Living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia should not entail giving up valuable activities like travel. However, it is necessary to organize ahead of time to ensure everyone’s safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Traveling becomes more challenging when a loved one has dementia. One of the final brain processes in Alzheimer’s is the decline in remote memory or information from the past. This leads to the need for consistency and repetition, and any sudden break in that routine might cause confusion in the patient.
Since people with Alzheimer’s may struggle to remember the details of their trip and may feel lost and perplexed in an unfamiliar environment, those traveling with them may feel extra pressure. That said, trips can be stressful for caregivers who are accompanying a parent or elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s could be difficult, but it is feasible with careful preparation and foresight. Here are some caregiver tips for traveling with a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Experience
- Plan ahead.
- Learn to identify the early warning indicators of agitation and anxiety and discover ways to lessen them.
- Avoid overwhelming the person with too many directions or information.
- Environment changes might cause confusion and wandering. Consider registering for a wandering response service.
- Sticking to the familiar may be beneficial. Travel to well-known destinations with as minimal changes in everyday routine as possible.
- Evaluate your options for the best way of transportation. Determine what would be most comfortable and cause the least stress based on needs, abilities, safety, and preferences.
- When choosing locations, consider those with convenient access to pharmacies and emergency medical services.
- Plan your trip according to everyone’s requirements and preferences; complex tours or extensive sightseeing excursions can lead to confusion and anxiety.
- If staying in a hotel, let the staff know in advance of your specific needs for them to be ready to help.
- Have an alternate plan in case your travel plans change inadvertently. This can entail getting travel insurance if you have reservations for hotels or flights.
- Keep an itinerary with you that contains specifics about each place you are going. Distribute copies to emergency contacts at home or family members or friends you plan to visit.
- Travel during the most convenient time of day for that individual. For instance, if the person feels tired or agitated in the late afternoon, avoid traveling during that time.
- Keep a bag of necessities with you at all times, including prescription drugs, your itinerary, water, snacks, activities, and a comfortable change of clothes.
- Packing essential medications, current medical records, an emergency contact list, and photocopies of critical legal documents is a good idea.
- Allow lots of time to rest. Avoid overscheduling.
Tips for the Journey
- If you’re taking a car trip and will probably be on the road for a long time, consider ways to make the journey an exciting aspect of your vacation. For instance, you may pause along the trip to have some delicious food or see some intriguing locations.
- Plan for restroom breaks along the way. If you’re driving, look for locations with accessible restrooms.
- Allow plenty of time to arrive at an airport or railway station. Both you and your loved one will experience less stress as a result. Shorter queues or wait times are another benefit of being early, which might ease your trip.
- People with Alzheimer’s may become more confused in busy settings. Consider traveling when fewer people are traveling, such as avoiding weekends during the peak of summer.
- Airports and train stations can be perplexing environments. It is easy to get lost or lose contact with someone. If you’re traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s, always take note of what they’re wearing and bring a current photograph of them.
Tips for Visiting Family and Friends
- Tell friends or family about dementia and any changes it has brought to prepare them for the visit. Discuss any particular requirements and let them know that the visit might be short or that activity changes might be necessary at short notice.
- Remaining as close to your regular schedule as possible could be beneficial. For instance, adhere to the same routine for meals and bedtimes that you do at home. Eating at home may be preferable to going out to a busy restaurant.
- Be realistic about your strengths and limitations. When planning activities, allow extra time.
Tips for Traveling by Car
- Traveling by car may be an excellent alternative for persons with Alzheimer’s since it provides greater flexibility. You can also take breaks as needed and arrange the best route for yourself and the person.
- If you plan a long vehicle trip, try not to go too far without taking a break. Make a detailed travel plan that includes frequent breaks from driving. Before you go, pay attention to traffic updates.
- If the person with Alzheimer’s does not like traveling by car, consider if familiar background music or an audiobook will help them relax. If they are irritated by the traffic noise, attempt to take quieter routes or go during off-peak hours.
- You could be concerned that the person with dementia would do something dangerous while you are driving, such as opening the car doors or not wearing a seatbelt. If so, you might want to use the safety locks on the back seat or hide the seatbelt clasp to make it less noticeable.
- If you intend to stop at a motorway service area, be aware that they can be large and complex, and it is easy to become confused or separated from your traveling companions. Giving the person with Alzheimer’s a note that includes the car’s model, color, and registration number could be beneficial.
Tip for Traveling by Air
- If you’re flying, you may need to inform the airline that your travel companion has dementia. Most airlines state that those with stable conditions do not require medical clearance to fly. However, while booking your tickets, you should check the health information the airline requires.
- Before booking, consider what support the various airlines can provide and whether your ticket includes the cost of such aid. Many airlines can offer assistance from the moment you arrive at the airport.
- When purchasing airline tickets, ensure your loved one is seated next to you. When making a reservation, let the airline know about the person’s requirements.
- If the individual is likely to move around, you could ask airline attendants if you can sit in the aisle seat so you can be aware if the person needs or wants to leave their seat.
- If flying is stressful for the person, noise-canceling headphones and familiar music may help.
- Tell the TSA officer at the security checkpoint about the dementia diagnosis and inquire about what to expect while at the airport. Never be afraid to ask for help from in-flight personnel and airport staff.
- Keeping some of your favorite snacks in your hand luggage could be helpful as a distraction during the journey or in the event of lengthy waits.
- If your flight is canceled and the person with Alzheimer’s requires rest, request that the airline assist you in making arrangements. This is an excellent reason to notify the airline of any medical issues before your departure.
- You should have a few necessities in your carry-on suitcase in case your luggage arrives late or your flight is delayed. Take things you need to feel comfortable, such as a toothbrush or a change of underwear, and any medications you may require.
- You can make a booking through a travel agency or directly with the airline. By doing this, you can include special needs instructions or remarks in the reservation, like in-flight meals or wheelchair assistance.
- Avoid booking flights with tight connections.
- Examine the airport’s map if you’re flying via a new airport to figure out how far between flights, where security re-entry may be required, and where to find amenities like restrooms.
- If walking is unsafe, request a wheelchair or a motorized cart, and an airport employee will assist you in getting from one location to another. The majority of airlines require notice of at least 48 hours.
- Consider asking for wheelchair assistance to aid in navigating security checkpoints, even if the traveler does not need help with mobility. This assistance could speed up the procedure and lessen anxiety.
Tips for Traveling by Train or Coach
- If you are taking a coach or train, someone from the personnel should be able to assist you with transporting and loading your bags into the baggage racks or storage area. Keep all valuables, tickets, and medications in a separate bag.
- Numerous rail and coach companies provide their own services to passengers who require additional assistance. This can entail picking you up at the station early or assisting you in locating connecting coaches or trains. They can also help you with carrying your bags or provide ramps.
- If you require assistance on the return trip, ensure a plan ahead of time.
Tips for Traveling by Ship
- If traveling by ship or boat, ask the operator if you require a medical clearance. When you purchase your ticket, let them know what kind of help you need.
- Make sure the person always has their cabin number on them when they are on board.
- For some persons with dementia, a cruise ship tour can be a good option because the extended stay allows time to settle into a routine.
- Cruise ships also provide activities and entertainment as part of the package. There might be cruise ships that are more accommodating to those with dementia.
- If you are booking a cruise, you should inquire about the ship’s accessibility. Some cruise ships can be confusing due to their large size. If you think traveling on a smaller ship will be easier for you and the person with Alzheimer’s, it might be worth making the reservation.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
References
- Traveling. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/traveling. Accessed: 25th October, 2024.
- Transport and traveling tips when someone has dementia. Alzheimer’s Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/staying-independent/transport-travelling-tips-dementia. Accessed: 25th October, 2024.
