NEW YORK As the busiest Memorial Day travel weekend approaches in nearly two decades – according to AAA, about 43.8 million Americans are expected to travel between May 23 and 27 – the Alzheimer's Foundation of America ( AFA) provides important advice to families and friends traveling with someone living with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia-related illness.
“Taking a trip over Memorial Day weekend can be a fun way to kick off the summer season for someone with dementia if caregivers make the appropriate preparations and adaptations,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, director of services. educational and social of the AFA, in a press release. Press release. “Whether traveling by car or public transportation, caregivers can take a few steps to make travel more comfortable, less stressful and more enjoyable for their loved ones and themselves.
When planning the trip:
- Make sure travel is advisable. A person in the early stages of dementia may still enjoy traveling, but as the disease progresses, it may become too distressing an experience. Depending on the length of travel and/or the stage of the person's illness, it may be best to consult a doctor to ensure travel is advisable.
- Plan according to the person's abilities and routine. Plan the mode of travel and timing of your trip so that it causes the least anxiety and stress. Incorporate the person, their abilities and needs when making arrangements. If they travel more easily at a specific time of day, try to plan accordingly. Small or unfamiliar changes can be overwhelming for a person with dementia, so as much as possible, preserve the person's routine. For example, if they usually eat at a certain time, build that into your itinerary.
- Avoid excessive delays. Planning lots of activities and experiences during a trip can be tempting; however, it could overstimulate a person with dementia, potentially causing confusion, agitation, or anxiety. Be sure to schedule some downtime to allow the person to rest and recharge. Focus on the quality time spent together rather than the number of sights, attractions and activities.
- Fuel up before you leave. Bring snacks, water, activities like puzzles, and comfort items (i.e. a blanket or the person's favorite sweater), as well as an extra set of comfortable clothes so you can adapt to climate change. Carry important medical and legal documents, a list of your current medications, and doctor information with you.
If you are traveling by car:
- Plan for break time. Take regular breaks during car trips to eat, go to the bathroom and rest.
If you are traveling by public transport:
- Know safety procedures. Find out about airport/train station security screening procedures in advance. This way you can familiarize the person in advance with what will happen at the checkpoint; this can reduce potential anxiety. THE Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) provides assistance in the screening process to air travelers with certain health conditions, including dementia-related illnesses; contact their TSA Cares Helpline at least 72 hours before your flight to find out more.
- Notify the airline. Inform the airline that you are traveling with a person with memory impairment and talk to them about safety concerns and your loved one's special needs.
Families and friends with questions about traveling with someone with a dementia-related illness can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA hotline by telephone (866-232-8484), by text (646-586-5283) or online chat (www.alzfdn.org). The helpline is available seven days a week.
