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When You Just Gotta Go Somewhere

Updated: Aug 12, 2019


If you have specific medical questions related to travel, always consult with your physician. This information if intended only as suggestion and not medical advice.

Travel anxiety is normal after a stroke. Individual and family needs can be very different post-stroke and travel takes some extra planning and effort. Strokes affect people differently and post-stroke symptoms vary greatly but here are a few suggestions to make traveling easier:


1. PLAN EXTRA TIME - you and your family will feel calmer and have a more positive experience if you have time for unexpected challenges that may arise.

  • Plan time for bathroom breaks.

  • Plan time for slow communication or miscommunication.

  • Plan extra time for getting to your destination as well as during each activity and between activities.

2. DRIVING/ROAD TRIPS:

  • Remember your disability car tag if you are renting or borrowing a vehicle during your trip.

  • Stop as often as necessary to get out and stretch or move around.

  • If the stroke survivor is a man, carrying a urinal bottle in the car is a good idea.

  • Having extra sanitary supplies, wipes, etc. in the car is always a good idea

3. FLYING: If you are flying and need or could benefit from wheelchair assistance, contact the airport ahead of time. You can receive wheelchair assistance even if you can walk. This service can be a great benefit if the airport is crowded or if there are long lines at security.

  • Security: When flying, plan extra time for going through security. If you cannot raise one of your arms, they will need to do an alternate screening.

  • Removing shoes to go through security can be difficult. Explain your situation to the good people in security and they will usually help you find a way through without removing your shoes.

  • If the stroke survivor is flying alone, requesting a wheelchair can really help reduce worries about going through security, transferring between flights and handling luggage or carry-ons.

  • If you use a wheelchair service, have a few dollars on hand to tip those wonderful and helpful people.

4. MEDICATIONS: Take enough medication for a few days beyond what is planned for your trip. If an unexpected travel delay occurs, you will need extra medication on hand.


5. ASK: When you need help, don't hesitate to ask. Most people want to help and will be patient if they understand what you need.

  • Ask about wheelchair/disability accessibility before you go.

  • Call ahead to restaurants - this can make a big difference especially during crowded times.

  • Ask about disability access for public transportation if you will be using it.

See a video version of this post here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62lzqUMC2A

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