Senior Home Care Experts Discuss Traveling with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Taking a holiday or traveling can be very stressful for families, especially those that plan to travel with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is important that you make sure you prepare for your travels, especially if you will be alone. Visiting Angels Senior Home Care would like to remind you that seniors are very vulnerable to stress that may arise as you travel via land, air, or sea. If you do find yourself in a position where you’ll need to travel with your loved one, know it’s best to plan ahead as much as possible.

Visiting Angels Senior Home Care experts have helped many families throughout the years and we can assist you in planning, preparing, and packing for your upcoming travel. Below, we will provide you with some tips that we believe will help you.

Packing

• Make sure that you do pack plenty of comfortable clothes for your loved one
• Bring all of your loved one’s medications and vitamins with you
• Do pack some additional bottles of water and food
• Attach your loved one’s ID or a form of identification to them in case they become separated from you
• Bring a list of all important contacts

Planning

• Plan for any and all delays that may occur on your trip and do plan time for those delays, so you do not feel rushed
• Make sure to create an itinerary for your loved one
• Avoid as many stressful situations as possible
• Do plan out familiar routes and provide your loved one with the map

Traveling

• If your loved one becomes frustrated while traveling, take a break and have some downtime
• Try to keep your cool and make sure that you do not show signs of stress, as your loved one may catch on and start to worry
• Try to travel with a caregiver, when possible. Visiting Angels Home Care is here to help and will accompany you on your trip
• Do not travel with individual who will provoke your loved one

It is important that you fully prepare when you plan to travel with your loved one who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s. If you do plan to stay with loved ones, friends, or in a motel or hotel, do not be afraid to alert them to your loved one’s condition. They will be able to help you meet your loved one’s needs and keep an extra eye out. If you are planning a trip or excursion and believe that hiring a senior home care provider would help your situation, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!