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As millions of Americans prepare for end-of-summer getaways this Labor Day weekend, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is advising caregivers taking a trip with a loved one who has dementia to follow the T.R.A.V.E.L. tips so the journey is as smooth as possible.
“Whether you’re taking a road trip or a flight, there are preparations and adaptations caregivers should make to make the trip as smooth as possible for their loved one living with dementia,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Senior Director of Educational and Social Services. “During a busy holiday travel weekend with packed roadways and crowded airports, it’s especially important for families to be proactive and prepared.”
AFA recommends taking the following dementia-friendly T.R.A.V.E.L. tips:
Time the travel properly. Plan the travel mode and the timing of your trip so the level of anxiety and stress for your loved one is minimized. Incorporate the person’s capabilities and needs when deciding on arrangements. Anything unfamiliar, such as a place, environment, or change in schedule can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Try to preserve the person’s routine and support them through changes.
Reduce stress and anxiety. If travelling by mass transit, familiarize the person beforehand, in keeping with their understanding, with what will happen at security checkpoints. This can reduce potential anxiety.
Avoid overscheduling. It is tempting to schedule many activities and experiences during a trip, but this might overstimulate someone living with dementia. It could potentially cause confusion, agitation, or anxiety. Build in downtime so the person can rest and recharge. Take regular breaks on road trips for food, bathroom visits, and rest, and try to avoid rush hour.
Value quality over quantity. Focus on spending quality time together rather than on the number of sites, attractions, and activities you can fit in.
Explore traveler assistance. If flying, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers assistance with the screening process to air travelers with certain medical conditions, including dementia-related illnesses; Contact the TSA Cares Helpline at least 72 hours prior to your flight to learn more. Advise the airline that you are traveling with someone who has dementia, request early boarding, and inform them about any special needs your loved one has.
Leave prepared for contingencies. Bring snacks, water, activities, and comfort items (i.e., a blanket or the person’s favorite sweater), as well as an extra set of comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. Be sure to bring important health and legal-related documentation, a list of current medications, and physician information with you.
Caregivers who have questions about traveling with someone who has a dementia-related illness can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), or webchat (www.alzfdn.org). The helpline is available seven days a week.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed entirely by licensed social workers, caregiver support groups, educational programs and publications for caregivers, dementia-care training for healthcare professionals, the National Memory Screening Program, and more. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, or connect with us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn. AFA holds Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating.