Tips for planning safe and enjoyable trips for older adults

Whether touring landmarks or visiting loved ones, trips and travel are always exciting. For seniors, travel will often mean the difference between social isolation and a much-needed emotional boost. So, although planning trips with – or for – an aging loved one requires thoughtful planning, it can do a world of good for their physical and emotional wellbeing.

To ensure your trips are safe and enjoyable, here is a compilation of recommended safety precautions, activity planning tips, and packing ideas.

Thoughtful planning

Planning the Perfect Trip with Seniors

A trip planned right is a trip done right. And even more so when seniors – with unique physical, emotional, and mental health concerns – are involved.
Here are some preparation tips to review before leaving:

Medical Checkups

Schedule a visit with the senior’s healthcare provider before travel to review relevant health emergency warning signs and procedures.
When travel plans include visiting another country, it is advisable to discuss necessary vaccinations, as well.

Local Emergencies

Familiarize yourself with common emergency situations in your destination area, as well as the applicable response routes and resources.
When traveling with physically impaired seniors, it is advisable to be aware of all entrance and exit locations at your lodgings.

Caregiver Roles

How to recognize and address mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

It was during a regular weekly visit to her mother when Judy sensed the alarm bells in her mind turn on. First, it was unlike her mother to leave the thermos of fresh butternut squash soup untouched, but she would have written that off as the result of a late breakfast. When the conversation moved toward the upcoming wedding of Judy’s son, however, and her mother shrugged and then muttered: “I don’t think anybody really wants the old grandma to attend”, her shoulders grew tense.

This was a clear indication that something was going on.

But what was it?

Why Seniors are commonly targeted for scams and how to prevent them.

Josh’s Story

Josh, a jolly and on-the-ball great-grandfather of two didn’t take the time to let anyone know where he was heading. The caller from the Social Security administration office had provided him with clear instructions as to where the balance he owed for taxes unaccounted for in 2021.

He was no fool, and quickly searched for the number the call had come from, confirming that it was indeed a government agency and not a jokester. Next, he headed for the local checks cashing to wire the money over before returning home to walk his dog. It was a significant sum, but everybody knew that no amount of money was worth messing with the IRS. It was only in a casual conversation with his son two weeks later that Josh realized he’d been duped.

Government imposters. Sweepstakes and lotteries. Robocalls and computer tech support are just some of the scams targeting seniors.

While many fraud scams of 2024 involve software downloads and remote entry to technological devices, the senior community is still hugely targeted by old fashioned phone scams.

Why Seniors?

Documents you will typically need to submit when applying for Medicaid

If you’re getting ready to begin the process of applying for Medicaid coverage for yourself or your aging loved one, collecting and submitting the required documents is a significant task.

Below is a general outline of what you can expect Medicaid to require when you apply. Of course, additional documentation may be requested based on the specific state you are applying in and your personal and financial circumstances.

Categories of Documentation

At least one document should be provided to support each of the following categories.
For a complete listing of required documentation, check out our printable documentation checklist here.

5 Medicaid Myths, Debunked

Medicaid Eligibility is complex and varies from state to state. Therefore, many myths about financial and personal factors determining a senior’s eligibility status have been established. Yet, despite many inaccurate beliefs about the program, with the right knowledge and planning resources, Medicaid can often fund nursing homes and long-term care for seniors who believe themselves to be ineligible.

Below are five common misconceptions about Medicaid eligibility and the truth about these claims.

Income and asset limits for the Elderly

Sam is 69 years old and the proud owner of a home, a car, and a great life insurance policy. In addition, he still receives a monthly income of $3,500 from the supermarket he had founded. His physical health has deteriorated to the extent that it is clear to his spouse and children that he requires nursing home-level care. A quick online search reveals that the current income and asset limits in New Jersey for seniors are $2,742 income per month and a total of $2,000.00 in assets.

Unaware of the various options available to applicants in NJ and other states who are above the income limit, such as setting up a QIT, Sam’s family assumes that he is ineligible for Medicaid.

Recalling that their aunt – who only owned a car and several stocks and bonds – was unable to be approved for Medicaid when she required care, convinces them not to even waste their time applying.

Thus, they continue spending upward of $2,000 each month for a live-in caretaker, while pushing through the days and weeks until they’d be forced to pay the astronomical fees involved in nursing home care.

The Complexity of Medicaid Eligibility Criteria

What Sam’s family, among many other families struggling with the costs involved in caring for an aging, loved one, fails to realize is that there are different types of care available through Medicaid and that each category of income and assets are evaluated differently.