Family vacations can be a great time for everyone involved! However, there can be challenges and complications when you are going on vacation as the caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s. The good news is that there are ways to make this situation less stressful. Check out our list of tips for making your travelling fun, instead of challenging.
- Always be sure to keep important medications and documents with you. This includes a list of medications and dosages, emergency contact information, physician information, and food allergies. You should also make sure insurance information and your travel itinerary are available.
- Ensure your loved one is wearing an ID bracelet. This is important for any Alzheimer’s patients, but especially those who are prone to wandering. In lieu of a identification bracelet, you can have their name on their clothing and make sure their wallet has a list of their medical conditions and your contact information.
- Do your best to make surroundings familiar. It can be challenging for Alzheimer’s patients to handle new environments. That’s why bringing some familiar items from home is an excellent option. You should also do the best you can to make the patient’s routine as normal as possible.
- Avoid layovers and connections while traveling. It’s best, as someone providing senior care, to take direct flights whenever possible. This can reduce the stress for everyone involved. You may also be able to board early to let your loved one adjust to the new environment.
- Stay in a hotel instead of boarding with relatives. The reason for this lies in the hotel being a calm space for your loved one. They can continue their routine more easily. Some of your loved ones may also not be familiar with Alzheimer’s and have no idea what to expect. You should also make sure the hotel staff is aware of any special needs required before you show up.
- Build an itinerary for your emergency contacts. Once you have an itinerary, you should provide copies for family and friends. Make sure to include travel times, flight numbers, medication needs, phone numbers, and other important information. This can help make travel much more efficient and less stressful.
If you provide senior care for a loved one and are considering a memory care community, The Regency Memory Care Club in Toms River, NJ is a great choice. You can find out more about the services we offer by calling the office at 732-286-2220.
