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.

Post from: Blisstree

Mother, with Alzheimer’s, Traveled by Plane

-Escort on/off aircraft.
-Provide escort at connecting/layover points.
-Positive hand-off during transfers and connections.
-Keep emergency contact information throughout the travel itinerary.
-Provide documentation and verify ID of person designated to meet at final destination.
-Contact designated adult(s) in the event of a cancellation, diversion, or lengthy delay.

There are a few catches. The service is not free, is not provided on international flights, and there is a long list of what the airline staff will not do.

But for anyone concerned about a relative with Alzheimer’s Disease having to travel alone, this could be the answer.

Further reading:

Travelers with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disabilities

Post from: Blisstree

Northwest Airlines assist those with Alzheimer’s Disease.

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.

Post from: Blisstree

Traveling with someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.