According to the National Council on Aging in Washington, DC, the number of baby boomers approaching retirement is soaring and is likely to hit 107 million by 2030. This means that there will be more seniors requiring specialized healthcare care and support services.Most of these older adults do not necessarily want to slow down, settle and while away their time at home. Rather, they want to engage in fulfilling activities such as traveling and exploring new places. Actually, senior adults are traveling more than ever before. According to statistics, about 65 percent of domestic travelers comprises of older adults.
Unfortunately, for seniors who would like to travel, health conditions such as dementia, arthritis and depression make it hard to perform daily tasks, including bathing, dressing, eating and taking their medications on time. In addition, they may harbor fear of travel or feel scared of being far from home where medical facilities are not within reach in case of a tragedy.
Previously, it was common for people entering late adulthood to prepare for a lifetime of sitting at home and watching the sunset as they reminiscence about their productive years. Since this old script is being replaced by enthusiastic seniors who do not want to slow down just because they have transited into a different phase of their lives, it is only fair that they are assisted to live a full life.
Modern seniors have realized that retiring or nearing retirement does not mean that a person has lost their ability to enjoy life or engage in productive activities. As an older adult, youthful energy and vigor you enjoyed in the early and mid-adulthood may have been replaced by a calm acceptance of the aging process, but that does not mean you are incapacitated.
In essence, what you need is minimal support from a specialized healthcare provider to make your traveling and day-to-day activities fun and comfortable: a travel nurse.
Basically, a travel nurse is registered nurse (RN) with special skills to assist seniors. Apart from being a registered nurse, travel nurses usually have Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and NIH stroke skills.
Benefits of traveling with a nurse
Day-to-day care
Travel nurses assist seniors cope with intellectual and physical conditions that may hinder their ability to move around. In addition, they help you perform ordinary activities such as using medical devices or tying shoe laces.
Companionship
Apart from helping you cope with daily activities; travel travel nurses make great companions as you move around. Having a skilled companion by your side gives you some assurance that all shall be well. This allows you to explore new places at your own pace.
In addition, unlike traveling with a relative, a traveling nurse does not get in your face or take away your independence but only steps in when the need arises.
Meal plans
Nutritional needs do not change much as a person ages but there are many variables that affect the desire or ability to enjoy healthy meals as you age.
Unlike younger people who may be struggling to lose weight, you are likely to experience muscle loss or sarcopenia. To keep you healthy and strong, you need balanced meals with an emphasis on protein, healthy oils and vegetables.
Since travel nurses understand your nutritional needs, they are in a position to make customized meal plans depending on your nutritional requirements.
Medical care and monitoring
Declining health is a common problem that comes with aging as the body and mind degenerates and breaks down faster than it can regenerate. A traveling nurse comes in handy to help maintain good health by identifying symptoms that may indicate a looming condition, treating minor health problems and monitoring your general well being.
Here are resources if you want to find a travelling nurse companion:
Here are related resources for more information.
https://hpcnursing.com/index.php/blog/item/nurses-make-good-companions-for-traveling-seniors
https://hpcnursing.com/index.php/blog/item/nurses-make-good-companions-for-traveling-seniors
https://www.travelnursing.org/age-is-just-a-number-for-travel-nurses/
https://www.travelnursing.org/why-every-nurse-needs-to-try-travel-nursing-at-least-once/
http://seniorlivingconsultants.com/vacation-travel-older-adults/
Ultimately, according to the issues stipulated above, the need for a traveling nurse cannot be overemphasized. If you or anyone you know is considering traveling or has ever traveled alongside a traveling nurse, we would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Connect with us by navigating to our travel page or community forum.
