Traveling with Alzheimer's or Dementia
Traveling can be difficult, especially if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Visiting Angels Home Care experts remind us that traveling can cause a lot of stress, especially to seniors. Give yourself adequate time to prepare and make sure to ask for help when it's needed.
Visiting Angels Home Care in McKinney, TX has helped many families who experience dementia or Alzheimer’s prepare,
Packing
- Make sure you pack comfortable clothes and a lot of water
- Bring all food and medications with you
- Bring a list of all contacts including doctor’s names, pharmacy information, and contact numbers for all hotels
- Attach your loved one’s ID to them, just in case
Planning
- Plan out the trip and create an itinerary
- Plan for all delays that may come up and give yourself time in
case . Call ahead to your destinations to ensure that they will accept early arrivals - Plan routes that are familiar to your loved one. If you are in a new area, map out a route and make sure they keep the map on them
- Avoid stressful situations as much as possible
Traveling
- Try not to become frustrated or angry even in the most trying times. Stress can be contagious and may affect your loved one
- Try to travel with a caregiver if possible, as this will make it easier
on you and your loved one - If you find that your loved one becomes agitated, especially while in the car, pull over and allow them to cool off before you begin to drive again
- Do not travel with individuals who will cause stress or provoke your loved one
Overnight Stays
- Visiting Angels Home Care experts recommend that if you plan to stay in a hotel or motel that you inform the front staff of your loved one’s condition
- If you stay with family or friends, alert them to your loved one’s needs and condition prior to arrival
It is important to be prepared when you travel with an individual who has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Being