Travel may be a positive experience for most people but it poses special problems for people with dementias such as Alzheimer's.
People with dementia have ever-increasing trouble with changes of pace, changes in location, fatigue, groups of people, changes of time zone, and noise.
Caregivers who are planning to travel need to plan trips carefully in advance, using both travel and health care professionals to determine the best possible methods to cause the least distress to the patient.
When traveling with a person who has dementia, it is important to plan ahead. Ask these questions:
What are your patient’s limitations and strengths?
Where are you going? The distance traveled and location will determine the most efficient method of travel.
How long is the trip? Prolonged travel with many stops can be very disruptive. Exotic locales without “familiar amenities” will be more difficult.
Where will you stay? If staying with friends, do they understand about the illness? If in hotels, attention must be paid to exits and available amenities.
What will you do when you get there? Fatigue,large groups of people and noise bother many patients. Plan for regular rest, quiet stops, and a relaxed itinerary.
How will you get there? Use the method that involves the least time and “hassle.” As a rule, do not plan for the patient to help with driving.
What can be done in case of emergency?
Our caregivers' guide: "When Memory Fades... The Caregiver's Challenge Begins'' offers practical advice on these topics:
- Planning a trip
- Hotel stays
- Airplane travel
- Automobile travel
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Bus tours
- Tours and cruises
- Celebrations/Weddings
- RV travel
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