Alzheimers Care Tips: Travel Tips for Families in Clearwater

At Visiting Angels^® Clearwater, we know that Alzheimer's care can be challenging for family caregivers. Once simple activities can become difficult. If you are the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, you may be learning how to navigate situations with your loved one's illness in mind.

For those taking vacations, or traveling with a diagnosed loved one, there are many things to consider. When deciding whether or not to plan a trip with your loved one, first consider whether they have reached a point in their illness where travel or breaks in routine would be too upsetting. If you must travel in these circumstances, a medical transport service may be a helpful resource.

If you and your loved one feel they could still enjoy the benefits of traveling, be it for vacation or to visit family, here are some suggestions to make your trip go smoothly.

• Keep a packet of important documents with you. Be sure to include physician's names and phone numbers, a list of your loved one's medications including dosage, phone numbers for the local police and hospitals at your destination, insurance information, travel itinerary, copies of legal papers, and emergency contact information. Share a copy of  your itinerary with your emergency contacts.
• Make sure your loved one is wearing some form of identification such as a medic alert bracelet. Travel can potentially trigger wandering and identification can help keep them safe. Place your information such as phone number and address in your loved one's wallet or clothing.
• Place medications, water, snacks, and activities in a bag of essentials to keep with you at all times while traveling.
• If you are planning to stay at a hotel, be sure to inform the staff of any special needs. If you are staying with relatives, be sure your loved one is able to stick as closely to their routines as possible and provide them with a calm place to go if things get too overwhelming. 
• Keep surroundings familiar when possible. Try to travel to locations your loved one was familiar with before the onset of Alzheimer's. Bring familiar items from home such as a pillow, blanket, or pajamas.
• Most importantly, be patient with your loved one and keep in mind there may come a time when your loved one can no longer travel.

Alzheimer's Care Support for Families in Clearwater

If you decide it would be best for your loved one to remain at home, consider seeking outside care while you're away. Alzheimer's care referrals from an agency such as Visiting Angels Clearwater FL can keep your loved one safe and provide company while you are away.

If you find yourself in need of Alzheimer's care for a loved one, call Visiting Angels Clearwater and inquire about our referral services.