With the holiday season upon us, many people will travel to be with family and friends. If you or someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, traveling can pose some special challenges. Loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, and changes in routine can cause stress and confusion for those living with dementia. It is important to be patient and understanding of their needs when traveling with someone who suffers from this condition.
There are various stages of Alzheimer’s disease, ranging from mild to severe. In the early stages, there is mild memory loss and confusion. However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and often unmanageable. Therefore, the best time for travel is during the early stages of the disease. This is when your loved one is less likely to become anxious and distressed.
If you’re unsure about whether or not traveling is a good idea for your loved one with dementia, take a trial run first and see how it goes. Pay attention to any signs of trouble, such as anxiety or confusion. Additionally, try to keep your loved one’s routine as stable as possible while on the trip. And finally, before leaving for your journey, be sure to review some tips specifically designed for traveling with someone who has dementia.
If you or someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, traveling can pose some special challenges.
Here are the top 5 tips to consider:
- Make sure you know your loved one’s medication schedule and that you safeguard their medications. It will be up to you for medication management.
- Make sure to have copies of essential documents, such as ID cards and medical contacts. Not only should you have their ID information, but your loved one should also carry an ID that indicates they have dementia.
- Do not leave your loved one unsupervised, especially if you are in new surroundings. They can become scared and confused. Provide reassurance that you’ll be there to keep them safe and secure.
- If you’ll be traveling by air, inform the airlines, hotel, and any other agency of any special needs you may have, including non-slip bath surfaces at the hotel. If your loved one is known to wander off, be sure to take precautions by hiding car keys or double-locking the doors.
- Make sure to leave room for flexibility in your schedule. Rushing will only make things more difficult, so give yourself plenty of time to travel and take regular breaks.
How Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines Keeps Residents Engaged During the Holidays
Holidays are an important time for residents of Avanti Senior Living at Augusta Pines. The physical and mental health benefits from social activities, events, and celebrations are especially beneficial for those living with dementia. At Avanti, we understand that the holidays can be a stressful time for those with dementia and their families. We work hard to create a positive and engaging environment for our residents during the holidays. Our dedicated staff is trained in dementia care and understands the importance of providing compassionate, thoughtful support to those living with dementia. We also strive to provide stimulating activities throughout the year that keep our residents engaged in their community.
