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.

Our residents receive the highest quality rehabilitative and skilled nursing care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing. Our other services include short-term rehab, long-term care, hospice care, and respite care for those times when the caretaker needs to be taken care of.

We proudly provide the following specialty healthcare services: complex medical care management, intravenous (IV) therapy, wound care, enteral feeding, pain management, oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, a dedicated pulmonary program, hospice care with private suites, a stroke rehab program, respiratory support, eye care, dental care, podiatry care, and psychological consults and counseling.

We pride ourselves on healing the entire patient through a holistic and individualized approach.

Our meticulous care planning helps us ensure that each and every resident receives the best in clinical care, support and unconditional love.

For over 25 years, we have been a staple of health and wellness, serving the members of our community and partnering with our local hospitals like Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ.

We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.com, and caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.