By Tina Rowley, R.N., C.S.A., from the Home Instead Senior Care office in Birmingham, Michigan.

 

 Q.    We’re a 75-year-old couple who are interested in taking a road trip this summer.  With the price of gas and a fixed income, we’ve worried about expenses.  Can you inform us about some affordable options and suggestions on how to prepare for a vacation including getting everything organized before we go?     

Have you considered a vacation to the national parks?  The nation’s parks and recreation system is both beautiful and affordable.  Here’s the latest:

 The America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass – costs just $10. 

This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity.

The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and a pass holder plus 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.  The Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some expanded amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch and specialized interpretive services.

In some cases where expanded amenity fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.

For more information about passes, including some plans that have been discontinued, log on to http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.  This site also provides a wealth of other information including a history of national parks and recreation areas, a map of parks locations, and how you could become involved as a volunteer.

Preparing for a vacation can be overwhelming.  Why not contact Home Instead Senior Care?  The company employs CAREGivers, who are screened, trained, bonded and insured.  These non-medical companions, many of whom are seniors themselves, can handle light housekeeping, errands and shopping – just the kinds of things that can help you get ready for your trip.  They could also be available when you get home to make unpacking easier.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care, contact Bert Copple at 248-203-2273 or visit www.homeinstead.com.

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