One of the busiest travel times of the year is approaching, with nearly 80 million Americans planning to travel during the long Thanksgiving holiday period, according to AAA estimates. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering tips to help those traveling with a loved one with a dementia-related illness make their trip as easy and comfortable as possible.
“A family trip to visit a loved one, friend, or favorite destination can be a great way to spend Thanksgiving, including for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses, including those affected by dementia.” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services “Whether traveling near or far, there are preparations and adaptations family caregivers can make to help their loved one feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout the trip.”
Before the trip:
- Make sure travel is advisable. Someone in the early stages of dementia may still enjoy traveling, but as the disease progresses, travel may become too difficult. Factoring in the trip’s duration and/or the stage of the person’s illness, consult with their physician to make sure travel is recommended.
- Plan according to the person’s abilities. Plan the travel mode and timing of your trip in ways that minimize anxiety and stress. Assess the person’s abilities and needs when making arrangements; if they travel better at a specific time of day, try to schedule plans for that period of time.
- Preserve the person’s routine. Small or unfamiliar changes can be overwhelming and stressful to someone with dementia, so to the greatest extent possible, maintain the person’s routine. For example, if they normally eat at a certain time, build that into the itinerary.
- Stock up before leaving. Bring snacks, water, activities and supportive items (i.e., a blanket, the person’s favorite sweater, a soft pillow). Include an extra and comfortable change of clothing that adapts to climate changes. Take important health and legal-related documentation, a list of current medications, and physician information with you.
If traveling by mass transit:
- Know the security procedures. Check in advance with airports/train stations about security screening procedures. This way, you can familiarize the person ahead of time about what will happen at the checkpoint. This can reduce potential anxiety. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers assistance with the screening process to air travelers with certain medical conditions, including dementia-related illnesses; contact their TSA Cares Helpline at least 72 hours prior to your flight to learn more.
- Advise the airline. Let the airline know that you’re traveling with someone who has cognitive impairments and inform them of safety concerns and special needs.
If traveling by car:
- Build in break time. Take regular breaks on road trips for food, bathroom visits, and rest.
Families with questions about traveling with someone who has a dementia-related illness can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), or webchat (www.alzfdn.org). The helpline is available seven days a week.
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