documents well before your international trip. Check the expiration date of your passport. If it is going to expire within 3-6 months of your trip dates, check to see if you’ll need to renew before your trip. Beginning in spring 2025, an additional authorization document will be required for US citizens traveling to Europe.
  • Mode of travel: If you are traveling overseas, you’ll probably be flying or taking a cruise. Trains are an option when traveling across Europe. There are pros and cons to each. It really depends upon the needs of those you care for and which mode of travel would be the most accommodating.
  • Medications and medical supplies: Make sure to clearly label medications to prevent issues during the security screening and if you have electronic medical supplies that require power, make sure to bring a country-specific outlet adaptor.
  • Accommodations: Make sure the accommodations you choose during your trip, whether a traditional hotel or an Airbnb, will be accessible for you and your loved ones.
  • Special diets: You can request special diet meals on flights. This can typically be done online, but check with your airline for more details. Bringing some favorite snacks can help put anxious loved ones more at ease. For those with a history of severe allergic reactions, bring an Epipen.
  • Public vs private transportation: Once you’ve arrived at your destination, if you plan on traveling in the region you’ll need to decide if public transportation is feasible or if would be more comfortable to hire a private care, if your budget allows. I dealt with significant rail issues during my recent trip which I was somewhat prepared for but do research how reliable public transit is in the area you will be visiting. Are you and your loved ones physically mobile? Keep in mind that walking is much more utilized as a form of personal transportation than in much of the US.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected: Travel delays, reservation issues, illness, etc. Try to include some flexibility in your travel schedule to allow for common travel issues.
  • If you or your loved one have a medical issue that you may need to seek care for while traveling, research care options near your destination. If you are visiting a country in which you can’t speak the language, do learn the phrases that could be of use to you in those situations.

Seeking more travel tips? Check out this guide from AARP and this Caregiver.com article that offers dementia caregivers specific trips on traveling safely with your loved ones.

Scenes from Amsterdam

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May 31, 2018 · 7:30 am

A brief visit to one of Dad’s favorite cities

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On Tuesday, I traveled to New York City for a whirlwind day to attend the IPPY Awards ceremony and accept the gold medal I won for The Reluctant Caregiver.

I didn’t have time to visit Dad’s former residences in the Big Apple, but walking along the many famous streets, viewing the mix of historic and modern architecture, and absorbing the global mix of sights, sounds and flavors, I can see why New York City held a special place in my father’s heart.

Of  course the city has changed dramatically in the many decades since my Dad made his way to America and first called NYC his home, but there is a unique energy flowing through the streets that can’t be replicated elsewhere. That energy is very loud and boisterous and can be overwhelming for an introvert like myself but it certainly is full of life.

I thought of Dad a lot during my brief visit to New York, and know both of my parents would be proud of my writing accomplishments. (Though like I said before, they might not be fond of all of the material about them!)

I’m glad I made the trip and hopefully I’ll be able to return for a longer stay.

 

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