Traveling with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Most of us look forward to travel. We research, plan, and organize the where, what, and how with great enthusiasm. Going somewhere new, exotic, and unfamiliar is seen as a fun adventure.

But for those with Alzheimer’s Disease, the adventure is often not fun. Being in unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar people can cause increased stress on those who rely on familiar environmental cues to maintain their reality and equilibrium.

Travel is not out of the question for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s just that extra planning is needed to help anticipate problems and situations that might cause distress.

Here are some things to consider when traveling with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.

In the car

Never leave someone with Alzheimer’s Disease alone in the car, especially in a new environment.

Make sure seatbelts are done up before moving.

If possible, have more than one driver available, especially for long trips.

Plan regular rest stops and bathroom stops. If continence might be an issue, consider having the person wear protective pants.

If they become agitated while traveling in the car stop at the first available place. Don’t try to calm them while you are driving.

In General

Never leave them alone in unfamiliar surroundings.

Avoid very crowded places, especially if the person gets agitated easily.

Inform airlines and hotel staff that someone in your group has memory impairment. Let them know in advance of any special needs.

Make sure they are wearing identification at all times. Consider enrolling in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return program and inform them of all travel plans.

Keep plans simple. Try to avoid numerous or connecting flights. The fewer changes the better.

Take some familiar items with you, such as a deck of cards or other items that the person enjoys at home.

Carry emergency contacts and a mobile phone with you.

Further Reading:

The Alzheimer’s Association has put out two fact sheets - Travel Safety and Vacationing - that offer tips on traveling with people with Alzheimer’s.

Caregiver.com has a couple of detailed article ‘Travel Guidelines For People With Memory Disorders: Part One’ and Part Two.