Vacationing With a Loved One Who Has Dementia
Taking a vacation can be a wonderful way to renew and refresh body, mind, and spirit. But if you are a caregiver for someone who has dementia, you might be reluctant to take a trip. In the early stages of dementia, however, it may be quite possible and quite pleasurable.
“It’s an opportunity to spend some quality time together and enjoy life in a way that’s more normal,” says geriatric psychologist Linda Ercoli, PhD, UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior. “Travel can be emotionally satisfying and cognitively stimulating to the patient. The idea is to have some fun, with caveats, of course.”
You won’t, for example, want to schedule a jam-packed day, but you can still enjoy an enriching experience together. Careful planning is crucial, according to Dr. Ercoli. Below are some of her top tips for traveling safely and enjoyably.
Take a Trial Trip
Taking a trip to a familiar place close to home for just a few days can provide you and your loved one with a nice respite while minimizing the anxiety of the unknown. It’s an excellent way to find out if longer trips are possible. If it doesn’t work, you’ll be close to home. If it is successful, you’ll have a greater sense of what’s involved, and what might be needed for a longer excursion.
Plan for the Possible Wandering
Whether the trip is long or short, it’s important to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Getting separated from your loved one is among the most fear-inducing situations imaginable. Even if your loved one has not wandered yet, being in less familiar surroundings can create confusion and panic.
MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® is a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. An ID bracelet or pendant is worn by the individual. Similarly, there is caregiver ID jewelry that says you are responsible for someone with dementia. “A caregiver ID is very important,” says Dr. Ercoli, “because if something happens to you, emergency medical personnel and others can know that someone with dementia is in your care and needs to be located.”
There are also wearables that contain tracking devices, such as watches and shoes. Familiar items embedded with GPS tracking might be more acceptably worn by a person with dementia.
Finally, be sure to have a recent photo of your loved one so you can easily show it around if need be. Cell phone images can be easily taken and shared with others.
Bag of Essentials
A small bag should contain extra medication, medication lists with dosages, a list of medical conditions, and emergency contacts. Also, place copies of important documents, such as passports, advanced care directives, and insurance information in the essentials bag. Your loved one should also have your contact information and his or her medication information in a wallet or purse.
Whether you’re driving or flying, keep your loved one entertained while enroute. Pack favorite snacks, puzzles, games, and magazines. If you have a laptop or tablet, load it with movies. Also, keep a change of clothes in the bag. Even if your loved has not had any issues with incontinence, the stress and the excitement of travel may trigger an episode.
Communicating With Others
It’s possible that a person with dementia may suddenly become agitated in public. Airports, busy rest stops, and noisy restaurants can be over-stimulating and hence disconcerting, causing your loved one to shout out or otherwise behave strangely. Consider carrying a card with a simple statement like: “My family member has Alzheimer’s disease and may say or do things that are unexpected. Thank you for your understanding.” This can help explain the action in a respectful way. Similarly, a letter from a physician can also be helpful, especially in high-security areas such as airports.
Arrival Destination Tips
Maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule. Uphold diet and nap times. Plan activities for when your loved is most energetic, and space them out so there is time to rest in between.
Lastly, be realistic. If your loved one has depression, vision issues, sun-downing (increased agitation occurring with sunset), or is at-risk for falls, these symptoms can become worse in a foreign place. Travel may not be possible. If you’re unsure, consult with your physician before making any elaborate plans.
The post Vacationing With a Loved One Who Has Dementia appeared first on University Health News.
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