Traveling: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

“We’ve both had ‘that’ trip — the last trip that you take when you decide we’re not traveling ever again with our care receiver. Or, as we like to say, it’s the trip after the last trip you should have taken!” We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, we’ve learned travel decisions require careful consideration. Through our experiences, and what we’ve learned from support groups and others on their journeys, we’ve developed four important tips to help you decide whether you and your care receiver should stay home or go on what could be ‘that’ trip. See Full Show Notes here  Rate, Subscribe and Share Your Tips on Social Media! Please click here to review, follow or subscribe to our podcast.   If you don’t see your preferred platform click on Podchaser and click at the bottom “Write my review” You can log in with Twitter, Facebook or GoogleOn the right you’ll see a box with “Follow”, “Rate and Review” and “Share”  Connect with us and share your tips: Website: https://www.thecaregiversjourney.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecaregiversjourney/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversJourneys/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/Email: [email protected], [email protected] Additional Resources Mentioned These resources contain affiliate links so we may receive a small commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. Fidget blanket here Takeaways Tip 1: Pre-test Travel Readiness Key points: Test longer car rides (at least an hour round trip)Try interstate driving if that will be part of your journeyExperience crowds and noise if those will be presentTest unfamiliar environmentsPay attention to any existing signs of travel difficulty. Tip 2: Evaluate All Trip Components Key points: Assess sleeping arrangements and bathroom accessibilityConsider the need for quiet spaceEvaluate support options at the destinationThink about familiarity with locationsListen to your inner voice about the decision — is this the wisest choice? Tip 3: Plan Comprehensively Key points: Minimize advance information to avoid overwhelming your care receiver.Pack comfort items: Fidget blanketsFamiliar snacksFavorite music and headphonesPhoto booksFamiliar entertainment (DVDs, etc.) 3. Plan around normal routines: Meal timesSleep scheduleBest times of day for different amounts of activity 4. Prepare for emergencies: Take IDs and insurance cardsBring extra medicationsPack legal documentsConsider anti-anxiety medication optionsShare detailed itinerary with family membersHave your emergency contact information easy to find on your care receiver and in case something happens to you. Tip 4: Prepare Others Key points: Explain current abilities and challengesProvide conversation guidanceDemonstrate proper approach techniquesGive permission for others to opt out if they’re not comfortableShow grace toward those processing their own emotions Read More in This Blog here