Tips For Traveling With A Family Member Who Has Memory Loss

If you are taking care of a relative with Alzheimer’s, planning a travel vacation for them might seem entirely impossible. It does pose many problems. Disruptions in routine increased agitation – issues like this are challenging enough when you’re in familiar surroundings. You don’t have to throw all your travel plans out the window because of dementia, though. You simply need to invest a little more effort in your planning.

Choose Your Destination To Suit Your Patient

Removing an Alzheimer’s disease sufferer or anyone with a similar type of dementia from the comfort of familiar surroundings can agitate them. A wise choice of destination can cut down on this problem. Is there a familiar destination from family vacations past that your relative might want to revisit? Returning to fond memories can reduce agitation.

Play To Your Relative’s Strengths When Making Travel Arrangements

If you’re providing care for a family member with dementia, you’ve no doubt noticed that they are stronger and weaker at certain specific times of the day. Make as many of your travel arrangements as possible work with your relative’s strongest times.

The type of transport you use to travel deserves careful thought. Traveling by plane is the most efficient method, but the many potential stress factors may make it inappropriate for your relative. The bustle of airports, the possibility of delays, and the long distances can all make an Alzheimer’s sufferer agitated.

Traveling by car is a much more dementia-friendly option. You’re able to control the pace of the trip, and your loved one’s environment is quieter and more familiar. A brief stopover for a snack or a walk is perfect if your passenger gets restless.

Pack Wisely

Although a vacation is a time for optimism, you should also make a few contingency plans for emergencies. Bring along a full health file when you’re traveling with a relative who has Alzheimer’s. This should include a medical history, a list of prescriptions, contact information for healthcare providers, and legal documentation (living will or power of attorney) if applicable.

Make plans for dealing with non-critical problems, too. Bring along everything you need for the pastimes your loved one enjoys. Looking through family photos, working on a knitting project, sorting playing cards – have an activity ready to go for when your relative is feeling bored. For seniors that respond well to music, it’s a great idea to build a vacation playlist for them and bring along some headphones they like.

Seek Help From Travel Staff

There are assistance programs available to help travelers in situations like this. Both airports and airlines operate them. The best clearinghouse for information is the Department of Transportation; it can provide numerous useful contacts. After you’ve booked a flight with an airline, call it directly to review boarding protocols and inquire about what they can do to help.

If your trip includes a stay at a hotel, talk to the manager in advance and explain your situation. The business may offer all sorts of resources to make your stay easier. Hotel staff can also help you locate care resources while you’re staying in an unfamiliar community. They might connect you with a trustworthy caregiver, for example, so that your loved one has someone to stay with them at all times.

Invest In GPS Tracking

Thanks to modern technology, family members have discreet and effective ways to keep tabs on relatives. Many GPS trackers designed for senior use look exactly like a watch. Inside, though, they contain all the hardware necessary to let you locate the wearer at a moment’s notice. Investing in a tool like this can be a literal lifesaver when you travel with someone struggling with memory issues.

Remember that if you choose to travel without your relative, respite care may be the perfect fit for your needs. Contact us today to learn more. Visit our blog for more related posts.