In summer, many American adults love to travel. This includes caregivers who will be traveling with their loved ones who have cognitive conditions. If you are taking a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia on a trip, you must plan carefully. This includes considering the individual’s needs and abilities and making sure all of the necessary arrangements are in place.
If you’re contemplating a summer road trip or air travel with someone diagnosed with cognitive issues, the following tips may help.
Consult a Professional
If you have a loved one with cognitive issues, you must speak with their doctor before making any travel plans. This will ensure that they can travel safely and comfortably. Make sure to pack extra medication and familiar items from home, and be aware of any triggers that may cause stress.
Consider the Idea
Consider your loved one’s cognitive decline and stage of Alzheimer’s disease to see if an idea is realistic. It can be difficult to travel with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the late stages of the disease. However, if your loved one is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and is in good health, it may be possible to take a trip together. Be sure to check with your loved one’s physician to see if travel is recommended.
Choose a Suitable Transportation
Traveling by car gives you more control over your schedule and eliminates the stress of dealing with cancellations or delays. This can be especially helpful for people with dementia, who may become confused or agitated in unfamiliar surroundings.
If your loved one needs to travel by plane, train, or bus, make sure they have a valid photo ID. This may be a problem for older adults who don’t drive or those with expired IDs. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents are needed to get a new ID.
The DMV can be a difficult place to go for someone with cognitive issues. If you are not prepared with the correct documents, you may be asked to come back another time. In some states, there are mobile DMV units that can be more convenient for seniors. You can contact the local DMV to see if there is one in your area.
Make sure you are prepared for your trip by bringing along proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations. This may be required during your travels.
Ensure Their Comfort
When traveling with someone with dementia, you will need to take extra care to ensure they are comfortable and safe. This may include making sure that there is someone with them at all times and ensuring that their environment is as familiar and comfortable as possible.
If you can, book direct flights when traveling by air. Taking regular breaks while driving is also vital for staying safe. Breaks also give you a chance to check your vehicle and make sure everything is in working order.
If you are going to be driving for more than one day, it is a good idea to book a hotel room in advance so that you have a place to stay. This will help you to avoid having to drive around looking for a place to stay when you are tired.
No one knows what might happen on a trip, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry by buying travel insurance. This way, if anything unexpected comes up, you’ll be covered financially.
Bring the Essentials
Bring enough pads and adult diapers for your trip, just like you would at home. Overnight diapers or other super absorbent options are best for long vacations. Do not forget the following as well:
- Creams
- Extra clothes
- Lotion
- Tissues
- Underwear
- Wipes
Conclusion
If you have a loved one with dementia, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to travel together. The answer is yes, but it’s important to remember that dementia can make travel more challenging.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, your loved one may be able to still enjoy a brief vacation or road trip. However, as the disease progresses, it will become more and more difficult to travel. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not travel is still possible and enjoyable for your loved one.
When continuing in life, it is essential to be cautious and patient. Embrace the memories of the past to help guide you through tough times.
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