Mother, with Alzheimer’s, Traveled by Plane

Liz gave some very helpful information in her post, Northwest Airlines Assist Those With Alzheimer’s Disease. My mother traveled alone, actually her first airline flight ever, when she was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s.  We didn’t realize at the time that’s what it was, but knew she was somewhat forgetful.  However, she made it to her destination and return trip.  Even changing planes in Chicago! 

 However, attendants assisted her after a family member got her to the plane  Then she was met by a wheelchair attendant and transported that way to her connection.  I marvel now, as I travel through busy airports, that she managed on her own.  In later flights, she was accompanied by someone in the family.

Mother enjoyed this flight to and from her visit to a relative’s home.  She’s always wanted to fly, and had taken short scenic flights when my husband owned a small plane.  But her desire for a longer flight never abated. 

 Looking back, I’m glad we enabled  her to have that experience.  However, I still marvel she made that first flight alone and am so thankful there were flight attendants to assist her, as well as the airline personnel in Chicago who maneuvered her through that busy terminal.