When the winter weather arrives, many seniors may feel increased stress when they have to drive. The list below can help seniors prepare for this by making sure their vehicle is ready to handle the winter months ahead. These tips can be beneficial and will help seniors have a safe winter on the road.

1.    Always take care of the vehicle. The tires and all fluids should be checked regularly throughout the winter months. Cold temperatures could turn a simple break-down into a life-threatening situation.

2.    Make sure the antifreeze mixture in the car is correct. This will keep the cooling system running properly.

3.    Check all belts, hoses and other moving parts under the hood. Seniors should have a trusted mechanic go over the entire car before the cold weather strikes so there is plenty of time to make necessary repairs.

4.    Check that the battery is in good condition. Cold temperatures can make a battery lose the charge.

5.    Take care of health. Make sure all eyeglass prescriptions are up to date. Seniors should always try to travel with another person so if something does happen, they are not alone. Seniors should also preplan their travel route and get updates on road conditions and traffic before leaving home.

Source: http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=9449517&nav=menu605_2_8

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

Travel Insurance: What a Canadian Should Look For in a Policy

Although Canada is one of the most fortunate places in the world for exceptional health care, one should not rely solely on their provincial health care coverage while traveling abroad.  It is up to the individual to become familiar with their travel insurance policy guidelines, and take proper precautions in case of emergency.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has created a checklist to keep Canadians safe while they travel:

1. Coverage is supplied before and after your trip, and clearly explains deductible expenses

2. Your insurance plan is available for the entire time of your stay, and is renewable

3. Emergency contact number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any location

4. Hospitalization costs are covered for illness or injury, up to $250,000, and provides full payment of bills and cash advances immediately, also emergency transportation

5. Travel insurance should include coverage for prescription medications, and pre-existing medical conditions

6. If you need to leave your destination to go back to Canada for medical evaluation, your insurance plan will take care of the expenses to do so.  Most insurance plans will also include a medical professional to accompany you during resettlement.

7. In case of accidental death, your insurance company should be able to return your remains to Canada

8. Ensure that emergency dentistry is covered

Via: Well on Your Way – A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

How Canadians can Travel Safely while Abroad

Some seniors are lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel abroad. Since retirement enables people to be set free of demanding family and work responsibilities, they find time to discover and explore new and interesting places.  Taking advantage of being able to travel is a wonderful experience, although it is important to be prepared with useful travel health advice and various coping strategies before one embarks on a new journey.

The Public Health Agency of Canada wants you to stay healthy while you live or travel abroad.  The following checklist can help ensure that all aspects of protection of health and safety is covered before you leave:

1. Get useful travel advice from your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks prior to travelling.

2. Obtain travel health insurance so that you do not have to rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or injured.  Read over the fine print, and ensure that you comprehend all guidelines. Do not forget to carry a copy of your health insurance coverage at all times while on your journey.

3. Immunization and malaria prevention are essential while living or travelling abroad.  Check with your health care provider and travel agent to ensure you are well protected from all diseases prior to your leave.

4. If you travel with prescription drugs, especially as a senior citizen, it may be necessary to carry documents explaining your need for specific medications, as well as a back-up copy of your prescription.  This will help with passing through customs, or replacing prescriptions in case of accidental loss.

5. If you travel with a pre-existing medical condition, carry a letter from your doctor that explains your situation and any medications you may require.  Contact The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) for more information.

Source: Well on Your Way – A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.

What to Do If You’re Sick or Injured Overseas

With the cooler season coming to an end in Canada, some seniors are thinking about traveling for a last-minute getaway before the Spring showers stop and the warm summer weather rolls back in. Many seniors are reluctant to travel, because they’re worried about what will happen if they fall ill or injure themselves seriously while they’re away. Well, there is a process that the government recommends to all seniors and their families should this occur. With an understanding of what to do, seniors can travel with minimized worry so their plans aren’t affected.

1.    Consult the Canadian government offices like the local embassy for Canada or the consulate, they can provide the information below

2.    A Canadian government office can provide lists of reputable local medical facilities, since many seniors will be reluctant when in a foreign country about the type of care they’ll receive

3.    If treatment for a condition cannot be received locally, then the government offices can help arrange services

4.    In foreign countries where medical personnel speak different languages, translation services can be arranged

5.    If a senior doesn’t have travel insurance and they will be responsible for any costs of services, the government can help them request financial help from family

Via: Public Health Agency of Canada

Home Care Mississauga helping older adults and elderly live independently and safely at home. Please call 905- 276-2273.