Traveling With Someone Experiencing Memory Loss

When a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia comes, it’s natural for the diagnosed person and members of their family to be filled with questions as they envision what is to come. And it’s realistic to think that life as they know it will be altered over time. One common thought among families is, “How long will they be able to do the things they love?” 

Beyond spending time with family and friends, traveling is often high on the list of things people love. It can be challenging to travel with someone with memory loss, but it’s not impossible, especially in the early stages. Every caregiver is unique, but many find that when they take time to prepare, traveling can be a welcomed and enjoyable experience. 

Here are 10 Travel Recommendations from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: 

• Before you go, discuss travel with a physician to evaluate if it will be safe for your loved one.
• When preparing identification documents, include an identification bracelet or clothing tag with your loved one’s full name and your name.
• Have an emergency plan that includes packing health and legal documents.
• Choose a travel option that will provide comfort and the least anxiety.
• Stick with the familiar. Visit places that were familiar before the onset of dementia and involve as few changes in daily routine as possible.
• Advise airlines, hotels, and tour operators that you’re traveling with a person who has memory impairment. Share examples of your safety concerns and special needs.
• Time your travel. If the person with dementia travels better at a specific time of the day, plan accordingly.
• Maintain daily routines, including sleep and eating schedules.
• Plan for a single activity and consider alternatives if you have extra time. Avoid cramming several activities into one day and allow time to rest.
• Realize there may come a time when traveling is too disorienting or stressful for the person with dementia.

No one knows your loved one better than you, so trust your knowledge, judgment, and experience. Have confidence in your abilities and enjoy your special time together. 

At Catholic Eldercare, we love deeply and support instinctively. We provide opportunities for independent living and maintaining physical and emotional health and wellness for people with memory loss. We invite you to reach out if you would like more information.