Traveling long distances with a person in the early stage of dementia may still be quite enjoyable. As dementia advances, however, traveling becomes unpredictable as the person becomes more confused. Plan ahead for a trip by gathering important documents: insurance cards, passports, your physician's phone number, refills on medications and a copy of medical records in case the person with dementia needs to see a physician while away. Make sure you keep track of all the documents and medications. Packing them in carry-on bags so they will not get lost en route is a good idea. Remember to bring sufficient funds or a credit card with you in case you must change your plans suddenly and return home. Also, you may want to bring along a brief letter from your physician to the airline or hotel to expedite a change in plans.
When traveling, try to follow the routine that is followed at home. Even minor changes in routine can be distressing to your loved one, and may cause unexpected delays in the delivery of care. So, be sure to allow plenty of time for everything. Plan for rest periods throughout the day. For example, if you are taking a tour by bus, you may want to remain in the bus so the person can take a nap instead of visiting all the sights.
Remember the person who is at risk of wandering when at home, may also do so in an unfamiliar place. If this is the case with your loved one, try using an identity bracelet or necklace that clearly explains that she has a dementia illness. Put a card with the name and address of the hotel where you are staying in the person's pocket. You may want to carry a recent photo of the person in case she gets lost.
Traveling may also make the person more anxious. Bring along an anti-anxiety medicine just in case. Toileting is an issue that requires some forethought when you are traveling. If you are driving, stop at the rest-area toilets every couple of hours. If the person needs assistance in the bathroom and you may be in there for a while, bring along an "OCCUPIED" sign for the washroom door. Have on hand a full change of clothing. Be sure to keep the way to the toilet well lighted in hotel rooms, and keep a light turned at night in the bathroom.
A few more travel tips to keep in mind: If you are traveling by car, never leave your loved one with dementia alone in the car. Try to bring along a relative or friend to share in the driving. And if you are traveling by plane, you may want to notify the airline ahead of time, so you can ask for any assistance.
Eating Right on the Road
By Rita Miller-Huey
Remember the good old days when you and your companions could go traveling and not worry about what, when or where you were going to eat? Over the years our bodies and our needs change, and we must pay closer attention to the food we eat, as well as when we eat. With some simple pre-planning for meals and snacks, you can still enjoy a trip away from home.
Paying attention to what and when you eat can give you some important information related to how you feel. If you're not feeling well now, think about what you ate in the last 12 to 24 hours. Headache? Heart burn? High acid foods may cause indigestion, a rich dessert may cause fatigue, and going too long between meals may leave you feeling anxious or cranky. Who wants any of that while on vacation or even doing errands? Answering these questions will help you plan to meet your needs:
What are your dietary requirements?
How long will you be in the car or away from home doing errands?
How often do you want to eat?
Are you familiar with the route and destination or are they new?
Are there conveniently spaced towns or rest stops 40 to 50 miles apart?
Do you know any restaurants along the way that can meet your dietary requirements? Who may know?
Steps to make eating when traveling, easier:
Do what you know works for you. When you are away from home you want to feel your best, so it's the time to stick as close as possible to your normal eating patterns (even though the temptation to cheat is great).
Call ahead to your hotel or hosts. Ask about the restaurants in the area. Put your mind at ease.
Pack plenty of your favorite snacks.
Think about the mess factor when eating in the car.
Non-perishable items last longest and need the least fuss: whole grain crackers, nuts or sunflower seeds, snack bars, fresh fruit or cereal.
A thermal bag and an ice pack make perishable items easy, too: cheese (pre-sliced or sliced before you go), no fat lunch meat, pudding or yogurt cups, sliced vegetables: peppers, carrots or celery.
Plenty of water and/or fruit juices will keep you from dehydrating.
Traveling may not be quite as spontaneous, but it can still be enjoyable for you and those who are depending on you.
