By A.J. Griffiths-Jones

The weather in Turkiye is usually perfect in October, aside from the odd rainstorm, and many residents here find that guests from overseas are keen to visit. However, sometimes hosting elderly relatives is not as straightforward as when younger family members arrive, with many more factors to take into consideration to accommodate their needs.

Simple tasks that we take for granted might seem like a huge hurdle for those who haven’t visited before. Think things through, have long conversations about the practicalities of travel and be open about any concerns you might have. Hopefully this will smooth out worries and allow your family holiday to be plain-sailing.

Nowadays, with comprehensive online booking systems catering for many different types of mobility issue, airports are no longer difficult to navigate. Thanks to assisted support, you simply press a button on arrival, give your name and destination, and help arrives.

A friend recently experienced this first-hand at Bodrum Airport with two wheelchair users needing help and was surprised that someone arrived to take care of her relatives within just a few minutes. The departing guests later reported that staff were helpful, polite and efficient, making their check-in, security and flight a stress-free experience. However, getting here is only one small part of navigating the stay.

With many Turkish houses having stone floors, including staircases, it is always a worry that someone might fall, especially if they wake in the night and are trying to find their way to an unfamiliar bathroom, unsure of the location of light switches.

Kilims and scatter rugs can be a trip hazard too and are easy for walking sticks to get caught under or slippery underfoot. The unfamiliarity of not having carpet in the home, as in many European houses, might not seem a big issue but for those less mobile it can be an accident waiting to happen.

Getting around here is great fun when you’re active, especially catching the dolmus to explore new towns and villages, but there is not always a low step for those with limited movement and dropping down onto the street is sometimes quite an effort.

Taxis are fairly expensive if travelling long distances, so it might be worth asking about private hire for a day trip or airport transfer if you don’t have your own car. Visit markets in early morning or late afternoon when it’s both cooler and less busy, you’ll find it much easier to get around.

It is also useful to remind all guests, no matter their age, that just because you see a pedestrian crossing in the street, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the traffic will stop for you to cross!

It is also worth remembering that not all hotels have lifts here, so booking ground-floor rooms is essential for those who can’t manage stairs easily. There are also quite a few one-level apartments available locally, all with en-suite bathrooms, which might be something to consider for relatives if you’re concerned about them managing the different levels in your own home. Sometimes it can give greater peace of mind knowing that your elderly friends or relatives are in a safer more manageable environment.

Dietary needs should not be a problem in Turkiye, with plenty of English spoken by staff and flexibility in ingredients; most chefs can omit spices to suit individuals. An increasing number of menus also now state whether meals are gluten-free or vegan, for example, with a chilli rating illustrated next to some dishes. It is rare for a Turkish chef to use pre-packed sauces or thickeners, so eating out is a lot easier than most people imagine.

Of course, buying the relevant health insurance and being honest about any underlying medical issues is a must before travelling, as is checking that prescriptions are full and will last the duration of the holiday.

Most pharmacies stock regular medication and inhalers, but being prepared with the right tablets from your own GP at home is very important. There are also quite a few orthopaedic supply shops around, where support bandages can be purchased, and online groups can help with lending wheelchairs.

Naturally, a time will come when elderly relatives can no longer make the long journey out to Turkiye, but with careful planning and common sense they will hopefully be arriving year after year to see the beautiful country in which we have chosen to live. Who knows, they might love it so much that they move in next-door!