Summer is a season for relaxation and travel for many people. However, for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, traveling or going on a vacation may be more difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break. Here are some practical tips and guidance to make your summer travel go more smoothly.

Assess the Challenges

Before embarking on a trip, identify potential challenges you may need to consider. Try asking yourself the following questions.

  • Is my loved one easily overwhelmed in new places, in crowds, or with new people?
  • Do they have extreme behavior changes in new environments or during disruptions in their routine?
  • Does my loved one have a habit of wandering?
  • What issues do I experience when managing my loved one’s daily basic needs?

The answers to these questions may vary according to each person and what stage they’re in.

 

What You Can Do

Here are some tips for caretakers when it comes to any kind of travel.

  • Plan ahead!
  • Give plenty of time for rest.
  • Keep the changes to the routine minimal.
  • Carry supplies you may end up needing like water, food, clothes, medication, and incontinence items.
  • Travel or go out during a time of day where the individual is most alert or before sundowning can happen.
  • Try to travel or go out when it’s less busy.
  • Provide tactile, sensory items that are familiar to the individual such as photos or small items.
  • Use a business card to tell others about the person’s condition. For example, the card could say, “My family member has Alzheimer’s disease. He might say or do things that are unexpected. Thank you for your understanding.”

Find Enjoyment Where You Can

Although extended travel may be more difficult or not always possible, that doesn’t mean you can’t find opportunities to enjoy yourself or take a break.

Try this: consider taking a local vacation or “staycation” in an area that is familiar, but also enjoyable for you and your travel companion.

Doing so may make it more likely for your loved one to recognize their surroundings and less likely that they become upset by something unfamiliar to them.

Here are some activities that you can try in an area near you:

  • Daily walks
  • Going to a local park, nature center, museum or other location you like visiting
  • Eating out at a restaurant

Discover additional tips about activity planning and going out here.

 

Plan Ahead To Be Prepared

Those with memory problems may wander. Here are some tips on how to prepare.

  • Have the individual carry identification information. Whether it’s a bracelet, or even information sewn into shoes.
  • Take a picture of them every morning to show people in case you need to go looking for them.

Whatever travel or vacation plans you might have, it’s crucial to remember your own needs as an individual and caretaker as well. For additional questions or one-on-one support, call our Helpline at 844-373-4400.

 

Related Information

Everyday Care
View and download caregiver topic sheets to learn more about everyday care. View here.

Educational Classes
Enroll in our free classes to better understand brain health and dementia topics and learn practical strategies and techniques you can use in your life. Learn more here.

Staying Cool and Safe: Essential Tips for Seniors to Beat the Heat
Discover helpful ways you can stay cool and safe when the weather heats up. Read here.