How to Accommodate Elderly Guests

Q:  Several years ago, my mother had to move to a nursing home. Since that time, she has not been able to visit us. I'd really like to find a way for her to come home this year. She has emphysema and occasionally needs a little extra oxygen. Is there a way that she could fly home without putting her at risk?

A:  I'm a firm believer that there are few problems without reasonable solutions when it comes to bringing families together. The key issue is safety, not only for your mom, but also for the others who travel with her. Other passengers would be less than happy if a sudden change in her condition mid-flight necessitated an emergency landing.

Careful planning offers the best chance for a successful reunion. For air travel call ahead to the airline to see what kinds of accommodations they are willing to make to maximize the safety of all. Remember that most airline cabins are pressurized to an equivalent altitude of 10,000 feet and that one cannot bring supplemental oxygen on board. In the event of an emergency, most have the capacity to deliver oxygen until the plane lands.

In addition:

• Have your visitor bring along a list of all current prescriptions and a supply of the same sufficient to last the duration of the stay.
• Ask their doctor or nurse to provide an up-to-date list of all medical problems.
• Identify a doctor's office or emergency room near where you live where urgent care could be sought.
• When driving, stop every two hours or so to let your traveler stretch her legs to lessen the chance of a blood clot developing.
• Keep the guest room near a bathroom and clear the floor of rugs and cords, while making a nightlight available.
• Respect her schedule for meals and sleeping to make the trip minimally disruptive.
• Alcohol should not be offered to account for the guest's decreased tolerance and possible interactions with medications.

Above all, be patient and take time to enjoy your guest's company.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.