How To Travel Safely with Alzheimer’s Patients

Dementia alters a person’s cognitive abilities, mood, and memory. Living with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of Dementia is challenging, but that shouldn’t deter people from following their favorite routines. People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may enjoy traveling, but for those in more advanced stages, traveling can be an uncomfortable experience. Therefore, booking for longer trips is a decision that requires careful planning and deliberation. In this article, we will explore some beneficial Alzheimer’s travel tips.

Is Traveling Beneficial For Someone With Dementia?

It is hard to predict whether a person with dementia will benefit from a holiday or find it challenging to settle into new environments. Before making the final decision, one should evaluate the potential difficulties and weigh them against the benefits, but safety should always remain the top priority.

Challenges Faced by Alzheimer’s Patients

Since Alzheimer’s changes a person’s cognitive abilities and affects their mood, it can be difficult for them to travel. A new environment can easily disorient and overwhelm them.

So, before taking a longer trip, it might be beneficial to consider a trial trip to a location closer to home to see how the person with Alzheimer’s disease reacts. This can help caregivers identify patterns that may cause disorientation.

Plan Before Traveling

Good planning is critical to ensure safe travel for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. Caregivers should spend time researching the destination and possible accommodation options and develop a comprehensive plan for the trip. The plan should always start by involving and consulting people with Alzheimer’s disease and consider their comfort and safety with critical decisions such as transportation options.

Alzheimer’s Travel Trips

The following Alzheimer’s travel tips can help caregivers and family members develop a good plan to overcome challenges during the trip.

• Before drawing a travel plan, three things should be considered: length of stay, destination, and type of transport. However, safe travel for Alzheimer’s patients should always remain the top priority.
• Prepare an emergency plan. If staying at a hotel, the caregiver should inform the hotel staff about the patient’s condition so they can easily access help if needed.
• Ensure that people with Alzheimer’s always have identification that isn’t easily removable. An identification band such as an Alzheimer’s safe return bracelet or a medical bracelet can be helpful.
• Avoid overscheduling the tour so that there is enough time for relaxation and acclimatization.
• Draw an alternative plan. The B-plan should include alternative flights in case of major travel issues.

More Tips For Smoother Trips

Here are some additional Alzheimer’s travel tips to help you make and execute your travel plan with ease.

• Keep track of mealtimes, medicine times, and medication schedules. Try to establish a routine that the patient is familiar and comfortable with.
• Always pack a first aid kit. Pack all medications that may be needed.
• Always carry the prescriptions. They can be helpful if you lose or use up all the medicines or decide to extend your trip.
• If you plan an extended trip, try going on a shorter domestic holiday first and see if everything goes according to plan.
•  It is also a good idea not to travel during busy travel seasons.
• Book ahead of time to avoid inconvenience.
•  If you are heading to a foreign country, consider opting for international roaming and saving your essential contact numbers.

Services & Resources Available For Alzheimer’s Patients Who Are Travelling

Choosing the proper transport can be an essential decision. Every type of transportation comes with some pros and cons. Before selecting a particular type of transportation, debate what might be most suitable for the person with Alzheimer’s disease.

Traveling By Car

Traveling by car can offer more flexibility and allow you to carry more luggage. On the flip side, it can be slow. If the destination is far, the person with dementia will have to deal with more restrooms, food stops, and toilets. Each stop might offer more confusion and disorientation.

If you travel by car, consider the following tips:

• Plan your journey carefully and consider taking regular breaks from driving.
• Check for regular traffic updates.
• If the person with Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t like traveling by car, try to keep them engaged with familiar music or audiobooks.
• If you have concerns that a senior with Alzheimer’s disease might experience agitation or outbursts, ask another person to accompany you.
• Check whether the person with Dementia is comfortable in the seat and if they need help fastening and unfastening their seat belts.
• Ensure the safety of the person when they are entering or exiting the car.
• Motorway service areas are large and can confuse people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Consider using professional transportation services for seniors. 

Traveling By Air

Traveling by air means reaching your destination sooner and often more comfortably. However, airports can be challenging to manage for people with Alzheimer’s disease. The following tips can help you manage your air travel more efficiently:

• If you carry luggage, check in when you arrive at the airport. Once checked in, you can relax inside the terminal.
• Check the availability of priority boarding. People with Dementia are often offered priority boarding, but you should check with the airline or the airport staff.
• Noise-canceling headphones and familiar music can have a calming effect on a person with dementia. See if your companion likes it.
• Check the airline’s policy if you or your companion need a wheelchair. 
• A canceled flight means that you and your companion would need a place to rest. Ask the airline to make arrangements for it, This is why it is essential to tell the airline about your companion’s medical condition before booking.
• Ensure you have packed your essentials in a carry-on bag before your flight.

Stress Management Techniques for Caregivers

Travel can be rewarding but stressful. Curbing stress is essential for caregivers because they need to be in control of the situation. Here are some general tips that can help you manage your stress while you provide care to someone with Alzheimer’s disease:

• Stay positive and flexible to be better prepared to cope with circumstances. 
• Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation.
• Drink water, eat healthy, and get proper sleep
• Always sets goals that are realistic and manageable.
• Try to maintain a sense of humor. Remain positive, always try to see the positive side of things, and enjoy life.
• Try to stay connected with friends and family and seek their social support.

How Nurse Next Door Facilitates Safe Travel for Alzheimer’s Patients

At Nurse Next Door, we realize the importance of strategically planning trips with Alzheimer’s patients. We offer specialized senior transportation services and our licensed caregivers are available 24/7 to accompany your loved ones on their trips. We carefully analyze our client’s needs before making a workable plan. Our personalized services include safe travel for Alzheimer’s patients, companionship, personal care, and support for routine tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. 

Accompanying Alzheimer’s patients can be challenging because the disease affects their cognitive abilities. A detailed plan is required to keep them safe and engaged during and after their trips. Being cognizant of a few aspects can help us achieve that more efficiently. Nurse Next Door’s professionally trained caregivers can handle these specialized needs. They have the competencies, skills, and empathy to make patients feel safe while traveling. Contact us now to learn more about our services.