Traveling can be difficult under normal circumstances. When you’re traveling with a senior parent that has Alzheimer’s, it can be stressful to make sure that they are able to handle the trip without any problems. However, there are some things that you and their Alzheimer’s care provider can do to make the trip run more smoothly and help ensure that your senior parent feels safe and is calm throughout the trip.
Pack Carefully
One of the toughest parts of traveling with a senior parent who has Alzheimer’s is making sure that they have the clothes and other items they will need for the trip. Also be sure that they have their tickets, IDs, and other documents that are needed. If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s care that can help. A care provider that specializes in Alzheimer’s care can pack your senior parent’s bags for them and make sure that you have all of their IDs and documents that they will need to travel.
Bring Distractions
You should plan on packing lots of distractions that you can use to redirect your senior parent if they get upset or use to keep them busy when you need to take care of navigating the airport. A fantastic thing to bring on any trip with a senior that has Alzheimer’s is an old phone or MP3 player loaded with several hours of your senior parent’s favorite music. Use cordless ear bugs that can be placed in your senior parent’s ears so that your senior parent can listen to the music at a high volume if they want or if they have trouble hearing.
Use a Tracking Device
Even if you are paying close attention to your senior parent, it’s possible they will wander off when you are distracted. You should get your senior parent a watch or some item of jewelry that has a GPS tracker in it so that your senior parent will always be able to be found. There are apps you can use on your phone to help location your senior parent also. Having a way to track them can be very valuable if your senior parent gets lost or wanders off and they aren’t able to tell anyone they need help or ask for help.
Let Others Know
There have been a lot of stories in the news about rude travelers and rude transportation workers who are making travel difficult for others. In general, people are pretty understanding if you let them know that your senior parent has Alzheimer’s. Don’t be afraid to tell the gate agents, security personnel, and others you may encounter. Often they will be more patient and understanding when they know that your senior parent isn’t purposefully being rude, belligerent, or annoying. Once they understand it stems from a medical issue they are much more likely to be patient and understanding.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s Care in Gilbert, AZ, or anywhere in the East Valley, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care.
Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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