Travel Tips for Seniors with Dementia

Older couples who enjoy going on trips together face unique challenges when one of the partners develops dementia. Traveling is easier and still possible for a senior who is in the early stages of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association.  Planning ahead is crucial for the senior's safe and comfortable travel experience.

Plan and Prepare Ahead 

Be well-prepared when traveling with a senior with dementia. Keep a bag of essentials with you at all times.  You should pack all the senior's medications, a copy of your travel itinerary, a bottle of water, some snacks, activities the senior enjoys (books, puzzles) and a change of comfortable clothes in this bag. Include the senior's medical information with a list of the person's emergency contacts.  Put in copies of key documents such as the birth certificate, passport and medical power of attorney.

Write a detailed travel itinerary with information on each destination you will reach and leave a copy with each emergency contact. As his/her caregiver, carry a copy with you at all times as well. When staying at a hotel, contact the staff before arrival to tell them about your loved one’s special needs so they will be ready to assist both of you.  Seniors with dementia develop a time of day when they function best. Travel during this time frame so the senior is rested and relaxed.

Safe Travel Tips

Other tips for making travel safer include:

• Always allow extra time; don't plan too many activities daily.

• Fly at times when airlines are less busy; fly direct. Sit near restrooms.

• Let the airline/flight attendants know about any special needs. 

• Try short car trips before attempting a long one to trouble shoot for potential problems. 

• Follow the senior's usual routine as much as possible.

• Put identification on the senior, including your cell phone number. 

• Take the senior's photo daily with your cell phone for identification purposes.

When It Is Time to Stay Home

Gradually a senior's dementia progresses and the person will become agitated/ anxious around newcomers and in new environments.  Changes which indicate travel is no longer a safe option for a senior include:

• Great difficulty walking and risk of falling
• Tendency to wander off
• Problems with continence and needing assistance with toileting, bathing, dressing, eating
• Becomes physically and/or verbally abusive
• Serious health issues requiring medical consent to travel

When preparing to travel, your Alzheimer's caregiver can provide an extra hand getting your loved one packed and ready for the trip. When travel is no longer possible, non-medical home care workers can stir the emotional memories that linger longer than factual ones by showing the senior photos of previous trips.