Alzheimer's Care Tips for Travel from Visiting Angels Georgetown

When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, many families are filled with questions. A common question is how to make travel safe and enjoyable for someone with Alzheimer's. Visiting Angels^® Georgetown provides Alzheimer’s care services to seniors in Andice, Austin, Briarcliff, Cedar Park, and the surrounding areas. We provide the support and care seniors need to age in place in their own homes. And while travel may become more difficult with an Alzheimer's diagnosis, it is possible with planning and some helpful tips.

Our Alzheimer's Care Travel Tips From Visiting Angels Georgetown

Whether you are staying in the area, or flying across the country, here are some tips for traveling with someone who has Alzheimer’s:

1. Limit flight connections and layovers - Direct flights allow you and your loved one to avoid the stress of tight connections, missed flights, and limits the amount of time spent at the airport.
2. Keep travel time limited to under four hours - Try to keep each leg of your drive or flight time under four hours, and if it needs to be longer, having two caregivers is a big help.
3. Allow extra time whenever possible - New surroundings can be difficult for those with Alzheimer’s. Allow extra time when planning reservations and scheduling activities, and be prepared to be patient.
4. Stay in a hotel - While the excitement of staying with family might be wonderful for you, for someone with Alzheimer’s, it can be stressful and hectic. Consider staying in a hotel instead. It will give your loved one a calm space to relax and give them a better chance at maintaining their routine.
5. Bring documentation and important information with you - This includes emergency contact information, physician names and numbers in Georgetown, Alzheimer's care instructions, a list of medications and dosage, dietary restrictions, food allergies, insurance documentation, and travel itinerary.  
6. Make sure your loved one is wearing identification - Whether it’s an ID bracelet or necklace, or their name written on their clothing, make sure your loved on has identification on them, especially if they have a habit of wandering.
7. Be prepared for explanations in advance - If your loved one tends to make unexpected outbursts in public, it can be hard to explain to strangers. Prepare in advance, and think about how you will handle those kinds of situations. You may want to explain, or print our small cards that state that this individual has Alzheimer's, please forgive the outburst. Planning ahead will make these situations more bearable for the caregiver, and help preserve your loved one’s dignity.

When You Need Alzheimer's Care Assistance

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's can be rewarding, but also challenging. At Visiting Angels Georgetown, we are dedicated to seniors and their families. Our Alzheimer’s care services provide a wide range of support options, including at-home care, respite care for family caregivers, and 24-hour care services for your loved one in Georgetown when your family is traveling. Our services are available whenever they’re needed, on an hourly, part-time, full-time, or 24 hour basis, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.

To learn more about our Alzheimer’s care services at Visiting Angels Georgetown, available to seniors and their families in Pflugerville, Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the surrounding communities, or to book a no cost consultation in the comfort of your home, please call today.