There are several ways to go about finding the stores, offices and facilities you need. Whether you’re seeking information for the travel route to a new home or seeking information about your future home city, take the time to familiarize yourself with the resources available for you and your family along the way and at your new destination. Three types of families benefit the most from doing some “infrastructure” research.
Families Moving With Elderly Travelers
A cross-country trip with an older relative or friend needs a bit of advance preparation to be carried off smoothly. If you’re traveling by air, call ahead or arrive extra early to declare medical devices such as wheelchairs, ventilators, oxygen tanks and pacemakers. Anything that may set off alarms on metal detectors should be declared. Ask the TSA agent or airline employee about any special services they offer and about your responsibilities.
Some considerations when traveling with anyone who needs assistance include:
- Pre-approved adjacent seats for person and caregiver
- Ample medicines packed in carry-on
- Documentation of all devices on hand
- Documentation of all prescriptions on hand
- Treatment protocol from physician for new doctors
Use a binder or folder for all documentation regarding medical devices and health care issues. These considerations also apply to traveling with children or adults with special needs.
Two concerns when traveling with an older person by car are comfort and fatigue. An older person may not have the stamina to remain in a relatively stationary position for long. As you plot out the relocation route, add extra time to the planned schedule for rest stops at least every four hours.
Remember that road food can challenge even the sturdiest stomach. An older person may experience digestive upset when eating new, rich foods. Pack suitable stomach remedies and safe snacks to cut down on gastric-related travel stops. Research restaurants and stores that sell familiar meals and food along your route.
It’s also a good idea for older people to get referrals for doctors in the new town where they’re moving. Most physicians are happy to provide names and contact numbers for out-of-town colleagues whom they know and trust. If an elderly person is relocating with a specialty device including a pacemaker or dialysis machine, the physicians will definitely want to help set up expert health care support in their patient’s new place.
Families Traveling With Special Needs Kids
Many of the rules that apply to travel with frail adults also apply to travel with frail young people. You should phone the airlines and/or TSA in advance when traveling by plane to alert the staff about special mobility chairs and other equipment. You should plan any vehicle route to be a leisurely experience when possible, with plenty of rest breaks throughout the driving day.
As you figure out where your layover or hotel stops will be along the path to your new home, also research medical care facilities for pediatric patients in these areas. Look for facilities that specialize in pediatric emergency services along your route. Plug their contact information into your phone before you head out on your relocation journey.
It also helps to look up the respected specialists in the towns and pediatric facilities along the way. If your child has a neurological or respiratory issue, it can be very reassuring to have the names and contact numbers of specialists in new towns where you’ll be traveling.
When relocating with any household member reliant on medical equipment, have a specialist in your new home town set up the new home for the required health care devices before you arrive. Your current medical-device provider can often give referrals to home-health-supply businesses in your new town. They help make certain your new home has the power and space necessary to accommodate pediatric medical equipment.
Families Traveling With Pets
Traveling with pets can be fun or frantic. Much depends on the cat’s or dog’s opinion on travel. Some pets travel well, while others make a road trip seem like a trip to a torture chamber.
Speak with your veterinarian about methods to sedate a pet that’s a highly anxious traveler. Ask for a referral for a new vet in your future home. Your vet may also be able to help you source places to purchase your pet’s specialty foods and medications in your new location.
If traveling by car, take breaks every few hours. Research your route to locate dog parks and pet-friendly hotels. Make sure to update pets on all shots and tests. Have an easy-to-read ID attached to your pet at all times.
Check out travel apps for your devices, too. There are many apps available to help you find assistance of all kinds for people and pets. Apps help locate restaurants and attractions on your relocation trip, too.
The move coordinator at Wheaton World Wide Moving is another person who can help you find the products and services you need in your new location. Contact us today, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, professional relocation.
