Dementia Care Travel Tips
The holiday season is practically upon us, which means many of us are busy planning trips to see loved ones, attend family reunions, or even just going away for an adventure. For those who are caregivers to someone with dementia, the prospect of travel can seem daunting or even impossible. But it doesn’t have to be; you can still share in joyful life moments together with just a bit of extra planning and preparation. So before you clear your calendar of any and all potential plans, consider these tips on how to make travel with your loved one a much simpler affair.
1. Know Your Charge
As a caregiver to your loved one, you likely know their capabilities better than most at this point. You should know if they are still capable of a trip with enough support and forethought. Nevertheless, consult with their primary doctor to get their recommendation and advice. If you both agree that they are still cognizant enough for travel, the doctor will be able to provide a more individualized plan for your trip.
2. Plan Ahead
This should go without saying, but a trip with a patient cannot be spur-of-the-moment; it will require a certain amount of prep-work. This will mean planning the actual journey as well as time spent at your destination. If you intend to go abroad by plane, for example, plan a domestic flight beforehand to gauge how your loved one handles the whole experience. This will provide a good litmus test with far fewer potential complications. Consider what method of travel would be best for your loved one; if they don’t handle flying well, look into alternatives. They may take longer, but the time spent with them can still make the experience worth it.
3. Preparing for Departure
Once you have decided on your preferred mode of transportation, the real work will begin. Start by getting in contact with the agency you will be traveling with to find out their accommodations. For example, if you will be flying, get in touch with the airport to notify them you will be traveling with a dementia patient. Many will have infrastructure in place to expedite the process. This can take the form of pre-screening and early boarding, as well as informing them you may need some extra assistance in the form of a guide from the gate to the plane. You should also plan to travel at an off-peak time if possible, as the facility will likely be less crowded and chaotic, making it a less overwhelming experience. Try to keep your journey as simple as possible; avoid layovers and aim for a direct route.
4. Know Where You’re Going and Make Sure They Know You
Look into what medical facilities are nearby your destination; should the need arise, it will be good to know where to go, even better if they know you might be coming. Forward any pertinent medical and contact information ahead of time; hopefully, it won’t be necessary, but it will drastically reduce your anxiety levels on the off chance it is. If you will be staying at a hotel or similar facility, make sure staff knows of your needs while there. Inform them of your loved one’s condition and what to do should they require further assistance. The same goes should you be staying with friends or family; make sure they know how best to accommodate your loved one and assist you in making the holiday a pleasant experience for all.
5. Packing
Everyone’s favourite part of a trip. If your loved one is able to pack on their own, supervise the process; however, if it may cause undue stress, then pack on their behalf when they aren’t in the room. Very importantly, ensure you have all important documents on hand and stowed safely, such as insurance info, doctor contact info, medication lists, medical records, and passport if travelling internationally. Your loved one should also always have a form of ID and your contact details on them at all times. This should take the form of an ID bracelet or tag; something that can’t be easily removed or lost, like a wallet or phone. It is also a good idea to pack in a few “security items” that your loved one is familiar with and that can comfort them in difficult situations. For the actual journey, be sure to pack in an extra set of clothing in case of accidents or sudden weather changes, as well as any extra medication in case of delays.
6. You Have Arrived at Your Destination
Now that you are where you want to be, the worst is behind you. But there will still be a few considerations to keep in mind as you will be in an unfamiliar environment. Make sure to keep a few lights on at night to help your loved one find their way around, particularly in the bathroom, and try your best to ensure their path is unobstructed. Try to maintain your routine with them as much as possible; if they eat at a certain time or like to watch a show at another, do your best to work your schedule around this. The familiarity the routine brings will often put them more at ease in their new surroundings. Also, make sure to factor in plenty of downtime between activities or gatherings; frequent breaks will stop your loved one from becoming overwhelmed and will also give you both an opportunity to touch base. Remember, this is precious time you’re spending with them; it pays to enjoy the quiet moments. Lastly, try limiting activity later in the day; keeping the liveliness of the holiday constrained to the morning or early afternoon will help avoid “sundowning” when patients tend to become more disoriented.
This list may look like a lot, but hopefully, it encourages you to see that no matter what this disease has already taken, it doesn’t have to mean that your loved one can’t still experience the simple joy that comes from travel and wanderlust. So please, enjoy this festive season safely and together.
Happy holidays!
