Alzheimer's Care: Travel Tips from Visiting Angels Marietta
Does your loved one in Marietta, Vinings, East Cobb, Smyrna, Austell, or the surrounding communities require the services of an Alzheimer’s care agency? At Visiting Angels® Marietta, we provide Alzheimer’s care and support for families throughout the Marietta area. One common question that we receive is how to travel with a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Keep reading for some travel tips from our Alzheimer’s care experts at Visiting Angels Marietta.
Our Alzheimer's Care Tips for a Smooth Trip
Traveling with a loved one who is dealing with the symptoms of dementia is rarely easy. However, it’s not impossible. Here are some important tips from Visiting Angels Marietta to keep in mind as you plan your travels with your loved one:
- Stick to a consistent routine. Try your best to maintain your loved one’s daily schedule, including when he or she eats and sleeps. Keeping to a similar routine can minimize how disoriented your loved one feels.
- Pack copies of important documents. Before leaving Marietta, take time to go through your loved one’s Alzheimer's care paperwork and copy important documents to take with you. An emergency contact list, medical history, phone numbers of your loved one’s Alzheimer's care providers or physicians in Marietta, and legal documents may be useful in an unexpected situation.
- Make travel as comfortable as possible. Choose comfortable accommodation and transportation in order to avoid additional stress. It’s also a good idea to plan for buffer time when making important connections or getting to events.
- Keep a watchful eye on wandering. Your loved one’s tendency to wander may be heightened in an unfamiliar environment. Make sure you’re constantly by their side to prevent them from wandering off. In addition, take the safety precautions of providing your loved one with a comfortable identity bracelet and enrolling in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® in case an emergency arises.
- Make a few phone calls in advance. Get in touch with your hotel and airline ahead of time to inquire about services they may offer that could make your travels easier. For example, many airlines can arrange an airport escort service or allow your loved one to board the flight early.
At Visiting Angels Marietta, our Alzheimer’s care services can help your loved one stay safe and comfortable. Contact our office in Marietta today for more information about our Alzheimer’s care program in Marietta, Vinings, East Cobb, Smyrna, Austell, and the surrounding communities.