3 Simple Travel Tips for Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers

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3 Simple Travel Tips for Alzheimer’s Patients and Caregivers

travel tips Alzheimer’s patients caregivers

As September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to be especially cognizant and aware of this harmful condition and how it impacts millions of people, there’s also another key part of this conversation: The fact that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while indeed concerning and worthy of much attention, do not stop many people from from still enjoying major elements of their lives, including things like traveling.

At Cozy Retire, memory care services are just some of the numerous quality assisted living programs we offer for seniors in our community. We’re happy to assist such guests and their families or caregivers in numerous ways, including helping facilitate travel when it’s possible and realistic for the senior in question. Here are some simple tips for seniors and caregivers traveling under such circumstances, and how to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Stick to As Much Routine as Possible

Many Alzheimer’s caregivers are already well aware of the importance of routine in managing their loved one’s condition. Routines help provide a sense of order and calm for Alzheimer’s patients, which can be very beneficial in managing their disease. That being said, it’s also important to maintain as much of a routine as possible when traveling.

This means sticking to the same general schedule as much as possible, eating meals at similar times, and getting plenty of rest. It can also be helpful to stick to familiar surroundings and activities as much as possible. If you’re traveling to a new place, try to find accommodations that are similar to what your loved one is used to at home.

Of course, some amount of change is inevitable when traveling. But if you can do your best to stick to a familiar routine, it will go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Make Sure You’re Prepared

When traveling with someone who has Alzheimer’s, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. This means having all the necessary documents and medications on hand, as well as any other supplies you might need.

You should also have a plan in place in case of an emergency. This might include having a list of contacts to call, or making sure you’re familiar with the local medical facilities in the event that you need to use them.

Plan Out the Trip

For many with Alzheimer’s, knowing what to expect can be very helpful in managing their condition. This is why it’s important to plan out your trip in as much detail as possible.

This means making sure you have all the necessary reservations and tickets well in advance, and mapping out your route so that you know what to expect along the way. It can also be helpful to create a daily itinerary, so that your loved one knows what to expect each day and can mentally prepare for any activities or events that are planned.

Of course, it’s also important to be flexible when traveling with Alzheimer’s. Things might not always go according to plan, and it’s important to be able to roll with the punches and adjust on the fly when necessary. Take breaks as needed, and don’t hesitate to change plans if it becomes clear that your loved one is getting tired or overwhelmed. The most important thing is to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable, so always be willing to adjust your plans as needed.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our memory care or other senior living community services, speak to our caring staff at Cozy Retire today.