{"id":13244,"date":"2020-02-17T09:00:45","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T14:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/?p=13244"},"modified":"2020-02-13T17:38:47","modified_gmt":"2020-02-13T22:38:47","slug":"tips-traveling-someone-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia-aarp.com\/blog\/tips-traveling-someone-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Travel With Someone Who Has Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

If you are caring for a parent with dementia, chances are, you will want or need to travel together at some point. Maybe you want to return to a favorite family vacation spot or take a trip to visit your siblings.<\/p>\n

While traveling with someone with dementia can come with its ups and downs, it is certainly not impossible. It just involves taking a little extra care and thinking ahead. Of course, you\u2019ll want to consider safety risks and medical needs, but you\u2019ll also want to determine the best mode of transportation and avoid possible triggers.<\/p>\n

To make your upcoming travels easier, we\u2019ve provided a list of our top 11 tips and tricks for how to travel with someone with dementia.<\/p>\n

1. Talk to a doctor<\/h2>\n

Before planning a trip, make an appointment with your relative\u2019s doctor to get the okay to travel in the first place. The doctor may advise against it for safety reasons or have recommendations on ways to make your travels less stressful.<\/p>\n

2. Pick familiar destinations<\/h2>\n

Next, when deciding on where to travel, it\u2019s best to pick destinations that your relative is most familiar with as not to cause confusion. Oftentimes, the best vacations for dementia patients are those that are within four hours of home. You may also want to choose a place that is close to emergency health centers or pharmacies.<\/p>\n

\"elderly<\/a>

Via 88studio\/shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

3. Choose the most direct route<\/h2>\n

One thing to remember when traveling with someone with dementia is that it is best to get where you need to be as quick as possible. Eliminate unnecessary stress by taking the most direct flight and avoiding connecting flights, layovers, and scenic routes. Would a quick flight be easier than a longer drive? Or would a slightly longer drive be more comfortable for your relative?<\/p>\n

4. Provide a medical bracelet<\/h2>\n

In case you get separated, a medical bracelet can help identify your relative. In addition to providing their medical information on the bracelet, include emergency contact details, too. If they tend to wander, you may want to enroll them in a wandering response service to help get them to safety as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\"Senior<\/a>

Via Rawpixel.com\/shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

5. Pack an emergency carry-on bag<\/h2>\n

Always keep a bag with essentials on hand. You\u2019ll want to pack medical documents, medicine, and doctor and family contact information. If you\u2019re boarding a flight, use it as your carry-on item. It may also be a good idea to pack an extra pair of clothing and toiletries to avoid any disruption in case your checked luggage gets lost.<\/p>\n

6. Look into hotel options<\/h2>\n

If you plan on staying in a hotel, it\u2019s a good idea to inform the front desk of your relative\u2019s conditions so they can best assist and accommodate you during your stay. When booking your room, request a quiet one on the first floor without sliding glass doors to help prevent any accidents. Some hotels may even provide child-proof doorknobs, in case your relative tends to wander. To make it feel even more comfortable for them, bring along pillows and blankets from home.<\/p>\n

7. Consider their tendencies<\/h2>\n

Is there a time of the day when your relative seems the calmest and most relaxed? If so, it\u2019s a good idea to travel during that time. Also, consider how they react to certain environments. Do loud noises, crowds, or busy places cause agitation? Think ahead and try to avoid any possible triggers.<\/p>\n

8. Schedule time for relaxation<\/h2>\n

Traveling and visiting a new destination can be overwhelming. Be sure to make plenty of time for rest and recuperation. Also, avoid over-packing your itinerary with activities.<\/p>\n

\"Senior<\/a>

Via Monkey Business Images\/shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

9. Pack distractions<\/h2>\n

Bring along games, activities, and photos, which can help distract your relative and make them feel calmer and at ease. Do they have a favorite song that calms them down? Have it on hand to play. If they have hobbies, like puzzles or crosswords, pack those, too.<\/p>\n

10. Hire help<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t hesitate to ask for help. Look into caregivers, who are willing to travel with you, to give you some relief. Also, check out medical transport services to help you get around. Knowing you have someone to help you may make the vacation more enjoyable for everyone.<\/p>\n

\"senior<\/a>

Via Olena Yakobchuk\/shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

11. Be flexible<\/h2>\n

As much as you try to plan, some things are out of your control. You cannot always plan on how your relative might feel or react from one day to the next. Know their limits and don\u2019t be afraid to cut the trip short if it\u2019s unsafe or too overwhelming for them.<\/p>\n

Just because you have a parent with dementia does not mean you are limited to your own town. When it comes to booking a trip together, follow this advice to make your travels go as smoothly as possible.<\/p>\n

Header image via Olena Yakobchuk\/shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you are caring for a parent with dementia, chances are, you will want or need to travel together at some point. Maybe you want to return to a favorite family vacation spot or take a trip to visit your siblings. While traveling with someone with dementia can come with its ups and downs, it<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":13245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[202],"tags":[1559,1561,547,497],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Travel With Someone Who Has Dementia - AARP Travel Center Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Traveling with a relative who has dementia is a difficult and rewarding undertaking. 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