Traveling with a loved one who is living with dementia can be stressful for both your loved one and you as their caregiver. People with Alzheimer’s and dementia tend to struggle with, and be upset by, changes in their surroundings or routine. However, as a skilled nursing provider, we know there are steps you can take to make travel a less stressful experience for all involved.
Dementia Caregiver Strategies for Safe Travels
Preparation and patience are the keys to safe, uneventful, maybe even enjoyable trips. The more you can anticipate, the better. Below are some expert tips you can do to make the trip more enjoyable for them and for you.
- Have your loved one wear an identification bracelet. An ID bracelet, writing the person’s name on the tags in their clothing and having your contact information in their wallet are ways to help reconnect you if you get separated. It will also give you peace of mind that they can be found if you get separated.
- Carry medications and contact information with you. Especially if flying and checking bags, be sure that you carry on your loved one’s medications. You should also keep information about their medication doses and medical conditions with you. Plus, you should have contact information for their doctor and skilled nursing provider.
- Take reminders of home with you. Having familiar objects like their pillow, a favorite blanket or photos with them can help a person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s feel more comfortable and relaxed. These items can also distract your loved one from things that may be unfamiliar or upsetting. Think: redirecting attention.
- Minimize travel disruptions like layovers. The fewer times you have to introduce your loved one to a new environment the happier they are likely to be. If flying, take advantage of pre-boarding offers to give your loved one time to acclimate to their surroundings.
- Build buffer time into your schedule. Traveling with someone who is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can take significantly longer than other trips, as they may need help with many tasks. Be sure you allow more time than you think is needed when planning your agenda. If you have experience with getting kids ready and traveling, it can be even more time consuming with an older adult.
- Consider the person’s capabilities. As dementia and Alzheimer’s disease progress, some trips may be too much for the person and/or for you. Have realistic expectations about what you and your loved one can accomplish. Consider the benefits of the planned trip and weigh that against the disruption and stress of the travel. It may very well be worth it, but the calculation is important to keep in mind.
- Weigh the benefits of staying at a hotel vs. in a relative’s home. In some cases, getting a room at a hotel may help minimize overstimulation that can be detrimental to an elder’s peace of mind. If you do stay at a hotel, let hotel staff know about any special needs your loved one has.
- Share your itinerary with other loved ones. Be sure family and friends know how, when and where you are traveling so they can be prepared to take action in an emergency.
Enjoy Your Change of Scenery
At our skilled nursing community in Loveland, we know that a change of scenery can be good for elders (including those with Alzheimer’s disease) and their caregivers under the right conditions. Traveling with your loved one experiencing dementia may give your loved one a boost emotionally and be important to their quality of life. With adequate planning, those trips can be less stressful and even enjoyable.
