Traveling with Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia

If you plan to include your loved one who may have Alzheimer’s or Dementia in travel plans, making necessary arrangements ahead of time is key. It is better to over-prepare than to under-prepare in situations involving a loved one with memory loss. Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita, CA wants to remind you that traveling can be especially difficult for your loved one and it may cause stress to them.

Our senior home care providers have helped many families with family members who are affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s prepare, plan, and pack for their travels. Below, you’ll notice some helpful tips that will help you get ready to travel with your loved one.

Packing

• Do make sure that you pack comfortable clothes for your loved one to wear
• Bring extra food and water in case you are stuck somewhere or there is a delay
• Bring all of your loved one’s medications and prescriptions
• Include a list of all important contacts including doctors, pharmacies, etc.
• Attach your loved one’s identification to them in case he or she is lost

Planning

• Plan for delays as they can happen and make sure you give yourself enough time
• Plan out the entire trip and create an itinerary that can be followed
• Make sure you plan routes that your loved one knows or if you are in an area that is new, create a map of different routes and make sure your loved keeps the map on them
• Try to avoid stressful situations when possible

Traveling

• If you find yourself in a trying situation, avoid getting stressed or mad, as this may cause your loved one to panic
• Do try to have a senior home care provider travel with you when possible. This way, your loved one will have the care he or she needs at all times
• If you find that your loved one is overwhelmed or agitated, take a break so that he or she can regain composure
• Do not travel with individuals who will provoke your loved one or cause stress

It is important to remember that when you travel with a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s, you must travel with everything you need. If you are not prepared, you may find that your loved one will experience a high-degree of unnecessary stress. If you need help with a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s, contact Visiting Angels of Santa Clarita, CA today. We’re here to help!