Thursday, December 18, 2008

Making travel plans for those with dementia

Bancroft
With the holidays fast approaching, plans for traveling are also on many people’s minds. This can also be said of caregivers who may be thinking of traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease. Although potentially stressful, a short vacation may be beneficial and needed. In order to try and reduce the stress of traveling and make the vacation a positive experience, a little pre-planning goes a long way. Traveling results in constant change that involves strange people, new sights and surroundings. If planning a trip, a caregiver should consider the following ideas to try and reduce the potential stress:

• As a caregiver, be prepared to do everything for two. This can be challenging so it is a good idea to rest before the trip.

• Notify the airline and airport in advance that you will be traveling with someone with Alzheimer’s disease. They can offer special assistance to ensure your time in the airport is as stress free as possible. You can also pick up an information card that can be used in public venues that informs individuals that you are traveling with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease.

• Wheels on luggage are a must.

• As a caregiver, you should be responsible for important possessions such as passports, identification, money or credit cards.

• If you travel with a group tour, the stress.....read the whol article

For more good holiday ideas for those with dementia, click here

Good information is also here

No comments: