Have A Loved One With Dementia? Holiday Travel Tips To Make Their Trip As Smooth And Comfortable As Possible

“Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and the normal challenges of travel are amplified for someone living with a Dementia - related illness, which is why families need to be proactive and prepare,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and CEO. “Regardless of how far you’re traveling, taking a few simple steps in advance can go a long way to making the trip easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Before the trip:
Make sure travel is advisable. Someone in the early stages of Dementia may still enjoy traveling, but as the disease progresses, it may become too overwhelming. Depending on the trip duration and/or the stage of the person’s illness, consult with their physician to make sure travel is advisable.

Plan around the person’s abilities. Plan the travel mode and timing of your trip in a manner that causes the least amount of anxiety and stress. Account for the person, their abilities, and needs when making arrangements; if they travel better at a specific time of day, consider planning accordingly.

Preserve the person’s routine. Small or unfamiliar changes can be overwhelming and stressful to someone with Dementia, so to the greatest extent possible, preserve the person’s routine. For example, if they normally eat around a certain time, build that into the itinerary.

Stock up before leaving. Bring snacks, water, activities and other comfort items (i.e., a blanket or the person’s favorite sweater), as well as an extra, comfortable change of clothing to adapt to climate changes. Take important health and legal-related documentation, a list of current medications, and physician information with you.

If traveling by mass transit:
Know the security procedures. Inquire in advance with airports/train stations about security screening procedures. This way, you can familiarize the person beforehand about what will happen at the checkpoint to reduce potential anxiety. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can offer assistance with the screening process to air travelers with certain medical conditions, including Dementia-related illnesses; contact their TSA Cares Helpline at least 72 hours prior to your flight to learn more.

Advise the airline. Let the airline know that you’re traveling with someone who has memory impairment and inform them of safety concerns and special needs.

If traveling by car:

Build in break time. Take regular breaks on road trips for food, bathroom visits, and rest.

Families with questions about traveling with someone who has a Dementia-related illness can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by phone at: (866) 232-8484. Text message: (646) 586-5283. Or webchat at: www.alzfdn.org - The helpline is available seven days a week.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline at: (866) 232-8484 staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials and “AFA Partners in Care” Dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call: (866) 232-8484. Or visit: www.alzfdn.org