Tracy and her mother, Carol, who has dementia, will be taking a trip together. Planning the holiday around Carol's dementia symptoms will make the getaway more enjoyable for mother and daughter. Boca Raton Home Care brings you a small story here;
Travel Arrangements :
Carol is in the second stage of dementia, so a busy airport can confuse and frustrate her. Carol's dementia symptoms worsen in the late afternoon. Based on those factors, Tracy booked an early flight.
Even though her mom can walk, Tracy arranged wheelchair transport for Carol. Utilizing a wheelchair will make negotiating the airport easier. Tracy will study the terminal map to plot the quickest route to the gate and find restroom locations.
Tracy asked about the turnaround time between connecting flights. Traveling with her mom will make meeting tight connections extra difficult. When traveling with a loved one who has dementia, also try to avoid long layovers. Tracy will inform the airport security that Carol has dementia.
Take a Third Party Along
Tracy invited her girlfriend Stephanie to be a travel companion. Both mother and daughter enjoy Stephanie's company, so the trip will be more pleasant. Stephanie agreed to act as a relief caregiver, so Tracy could have the downtime that a caregiver needs. Tracy explained her mom's situation thoroughly to Stephanie.
Making Accommodations
During their excursion, Carol, Tracy, and Stephanie will be staying with Tracy's sister Anne. People with dementia need to keep on a regular schedule. Lodging at Anne's house will facilitate following Carol's usual daily schedule. Before they arrive, Tracy will explain to her sister how dementia affects their mom and tell Anne how to prepare her home to meet their mother's needs.
Had it been necessary to stay at a hotel, Tracy would have researched to find a lodging establishment that offers special accommodations beneficial to her mom like childproof doorknob covers to guard against wandering. Finding their way around a hotel with many corridors can confuse a person with dementia, making a small hotel a better choice.
Planning The Itinerary
Tracy began planning her and her mom's itinerary early, allowing time to research attractions. Tracy took into account the amount of walking involved and if the site offered a quiet place where her mom could rest and calm down if necessary. So Carol doesn't become over stimulated by too much activity and motion, Tracy will visit more crowded and exciting destinations alone during her deserved me-time. The day's adventures will end before fatigue begins exacerbating Carol's dementia symptoms.
Take Wandering Precautions
Her daughter will register Carol with a safe return program. Carol will wear a medical ID bracelet that bears her name, the word "dementia", and Tracy's name and cell phone number.
Packing
Tracy will pack her mom's healthcare documents, including the contact information for Carol's doctor and a medication list containing dosages. A copy of Carol's healthcare proxy, living will, and the POA will be taken along as will a list of Carol's allergies.
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