Summer family vacations bring joy to families everywhere, but traveling with aging parents and grandparents can present unique challenges. Meet Hayden, a member of the Tender community who takes pride in supporting his 90-year-old grandmother and knows these challenges well. Ordinarily, he ensures his grandmother, who has arthritis in both knees, properly takes her daily medications while helping with transportation and running errands.

At the end of every summer, Hayden's family embarks on an annual road trip from Texas to the Gulf Coast of Florida, a multigenerational journey with his mom and grandmother. While the trip is all about shared experiences, Hayden also takes on the added responsibility of managing his grandmother's health and comfort while on the road.

This year, when Hayden and his family headed to Fort Walton, Florida, he was determined to ensure his family had as much fun on the 12-hour drive as much as they would at the destination. That's why he made plans to stop about halfway on the drive at a small, quaint town in Alabama known for its historic charm.

Hayden selected this stop to elevate the necessary meds and bio break into a tour destination, focusing on his grandmother's love for old architecture. As they walked the town square, his grandmother reminisced about family trips she had taken with Hayden's mother. After a quick bite to eat and ensuring his grandmother took her necessary afternoon medications, they were back on the road, heading towards the beach.

Creating the right circumstances to make memories makes Hayden so grateful to be able to improve how he supports his mom and grandmother. He's learned that a little advanced planning can make assisting aging family members enjoyable when traveling together. Here are some tips Hayden has learned over the years that you can use to enhance your next family road trip.

Break Up the Trip

Hayden carefully organizes their daily schedule, planning regular stops to let his grandmother stretch and rest. He chooses fun and engaging stops to encourage them to walk whenever possible. It's also essential that these stops are accessible for those who have mobility issues.

Stay Organized with Technology

To help manage his family's needs, Hayden uses Tender's Vault and Reminder features to track his grandmother's medications and organize her daily tasks while on the road. Tender's AI-powered tools allow him to focus on enjoying time with his family rather than worrying about medication schedules.

Prioritize Comfort

Hayden's grandmother often experiences neck pain during long car rides and struggles with temperature discomfort. Hayden packs plenty of pillows and blankets to ensure her comfort, making the journey enjoyable for her as well.

"Making sure these family traditions continue is super important for all of us," says Hayden. "With a little planning and the right tools, even our longest drives have created lasting memories for my family, and I am thrilled to support my loved ones."

By following these tips and downloading tools like Tender, you can make your family road trips enjoyable experiences for everyone, including aging parents and grandparents. Tender's AI-powered app helps you effortlessly organize essential information, access expert guidance, and prepare for whatever your journey brings.