Traveling with a disability or chronic illness can be challenging. Not only are there practical barriers to overcome, but it can also be daunting to navigate new environments where support might not be available when you need it. One great solution is to hire a carer to travel alongside you, so you can enjoy your vacation without having to compromise on your comfort.
Here, we explore four ways a carer can help you travel.
1. Take the stress out of airports
Airports are large, busy places that can be overwhelming for anyone, but they’re often particularly challenging for people with disabilities. Carers can provide vital support in a variety of ways, which will help to reduce your stress levels and ensure a positive start to your trip. Always research the airline you plan on using to ensure they are accessible to you, and plan ahead for any toileting, medical, and mobility concerns.
Whether they help transport you if you use a wheelchair, carry your luggage, grab you a snack or liaise with airport staff on your behalf, having someone to aid you is invaluable in such a busy environment. A carer can also support you as you go through security, which can be a complex process if you have limited mobility or are carrying essential healthcare equipment.
2. Share the burden of driving
If you’re planning to travel by car, a carer can share the driving with you or your travel companion so that you can avoid the risks associated with driving fatigue. Driving when sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol, so having someone to swap with is essential if you’re driving long distances to reach your destination.
If you have a health condition that contributes to fatigue, you may need to stop and rest more often when driving to avoid becoming sleepy or distracted behind the wheel. With a carer’s support, you can reduce your overall travel time and stay safe.
3. Administer personal care
If a family member usually helps you with personal care, you might feel limited in your ability to travel alone. A carer can handle a variety of personal care duties for you so that the barrier to travel is eliminated. You can then enjoy the independence of a solo trip with the peace of mind that all your health and hygiene needs are met.
Even if you’re traveling with a companion or friend, it might simply be preferable to have a skilled, knowledgeable carer handle your personal care instead.
4. Advocate for you
Carers often serve as vital advocates for disabled travelers. Sadly, people with disabilities can sometimes face accessibility challenges and discrimination when traveling, with problems ranging from a lack of accessible spaces to damage or loss of mobility devices.
A carer can seek out support staff, make sure appropriate assistance is on hand, speak out against discriminatory practices, and provide instructions on the safe handling of people, equipment, and medication. In the event that something goes wrong, a carer can also help you find a solution so that you can reach your destination safely.
Travel with confidence with a carer
There are lots of challenges to navigate when it comes to traveling with a disability or illness, but that’s no reason to avoid traveling. A dedicated carer can truly transform your experience, helping you to enjoy trips all over the world with greater peace of mind.
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