With travel restrictions becoming more relaxed, many may be looking forward to taking some time off or going on a road trip. But, what if you are traveling with someone with obvious symptoms of dementia?
People with advanced dementia are often confused about everything including where they are. What was once a delightful activity can become a frightening and disorienting experience for them.
Though traveling can be an additional cognitive challenge for both care-receiver and care-giver, it is certainly not impossible.
“Forewarned is forearmed.” If you know what to expect, you can prepare for the unexpected and anticipate how to respond. You should not be discouraged from going on a road trip with someone with dementia, especially if it’s something they enjoy doing.
Here are some helpful ideas and tips to make traveling safe but fun!
Be prepared with Plan B
Remember, if things go wrong, you can always turn back, go home, and try again another day. It may be a bit of trial and error at first, but you learn something each time.
Travel with a “Third Wheel”
In this case, the “third wheel” has many purposes. They can watch over the person you are caring for when you need a break or use the washroom.
They also serve as your “security blanket.” They can help alleviate your anxiety, especially if this is your first time on a trip in this new stage.
The other person also presents an option for the person with dementia to talk and bond with during the trip.
Having another person with you may make your trip more fun as you can relax more on the care-giving knowing that there is someone else responsible.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to join you on this road trip.
Choose someone of the same gender and right “personality.” They can help assist if you have to bring the person you are caring for to the washroom. Alternatively, you can also plan in advance to take rest in places where your know have accessible and/or unisex washrooms.
Choose a companion who is positive and patient. A person who understands how to support someone living with symptoms of dementia, is fun and easygoing is ideal. If their personality matches the personality of the person you are caring for, then you increase your chances of a successful trip.
When traveling with a “helper” companion,plan to reserve a suite or a second room so they too can have some privacy and respite.
Keep the trip as simple as possible
Whenever possible, you should get a direct flight to and from your destination.
Choose one venue to unpack, rest, and sleep.
Avoid complicated excursions. If this is your first time to travel, plan for a “trial vacation” first to a destination that is a short distance away. If something goes wrong, you can return home easily.
Make a travel checklist
✔️ Double check that all reservations are correct and have the accommodations you need. Not all places may have wheelchair access or elevators.
✔️ Is the person you are caring for better suited to stay on the ground floor? Will they be anxious going inside an elevator?
✔️ Know your route ahead of time including the places you can stop to eat and use the washroom.
✔️ Make sure that the person you are caring for has your name and cell phone number on a card in their wallet. The card should visibly say, “Call in case this person is lost or in an emergency.”
✔️ Bring comforting items for them to hold that could give them a sense of familiarity. Examples of these items are: a book, stuffed toy, pillow, wallet, purse.
✔️ Prepare and bring their favorite playlists for the trip.
✔️ Instead of keeping their original ID in their wallet or purse, make photocopies for them to keep. You can hold on to the originals.
✔️ Only put a minimal amount of cash in their purse in case they go missing.
✔️ Be ready with helpful cards that you can use for the public such as “Please excuse my partner. They have dementia.”
✔️ Use a GPS tracker. A watch, cell phone or other device can go discreetly inside their purse or coat or a necklace.
Prepare “scripts” ahead of time
If they say they want to go home. Be ready to say, “We will be going home soon.”
Don’t forget to take deep breaths!
Before Making Plans to Travel
Honestly and accurately assess your companions ability and preparedness to travel.
For instance, do they become anxious anytime they leave the house? If so, this is a sure sign things may not go well.
Will they get mixed up too much in an airport or feel over stimulated? Would they do better in a car?
If you plan to stay with friends or family, clearly communicate and explain the situation.
Some Creative Safety Precautions While You are Sleeping
To minimize the risk of wandering while you sleep, you can place a sign on the door at eye level that says, “Do not open” to prevent them from leaving the room.
Other options that you can try are putting items on the door that make a noise such as a bell or plastic bag hanging off the door handle. Moving these items may be discouraging for the person with dementia. The noise from moving these items may also help to wake you up before they open the door.
Another way you can prevent them from wandering is to have lots of snacks on hand to help stave off hunger until the next meal. The snacks can also be used as a distraction.
Use take-in services if you are not comfortable going out or are too tired to be on high alert.
Place a sign on the bathroom door in your room/suite that says, “Toilet“. This can help with wayfinding and maintain their independence.
There’s Still Life After Dementia
Nobody chooses this path, but life has to go on. Families need effective ways to cope.
Travel is not only possible but it can be a fun adventure if you are well informed and prepared.
You would want everyone to have fun memories of the person you are caring for and not just the stressful memories.
If you feel you could benefit from some personalized suggestions, please contact us and we would be happy to support you with a personalized travel plan to help you both feel confident and as prepared as possible for your get-away.
