What to Pack When Traveling with Alzheimer’s
It’s almost the end of summer and you’d like to take Dad on a vacation. The issue: Da has Alzheimer’s.
You’ve planned the travel with that in mind: the destination is no more than four hours away, you are traveling during his best hours of the day, and your itinerary allows for plenty of rest time. Now it’s time to pack.
Here are the 6 things you should always pack when traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s:
1. A laminated card explaining Dad’s condition
Keep this with you and show it to anyone you will be dealing with, whether they are TSA employees at the airport or the person checking you into your hotel. This will discreetly inform them that you and Dad require special attention.
2. A location device
If Dad has a tendency to wander, it could be worth investing in one of the many location devices available for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Check this list on alzheimer’s.net for suggested devices.
3. Extra medication
You never know if your trip might be delayed for some reason. The last thing you need is to run out of medicine.
4. Important documentation
This includes:
- A full list of all Dad’s medications and allergies
- Contact information for all his doctors
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance cards
- Power of Attorney document
- Healthcare Proxy document
- Advance Directives document
Hopefully, you won’t need them. But if you do, it will make your life much easier to have them with you.
In case this packet of information gets lost, it’s worth taking photographs of each document, and keeping them on your phone.
5. Copies of your detailed itinerary
This should include where you are going and where you will be staying. If you are traveling by plane, it should also include all flight information. Keep a copy of the itinerary in Dad’s pocket at all times, as well as a copy for yourself. In addition, send copies to all of Dad’s emergency contacts.
6. Comfort items
Many people with Alzheimer’s feel less anxious if they have familiar items with them. These might include their own pillow or blanket, or their favorite snacks. If Dad is distressed by loud noises, you might want to bring noise canceling headphones.
With proper planning, travel can be a rewarding experience to share with Dad. However, is important to recognize when it is no longer possible. If Dad’s Alzheimer’s has progressed to the point where he cannot travel — or even stay safely at home — it would be wise to consider a high-quality Memory Care program, such as Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ. We offer specialized health services and programs for our residents suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. This includes our sensory programs and activities provided in a secured environment.
Our family-owned and -operated 123-bed facility, is tucked away in the quiet beach town of Keansburg, NJ at the Jersey Shore, within sight of Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline.
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