How To Travel With Someone Who Has Dementia

Blog

Travelling with someone in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's can be a difficult task because changes in the environment can sometimes be overwhelming. However, with a little foresight and some careful planning, it's still possible to have an enjoyable trip. Here are a few things that you should do before you go:

Make Sure That Accommodations Are Dementia-Friendly

People with dementia often have a condition known as "Sundowner's Syndrome," where they become more fearful or disoriented right around twilight. One of the symptoms is wandering. You want to make sure that you're staying a hotel that has dementia-friendly accommodations and staff who understand that the dementia patient may become agitated toward the evening or even scared and confused. Make sure that staff members know how to approach someone with dementia calmly and can help steer the patient back to his or her room and family if he or she is lost or having a panic attack.

Some specialty hotels specifically cater to those travelers who need dementia or Alzheimer's care while other, larger chains simply have good training for their staff. Regardless of where you stay, there are some absolute musts for anyone traveling with a dementia patient:

• one room with more than one bed so that the dementia patient isn't alone
• a room with enough space for the dementia patient to pace or move around if he or she becomes agitated or restless
• a small dining area inside the room and room service in case the patient is having a hard time and needs to eat in the room instead of going out

Make Sure That You Take Additional Precautions 

Because of the risk that a dementia patient can get separated from you in unfamiliar surroundings, make sure that the patient has identification on him or her at all times. Consider using a medical alert bracelet and make sure that you tuck a piece of paper with your name and cell phone in his or her pocket. Also include a business card from the place where you and the patient are staying. That can help get the patient back to you safely.

Before you leave for your destination, make sure that you have other important items:

• a recent photo of the dementia patient in case he or she gets lost
• the names of his or her doctors
• a list of medications and the medications needed to travel
• copies of legal information, including any power of attorney forms
• insurance information
• extra snacks and drinks in case of an emergency

Finally, make sure that you allow extra time for everything and plan to be flexible. Let others know that if the dementia patient is having a hard time, you'll have to change your plans accordingly.

10 December 2015