Who doesn’t love to create wonderful memories at Disney? And our aging family members often complete those memories of wonderful family trips. Here are a few tips for traveling with an elderly Disney lover: investigate and review health issues before travel, assess diet, mobility, memory, medications, clothing including shoes and sleep habits. Other special needs and or the possibility for emergency care should be determined according to medical or physical limitations and needs.
Memory issues can come up at Disney with the elderly or memory impaired. Remember with age we lose the ability to change our environment quickly and when headed to the parks, a unique environment, despite many prior visits; it’s not uncommon for an elderly adult to become confused or unfamiliar with their surroundings. An aging adult with little or no history of memory loss can become confused, one with mild symptoms can increase or become depressed; but, one with severe symptoms could become agitated, combative or anxious. Evaluate their needs before travel. If the senior has recently lost a partner remember a vacation with family helps but don’t forget to weigh in depression and the effects on their memory, appetite, sleep, energy levels and mood. Ask yourself if this family member is truly having fun. Fatigue and as the dusk approaches often exacerbate memory issues. Other symptoms may arise such as moodiness and or irritability, sometimes a sign of mild depression and or anxiety and do things early as symptoms may increase by afternoon. Have a member of your party stay with your aging family member especially when leaving, changing or crossing a park. A confused elder could wonder off looking for you or something familiar if left alone. Provide identification including your resort and cell phone numbers in case they wonder or get lost. Despite the fact that Disney is a very safe environment one could still wonder into traffic or a lake.
Address medical issues prior to leaving and make preparations for medications, mobility and sleep needs. Take the prescription information with you in case of lost luggage including the pharmacy it was filled, the prescribing doctor and the medication and dose or other incident like dropping or spilling a medication or losing a purse resulting in lost medications. Review sleep needs, some aging adults prefer an elevated sleep position e.g. those with congestive heart failure or other medical problems that interfere with sleeping flat. Selecting a resort with a sleep chair or make arrangements to secure items to help elevate your loved one for a more restful sleep. Request a refrigerator for any medications that require refrigeration. Insulin is just one of many medications that may require refrigeration and don’t forget that sharps container. Elderly have sometimes have difficulty with thermoregulation so maybe an extra blanket for the room, parks or transit is helpful. Temperatures can change quickly so layers are helpful for the A/C or a humid chilly evening. Diet is another factor. Many prepared foods are high in sodium along with carbonated beverages. Consider the increase in exercise and its impact on a person’s medical needs. My diabetic father, for example, found that while in the parks he would snack less, exercise more, eat better and actually need less insulin.
Is this person on medications that could be affected by the change in environment such as sun sensitivity? Aging skin may be more sensitive to sun and wind exposure including chapped lips or dry skin. Aging or sick are more sensitive to temperature change and frequently are not as mobile; many need a sweater in a restaurant. If traveling with oxygen or other ne
eds be sure to find a local provider in case the need arises for replacement. Hydration is important and obvious in the summer but important in winter too. Monitor fluid intake. Keep water on hand and monitor bathroom use.
Mobility issues are a concern while a person may be in good health, several days in the park can fatigue a younger adult. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent. Make sure they have a great walking shoe if more mobile. Watch for blister as with illnesses such as diabetes these can lead to more serious problems if not cared for promptly. If you have an elderly member on a scooter try riding it for a minute to get a feel for the experience they will encounter on the scooter. It is not as easy as it looks; but, a scooter can make a trip more enjoyable. Mobility can also be an issue in the room, be sure to request needed accommodations e.g. a walk in shower with rails, elevator, ramp or other handicap accommodations.
Dining for Elderly needs attention too. Some foods are contradicted with some medications, glucose issues, allergies and sodium. Disney chefs are willing to talk to patrons about their special dietary needs. Be aware of dining times. If a person takes their insulin before leaving the room be aware of the need to eat soon or keep snacks on hand. Some elderly find it helpful to eat early to aid in digestion. A heavy meal late at night is not recommended so be cognizant of dining needs when booking dining reservations.
Good resorts for Elderly are ones that are easy to transfer from the resort to the parks or shopping. The monorail resorts such as Disney’s Contemporary, The Polynesian and the Grand Floridian offer easy access to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club offer easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Older adults may prefer to stroll through EPCOT enjoying the flavors and shopping of the international pavilions. In the near future the Skyliner will connect Epcot and Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and the new Riviera resort, which is set to open in 2019.
Know too you may have to break up into smaller groups when traveling with an adult in a scooter. Disney buses hold only two scooters and occasionally one slot is filled so if traveling with more than one adult using an ECV be prepared to take separate buses.
This article is not to replace advice from your doctor or health professional but to serve as a reminder in planning your next family Disney vacation. Check too for other needs your loved ones may require. Have a great trip and take plenty of pictures.
Beth is a mental health professional and a travel agent/owner with Memorable Expeditions. She has traveled with her aging parents to Disney and other locations.