Long term travelling as you get older

Memem · Veteran Member

Long term travelling as you get older

Rip and Rosie · Guru

Welcome to the forum Memem.

Happywanderer · The Master

I know quite a few nomads who have had health issues while on the road and ended up in hospital, also having to make appointments to get things checked. A friend of mine used my doctor when staying nearby, when I was still living in Echuca. Then used my massage therapist as well.
If you get a good doctor they will arrange for you to have xrays etc at the local hospital and sort out other isssues when needed.
In saying all that I would hate to get crook while on the road, I can get crook enough at home.

Ron and Shirley · Senior Member

Rip and Rosie wrote:
I think it will be better if the electronic medical record ever becomes reality. It is at the moment in dreamland, but as the states all control their own health care system, it will take years/decades to become reality.

the AMA have thoughts on it : ama.com.au/position-statement/shared-electronic-medical-records-2010

I personally think the federal government need to make it happen, and the states have to come into alignment.

It is closer than you think, though still a way off before it is nationwide..

Our longstanding GP is part of the eHealth Network Inner Eastern Melbourne which is one of a few initial trials for the future National Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR). We signed on back in March this year and our records will be transferred to the national scheme when it comes on line.

http://www.ehealthnetwork.com.au/page/N ... formation/ gives an idea (pdf files) as to the records stored/shared and privacy policy.

We think a future national PCEHR is a good thing, not only for travellers, as our GP is in another suburb some 40km away though we live close to a hospital and numerous medical clinics.
In an emergency a local doctor/hospital, no matter where you are, will be able to access your records outside your GPs surgery hours to see what medications you are taking, and brief medical history, which could impact on the treatment you receive.

Sure at present we carry a printout signed by our GP when we travel, but we have found this has not always been viewed favourably by some hospital emergency staff.

-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Thursday 30th of August 2012 06:43:30 PM

sufil · Guru

I am a severe chronic asthmatic and Phil has asbestosis. Our Drs gave us letters requesting assistance to present to hospital/GP if we need it with our medical details. Phil has to have CT scans every three months and a copy of films and results sent to his Drs back in Perth. GP here has picked up another problem with Phil so we are flying home to do the rounds of the Drs there again.We are travelling with both our Drs blessing as they both said get out there and do it while you can.So we are!!

Andrea · Senior Member

Good to hear that you're undeterred, Sue & Phil.

Memem, John & I have been on the road for nearly four years, having sold everything in 2008. Apart from the usual aches and pains that tend to come with age, and occasional visits to GPs in whatever area we're visiting (east coast to west), we've had to deal with John having a mini-stroke last April. It means that I now do all the driving - frustrating for John but we cope! - because he now has double vision, which may or may not repair. Neither of us has any inclination to go back to a 'wheel-less' house.

It's sometimes a nuisance, but as Sue & Phil say above, you can carry your medical info for presentation to any GP in Australia; we've had no difficulty at all in seeing GPs when necessary, and John's treatment at Bendigo Hospital and their rehab unit was as good as any anywhere!

Go for it! ;)

Andrea & John

jan-ed · Veteran Member

Hello and welcome Memem,

Ed and I were full time travellers for quite a few years. Ed had a few medical problems which prevented him from driving, so i got behind the wheel and did the driving for him.

I always made sure i had all letters from doctors and specialists with me, and would always ring ahead to make sure the chemists would have his medication in stock. Sometimes they

didn't, but by the time we arrived in their town, they made sure the medication was available.

A few times we have ended up in a country hospital, but have never had any problems and have always been well looked after.

At the moment we have stopped travelling to look after elderly parents, but cannot wait to get back out there and like Andrea, have no desire to go back into a permanent dwelling.

Cheers

Jan & Ed

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Younger people have health problems while they are travelling too, and nobody says what will you do if you are crook? Well our attitude is to have Drs info at hand, make sure we carry prescriptions, be sensible, particularly with food hygiene, and just go.
We find we seem to have less health problems while we are away!

Rip and Rosie · Guru

I think it will be better if the electronic medical record ever becomes reality. It is at the moment in dreamland, but as the states all control their own health care system, it will take years/decades to become reality.

the AMA have thoughts on it : ama.com.au/position-statement/shared-electronic-medical-records-2010

I personally think the federal government need to make it happen, and the states have to come into alignment.

billeeeeeee · Guru

Howdyeeee Nutters, Salutations all U excited B Boomers,,, (long term as U get old)......Bugger....Told Family if they dont hear from Me for six Months, and they read in News paper ,Motor home discovered, two Skeletons sitting in front seat, probably b us,, come and colect Us,,,,Bugger im more interested about living, enjoying life,being excited about tomorrow,having fun, and may I say this , meeting exciting new ppl, why worry about ,,,,,,what if!!!!!!!! or when if!!!!!...Bugger,,, life is too short ,life is not about if or but,,,,And may I say this ,,,We r only alloted sooo many Breaths, not one more, John (Yoeleven) 75 years old ,,, wot a insperation,,,............Billeeeeeee

Happywanderer · The Master

It would be a great idea if it became nationwide. You would just have to show your Medicare Card and you would be linked through to your history.

Clare46 · Senior Member

As well as having a typed copy of my medical history and medications in the glove box and in my handbag I keep a copy on a flash drive on my key ring and have the I.C.E app on my phone. I travel on my own and figure if anything happens and someone can't find my info from one of these then tough luck that is what is meant to be and I'm not going to worry about it.

I don't worry about it when I'm out and about as I am a great believer in what will be will be and we can't change it.

Happywanderer · The Master

Memem, Yeoeleven has just posted an interesting account of his health problems over the last few days which makes good reading and a warning to everyone that it can happen. On the Solos section.

Clare you certaibnly have got it sorted well, haven't even thought of doing ALL that except do have ice on my phone with contact numbers in case of emergency.

Cruising Granny · Guru

I've always travelled, basing myself in places for a few months or a few years. I always found a local doctor and started a new file.
I left Broome in 2007 knowing I had a lot of stuff going on. I wasn't really crook, but the doctors just kept finding stuff.
I carried current medical images, and a record of my medications and dosages.
My kids have no idea what is going on with me, and I doubt they'd ever ask or want to know. I certainly won't tell them.
I have the ICE numbers on my phone.
When I arrived in Cairns in 2008, I intended to stay there for a week or 2. I left more than 2 years later, a lot healthier than when I arrived.
I had surgery at a Brisbane hospital and the Cairns Hospital. The doctor was a blessing for me.
I found everywhere I've lived, short or long term, has had a rewarding outcome.
Take it in your stride and get on with it, within your capability.
There are lovely doctors everywhere. There are hospitals all over the country. If you get crook out back there's always the Flying Dr.

Addition: If you worry about it you'll make yourself sick.

-- Edited by Cruising Granny on Wednesday 5th of September 2012 06:51:40 PM