Planning a holiday with elderly loved ones in the UK? Whether they’re your parents and older relatives or friends, it’s a must to consider, not only their happiness but also their comfort during your trip. Their thirst for adventure never ages, we’re sure. But their energy and physical limitations do, and these can surely kill the fun.
One of the key travel aspects to consider is the accessibility of your accommodation. The best hotel for seniors isn’t always the most elegantly furnished or loaded with high-end amenities — but it’s the one they could consider as their “home away from home.”
In this article, we’ll share 7 tips for making sure you book a senior-friendly accommodation for your next vacation.
1. Splurge on accommodation
When we say “splurge”, we’re not talking about luxury accommodation with impressive interiors and amenities. We’re suggesting you upgrade to hotels, apartments, and homestays that provide the utmost comfort and relaxation.
Skip youth hostels and other budget accommodation options that offer only the basics. Such accommodation properties cater to backpackers who usually need a nice place to rest after exploring. Instead, focus on accommodation properties with the highest standard of hospitality. Think about spacious rooms with hotel-grade beddings, balconies that provide great views and air circulation, room service, green spaces for walks, healthy menus, and other senior-friendly amenities.
2. Ask about the availability of elevators
The last thing your loved one wants is having to use the stairs to access their room on the 3rd floor. Give them some peace of mind by booking a room on the ground floor. If you’re booking a hotel, apartment, or other high-rise property, make sure they have elevators.
Keep in mind that not all hotels and serviced apartments have them, so ask beforehand.
3. Check the hotel’s layout and design for mobility
Don’t book until you know how accessible the hotel is for your elderly companion. Aside from the availability of elevators, there are other tiny details to keep in mind. If they’re wheelchair-bound, look for hotels with ramps, wider doorways, and spacious corridors. See if they have lots of grab handles too, as well as mobility equipment you can hire.
4. Look for lodging options with nature-filled spaces nearby
Booking accommodation in an urban area? Access to nearby waterfronts and green spaces like parks and gardens is one important consideration. Senior travellers love morning jogs and afternoon strolls. They also appreciate visiting green spaces that offer tranquility in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle.
This serviced apartment in Bristol Cabot, for instance, may be located in the middle of a bustling shopping quarter but it’s a few minutes away from the lush Castle Park.
5. Think about the accessibility to medical establishments
It’s best to come prepared for emergencies. When booking accommodation, research the area and see if there are nearby clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals. Ask the hotel too if they can provide shuttle services for possible emergency situations.
6. Look beyond hotels: Consider homestays or vacation rentals
Most senior travellers prefer accommodation properties that bring home closer to them. They’re usually not impressed by high-tech key cards, smart appliances, and other ultra-sleek, modern furnishings of hotels. Oftentimes, they prefer a nice home close to nature, with homey furniture and easy-to-navigate technologies.
Instead of booking standard hotels, look for homestays or vacation rentals. From self-catering apartments to rustic cottages and villas, you can find a wide array of vacation rentals that would suit their needs. You can rent either a room or an entire home that’s equipped with a living room, a bedroom or two, a dining area, and a kitchen.
7. Consider properties that support people with special needs
Some places specifically cater to the elderly and visitors with disabilities. Unlike standard hotels, these properties have rooms adapted specifically for people with special needs. Examples of adaptations include wheel-in showers, manual and electric bath hoists, raised toilet seats, and vibrating alarms.
You may also consider assisted holidays that provide additional support to you and your family. Here, there’ll be volunteers who’ll provide transfers, companionship, and other forms of assistance to make everyone’s holiday a more relaxing experience.
8. Check the location’s proximity to attractions
Given that their physical energy today has diminished in comparison to their yesteryears, give them a convenient stay with shorter commutes and easier access to attractions. Book an accommodation located in the heart of the city, close to major tourist sites, restaurants, and shopping centres.
And should they need to go back to their lodging earlier than planned to rest, travelling wouldn’t be such a hassle.
Have a comfortable and hassle-free vacation the next time you travel with your senior loved ones. With careful planning, you’ll have fewer worries and can divert your focus and energy to creating more memorable experiences for your family.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a content writer during the weekends, and a travel and food blogger 24/7. She may be an awkward introvert but she’s got a lot to say about travel, food, and cultural appreciation. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES PLUS Bristol Cabot Circus.
