Seniors with Alzheimer’s can still travel and enjoy vacations. You can bring a senior parent who has Alzheimer’s on a family vacation with just a little extra preparation. Make memories while you can with your senior parent by including them in your family trip.

Depending on how far advanced your senior parent’s Alzheimer’s is there are some precautions that you will need to take. Thinking ahead and planning for emergencies is the best way to make sure that the travel goes smoothly. Use these travel tips for seniors with Alzheimer’s to ensure a safe, happy, and memorable family vacation:

Give Them Plenty Of Notice

Seniors with Alzheimer’s thrive on routine. If you’re going to change that routine with a vacation give your senior parent as much notice as you can. Get a calendar or print one. Circle the date of the trip. Or put stars or stickers on it. Just make it very visible. Count down each day by crossing off the day. That way your senior parent will see the vacation approaching. They will know something is happening on that day even if they aren’t sure what it is.

Get Help from Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s care is something that all seniors with Alzheimer’s can benefit from. If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s care, the care provider can help your senior parent pack for the trip. They can create a checklist of clothes, medications, and other items that your senior parent should have with them. No one knows better than a care provider how to plan for emergencies. With their help your senior parent should have no trouble packing.

Alert The Airline In Advance

If your family is flying make sure to let the airline know in advance you will be traveling with a senior who has Alzheimer’s. Arrange for a wheelchair. It will be much easier to get your senior parent to the gate without them wandering off if they are in a wheelchair. Often airlines are happy to go the extra mile to help you and your family. But they do need advance notice.

Use A GPS Tracker

It’s a very good idea to put a GPS tracker or tag inside your senior parent’s clothing where it won’t fall out. Put one on a chain and have them wear it like a necklace. That way if your senior parent wanders or if you get separated you will be able to track their location on your phone. If your senior parent is alone and confused in a strange place they may not be able to make their way back to you. Track them so you can find them easily if necessary.

Put ID Inside Their Clothing

It’s also a good idea to put a copy of their ID inside their clothes somewhere. Put a copy of their ID in an inside jacket pocket. Or in a little pouch around their neck. That way if their wallet or purse is stolen they will still have ID.

Sources:
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/traveling
https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/family/info-2021/tips-for-traveling-with-relative-with-dementia.html

If you are considering Alzheimer’s care in Katy, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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