Looking for vacation alternatives? A good old fashioned road trip is at the top of the list for many people this summer.  However, COVID-19 adds a layer of consideration and we thought this list might be helpful if you are planning a 4-wheel getaway.

Have fun and enjoy the ride!

• Pack your own food and essentials.  Now is the perfect time to pull that cool picnic basket out of the closet and put it to good use.  Homemade sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and cookies eliminate the need for stopping at a restaurant or going through the fast food drive thru.  You can refill it for the next leg or day.
• Bring a cooler too.  It can be refilled as often as needed.
• Reusable water bottles
• Sanitizing wipes.  Lots of them!  For the gas station, hotel, and car, etc.
• Don't forget your face masks!
• Bring your own pillows.
• Plot your trip using Roadtripper, Furkot or Google Maps.  All of these apps will provide lodging and attraction information.
• Some states have quarantine restrictions for visitors and it is better to know ahead of time in the event you need to reroute any part of your trip.  Check the state in which you are lodging, whether it is just for one night or multiple nights.  ​
• Insurance cards
• Wine bottle opener!

A growing concern of gerontologists, financial regulators, and law enforcement is the increasing number of cases of elder financial abuse, often due to diminished mental capacity.  This includes mild cognitive impairment as well as dementia and in the beginning it is not easy to recognize.  It can accelerate quickly or slowly.  Every case is different.