Planning an Outing with Elderly Who Have Alzheimer’s – A Guide for Family Caregivers

Who doesn’t like to travel? Everyone enjoys spending time with their special ones and making some remarkable memories. Traveling with an elderly adult who has Alzheimer’s can be a tough challenge for those who are managing their care. Caregivers traveling with their loved ones who have dementia or Alzheimer’s require extra care and attention to ensure the journey isn’t stressful for everyone.

Here is a guide that helps caregivers prepare themselves for traveling with their loved ones.

Ensure Extra Time for Everything

You already know that your beloved is in a state where they don’t get used to new surroundings easily. It’s their Alzheimer’s that is causing issues, and they require more time to settle in at somewhere unfamiliar.

Ensure you provide them enough time and comfort while they are trying to sit in the car, in a waiting area at the airport, or on the flight to get adequately adjusted to the new environment. Sometimes the elderly feel uneasy and could require more time to calm down. It is your responsibility to try to make them relax and let them adjust in their way.

Opt for Medical Transportation

Sometimes the elderly may require extra effort in transporting, which could even demand a medical transportation facility. Many times Alzheimer’s patients feel uncomfortable traveling the way an individual without dementia does.

Medical transportation via road or air could be the best thing to help ease the travel hassle for everyone. You can always check for the availability of these services in your region to help ensure that you don’t have to go through fatiguing ways of transportation.

Prepare Yourself for Wandering

Be prepared for a common occurrence associated with traveling with the ones with Alzheimer’s, which is wandering. The unusual environment, coupled with new faces, may increase the chances that make them wander while looking for something familiar.

The best way to prepare for these kinds of situations is to ensure you dress them appropriately in a way that they are easily recognizable. Furthermore, carry a recent photograph that helps you just in case if you are not able to find them. Also, you should add an identity card with emergency contact details in your loved one’s pocket and/or on an ID bracelet or necklace.

Seek Help for Special Needs

Every airport has special arrangements for people with medical issues to ensure adequate comfort while they travel. You can always avail of this benefit by contacting the authorities at the airport. For instance, you can get a wheelchair and an attendant for transport to the flight. Many airports also have waiting areas that are closed off that you may be able to use. Families with autistic children often avail themselves of this. Contact your airline or airport to ask about their accommodations.

Plus, visa formalities that are usually time-consuming can often be quicker for those with special needs. The authorities at the airport can be a great help.

Try to Make Surroundings More Familiar

Another great way to make travel less exhausting for your beloved ones is to try to make their surroundings more familiar. Certain things that make them feel comfortable should be considered while you are planning to travel with an Alzheimer’s patient.

These things include may include special clothes, pillow covers, blankets, or maybe a favorite stuffed animal should be packed when you are about to travel.

These are perhaps the most important aspects specifically associated with traveling with those with Alzheimer’s. Ensure you follow these quick tips for a hassle-free journey.

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