When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, there are many lifestyle changes that they must go through, however it does not mean that they can no longer participate in meaningful activities such as traveling. Planning ahead will be needed to ensure their safety, but they can still go on vacation and enjoy themselves.
Whether it is taking a short trip to visit family or traveling far for vacation, it is important to consider the difficulties and benefits of travel for a person who has Alzheimer’s. In the early stages, a person may still enjoy traveling, but as the disease progresses, travel may become overwhelming.
If you are traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s here are some tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip with them:
• Changes in environment can trigger wandering, since new environments can be more difficult to navigate. Keep your loved one safe by taking precautions and looking into the place you are traveling to.
• Keep a bag of essentials that includes medications, your travel itinerary, water, snacks, comfortable changes of clothes and activities with you at all times.
• Make sure to pack any necessary medications, up-to-date medical information, a list of emergency contacts and photocopies of important legal documents.
• When you are creating your trip itinerary, be sure to include details about each destination and plans for each day. Give a copy of it to your emergency contacts at home and be sure to keep a copy with you at all times.
• If you are staying in a hotel, call ahead and inform the staff of any specific needs you might have so they can be prepared to assist you.
• Travel during the time of day that is best for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Resource: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-and-traveling.asp
