Traveling with Alzheimer’s Disease

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photo-family-visiting-senior-female-patient-hospital-bed-image28705755Making the decision to take a trip with a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be a tough call.  Whether it’s a family trip to enjoy rest and relaxation, or traveling to a familiar family vacation home in hopes of bringing your loved one peace, or in search of medical attention, it’s important to weigh all your options with the patient’s physician. With Alzheimer’s disease, there is a point of no return where there is more harm than good to travel.  If you’re doctor is on board, there are some things to keep in mind as you plan your trip.
First, Alzheimer’s agencies like Fisher’s Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation says to keep things simple.  Don’t overwhelm your loved one with too much, too fast.  Limit the length of car and plane rides so they don’t get too confused or agitated.  If you’re flying, many airlines will accommodate medical tickets and allow special boarding passes to you and your family.  If the patient gets too upset or agitated during a car ride, it’s important to pull over and calm them down.  Alzheimer’s patients can be irrational when upset and they could try to leave a moving vehicle.
If you’re certain a trip would be a good thing for the patient, you might consider hiring a medical escort to ease the strain of travel.  Your options vary with your budget for medical escorts so find a company and ask lots of questions.  It’s important to have your physician in the know about this decision too.
Traveling with Alzheimer’s patients isn’t impossible.  It’s just important to minimize the risk and harm to a person who already feels lost in an unfamiliar world.  Talking to the experts can help you make the right call for your family.

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