Flying Grandma Home – Useful Tips for Adult Children

As our parents get older, there often comes a time when we need to fly them home to live closer to us. This can be a daunting task, but with some preparation and knowledge, the process can go much smoother. Here are some useful tips for adult children organizing flights and other transport to bring grandma home. We also offer some bonus tips to ensure everything else runs smoothly, too.

Research Non-Emergency Medical Transport

One of the best options to fly an elderly parent home is through a non-emergency medical transport service. These services employ trained medical staff to act as a flying companion and ensure a safe and comfortable flight for people who require medical oversight and assistance. Benefits of using a medical transport service include a door-to-door service and an experienced nurse to assist with medical needs.

Make Travel Arrangements

One of the biggest tasks for adult children trying to relocate elderly relatives is organizing transport. Book flights at times when the airports are less crowded. Request wheelchair assistance and early boarding from the airline. Have a car service arranged for pickup and drop-off. Pack carefully and include all medications, medical devices, insurance cards, etc. Communicate all travel plans clearly to your parent beforehand to reduce anxiety.

Get Medical Records

Obtain current medical records from your parent’s doctors, including their medical history, prescriptions, recent tests, diagnoses, and emergency contacts. This will be vital information for their new local doctors. Make sure your parent has extra medication refills to last until new doctors are established.

Set Up Their New Home

Make their new home environment safe and comfortable before they arrive. Install grab bars in bathrooms, ramps, improve lighting, and reduce tripping hazards. Get comfortable furniture and stock up on groceries they enjoy. Make their space familiar by decorating with belongings from their old home. Introduce them to neighbors and set up local transportation.

Find Local Care Support

Research home health agencies, adult day cares, and skilled nursing facilities nearby. Line up physicians specialized in geriatric care. Tour facilities beforehand and have care services coordinated for the first day they arrive. This will ease the transition and provide you with immediate assistance.

Involve Them in Decisions

As much as possible, involve your parent in making decisions about their care and transition. Get their input on what belongings to bring, their housing preferences, which doctors to see, and daily care needs. This will help them feel ownership in the process.

Stay Positive

Focus on the positive reasons for having your parent closer, like spending more quality time together and keeping them safe. Share your excitement about enjoying their company in their new home. This hopeful outlook can help ease any resistance or anxiety they may have.

Flying an elderly parent home takes preparation and care. But using medical transport services and following these tips can make the transition much smoother for everyone. The most important thing is ensuring your loved one’s health and safety.

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