Alzheimer's Care Travel Tips from Visiting Angels Charlottesville
Handling your loved one’s Alzheimer’s alone can be a challenging ordeal. That’s why many families in seek out specialized Alzheimer’s care services like our care program at Visiting Angels® Charlottesville. However, if you are planning to travel with a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may be wondering how to best manage their care on the road. Read on for some tips from our experts at Visiting Angels Charlottesville to help you prepare for safe travels with your loved one who requires Alzheimer's care in Charlottesville.
Our Alzheimer's Care Travel Tips
Before committing to your travel itinerary, it’s vital that you assess how your loved one will respond to traveling outside of their comfort zone. For some seniors in the early stages of dementia, travel can be a beneficial experience. However, others may feel overwhelmed by their new surroundings. If travel is a necessity or you’re confident that your loved one will do well with time away from their Alzheimer's care at home in Charlottesville, keep the following travel tips in mind as you plan your trip:
- Choose low-stress, comfortable transportation and accommodation. Ensuring that your loved one remains comfortable throughout your trip will not only promote their well-being, it will also help you enjoy your travels more. Select the most comfortable transportation and accommodation options when possible, and avoid stressful travel scenarios like tight connections or hectic layovers.
- Prepare your loved one’s Alzheimer's care paperwork. You’ll need to make copies of relevant Alzheimer's care documents, including phone numbers of your loved one’s doctors in Charlottesville, legal paperwork, an emergency contact list, and an updated medical history. Keep these papers with you at all times in case of an emergency.
- Be mindful of wandering. Your loved one’s wandering tendencies may be triggered by being in a new environment. Stay by your loved one’s side constantly, provide them with an identity bracelet, and consider enrolling in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®.
- Maintain a routine. Stick to your loved one’s familiar routine, including their normal eating and sleeping times. Maintaining a familiar schedule can help keep your loved one from feeling totally overwhelmed by the new environment.
Are you interested in hiring a dedicated Alzheimer’s care provider for a loved one in Charlottesville? Call Visiting Angels Charlottesville today at (434)227-5917 to get started with a free care consultation.