By Steven Buttice, Founder and President, Living By Your Design, Inc.
Sometimes the idea of traveling to a warm destination sounds good. If you are considering a few months in a warmer climate, a cruise, a trip abroad, or an early spring golf trip, you may want to plan ahead.
Make sure you are medically able to safely make this trip. Preparation has some common steps whether you travel by car or by air:
- Carry a current list of your medications (prescription and over-the-counter).
- Carry contact information for your health care power of attorney, family members, and close friends.
- Obtain a copy of your last primary care physician visit. Many times when you leave the office, you are given a receipt for the visit. Other medical records of significant health conditions are also good to take with you.
- Be sure to have a list of any allergies, including allergies to medications.
- Carry medications in the pharmaceutical containers on your person.
- Also carry OTC medications in their original containers. Research size restrictions for liquids; solids and powders may also have restrictions.
- Check your health insurance: Are you covered overseas?
If you are traveling overseas, consider trip insurance to cover medical expenses and emergency evacuation. You may wish to ask if the company would pay for transporting your remains back home. This is rare, but can be very expensive.
After you have organized your medical essentials, consider how to access banking and financial information — and money, if needed. Set up a plan. Look through your billfold and/or purse to see what personal financial information you may not want to carry. Try not to carry Social Security numbers, bank account information, or passwords. Secure your passport.
Have you stopped your newspaper and mail delivery? Do not leave telltale signs that you are gone. Set up timers so lights and a radio or TV come on and go off at different times. Today’s security systems are more affordable than ever; look into options. Ask trusted family members to check your home periodically. Do not post on Facebook anything about your trip. Ask children and grandkids not to post about your trip until you are back. Consider whether or not you should turn off your home’s water and drain your pipes. How long do you plan to be gone?
As with much in life, the key is communication. Advise your loved ones where important papers are located and make it easier for them if something happens on the trip.
Now that you have prepared for the worst, you are set for the best trip ever. Enjoy yourself and be sure to send a postcard back home (only if you have time).
For more information, contact Living By Your Design, Inc. at 309-285-8088 or online at www.LivingByYourDesignInc.com. Living By Your Design, Inc. focuses on the issues of older Americans: legal, financial, free guidance for residential placement, and health care issues. We are located at 809 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615.
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