One question often considered after a dementia diagnosis is how to help a loved one achieve quality of life. While each individual will need to adapt to the disease, living meaningfully is just as important.
Plans should always be tailored to meet specific necessities and preferences, but taking trips or visiting family and friends shouldn’t automatically be canceled.
If you believe your loved one would enjoy traveling, planning ahead can make all the difference. If you’re unsure how to prepare for a trip, the following information can guide you.
Caring for a Loved One Living with Dementia: Should You Travel?
Deciding whether to travel with a loved one who has dementia is the first step. This may depend on the following factors:
- Stage of Dementia: Those in the early stages of dementia may handle travel better than those in later stages. Honestly assess your loved one’s ability to cope with changes and unfamiliar surroundings.
- Medical Status: Ensure your loved one is healthy enough for travel and that any concerns can be managed while away from home. Consult with the healthcare team before making travel plans.
- Comfortable with Changes: Some people with dementia become anxious or agitated when their routines change. Consider how your loved one typically reacts to new environments and disruptions.
Caring for a Loved One Living with Dementia: Which Type of Travel is Best?
Another key to successful traveling is choosing the type of trip that best supports your loved one’s needs and comfort levels. These recommendations may help:
- Short, Local Trips: Consider day trips or weekend getaways close to home. Familiar surroundings and shorter travel times can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Visits to Familiar Places: If your loved one has favorite destinations or places where they have happy memories, these can be good choices for travel.
- Family Gatherings: Visiting family members can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort. Ensure that the environment is calm and supportive.
Caring for a Loved One Living with Dementia: 10 Tips for Smoother Travel
If you believe your loved one would enjoy a trip, consider these suggestions ahead of time to make traveling as easy as possible:
- Plan Ahead: Research your destination. Know where the nearest medical facilities are and identify dementia-friendly accommodations and activities.
- Keep It Simple: Opt for simple, straightforward travel plans. Avoid ambitious itineraries that could overwhelm your loved one.
- Choose the Best Time of Day: Choose travel times that occur during your loved one’s best times of day. Avoid peak travel times and crowded situations when possible.
- Pack Thoughtfully: Bring familiar items that provide comfort, such as a favorite blanket, pillow or photographs. Pack a small bag that is always with you and includes medications, a change of clothes, water and snacks.
- Prepare for Delays: Allow extra time for everything, from getting through airport security to taking breaks during car trips. Being rushed can increase stress for both you and your loved one.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure your loved one stays hydrated and has regular meals. Carry snacks and water, which are especially useful if travel delays occur.
- Use Identification: Ensure your loved one wears identification that includes their name, your contact information and a note indicating that they have dementia. This can be crucial in case you get separated.
- Maintain a Routine: Try to keep aspects of your loved one’s daily routine consistent, such as mealtimes and bedtime. Familiarity can provide comfort and reduce anxiety.
- Communicate Before Arrival: If family or friends haven’t seen your loved one in a while, discuss any special circumstances, the need for flexibility with plans or any other situations that may arise.
- Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you also get rest, stay hydrated and receive support when needed. Having someone who can travel with you and help can be greatly reassuring.
Caring for a Loved One Living with Dementia: Documents to Carry
The following documents should be kept together and travel with you:
- Doctors’ names and contact information
- List of current medications and dosages
- Phone numbers and addresses of hospitals or other emergency services
- A list of food or drug allergies
- Copies of legal documents, including living will, advance directives, power of attorney
- Name and contact information of friends and family members to call in case of emergency
- Insurance information
Source: The Alzheimer’s Association
Memory Support at Presbyterian Village North
At Presbyterian Village North, we support both the individual and the family as they navigate the dementia journey.
We focus on the quality of life for our residents with a staff specially trained in the best practices of dementia care. Residents make their homes in private apartments while benefiting from the daily interactions with others and participating in our exercise, music, art and cognitive therapies.
With outdoor seating and dining possibilities, our secure garden courtyard and protected walking paths encourage our residents to venture outside while remaining safe from wandering.
We also provide the following services:
- Licensed nursing staff on site 24/7
- Medication administration
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Chef-prepared cuisine
- Special activities and social programs
- Access to a full continuum of care
Presbyterian Village North is a compassionate resource for your loved one and your family. Please call (800) 400-4130 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personal visit to our community.