Although you are prepared, you will certainly need some tips to make the trip as comfortable and reassuring for the person as possible to avoid stress and anxiety. In addition, there may be some preparations that you missed.
Be patient
Traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s requires a lot of patience. They need time to adjust, to feel comfortable. When you disrupt their daily routine, it can cause them stress and anxiety. It is therefore important for the people who accompany her, whether they are relatives or caregivers, to be patient throughout the journey and even at the destination.
Keep a calm and familiar environment
Adjusting to a new environment can be stressful for people with Alzheimer’s disease. It should be done gently, in a quiet place. Don’t rush them to greet other family members, to do group activities, etc. Also, bring familiar objects so that the person does not feel out of step or lose his or her bearings. They may be confused by the sudden changes in routine.
Indeed, routine is an important element for people with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s why, during a trip, it’s important to maintain regular workout routines as they might have in their daily lives.
The Scarlett application, a brain training program on a tablet, allows you to maintain this routine thanks to its portable format that requires no Internet connection. You will have access to more than 30 fun and cultural games adapted and designed for people with varying degrees of cognitive impairments. This is a good way to keep good habits and stimulate the memory even while traveling!
Take breaks if necessary
If the journey is by car and the trip is likely to be long, it is necessary to plan breaks as much as possible. This is to avoid irritating the person or exposing her to a stressful situation. During the breaks, plan activities to do, such as a photo break, a picnic or just a break to get some fresh air. In any case, if the trip is going to be too long, opt for the plane if you can, which is faster, or change your destination and opt for places that are not too far away.
Always plan for medical assistance
If possible, travel with medical personnel to ensure the health of your loved ones during the trip, but also to continue administering the necessary treatment and to keep an eye on the health of the person once he or she arrives at the destination. If this is not possible, you can also request a medical transportation service that will ensure the trip is comfortable and safe for the person. Some of these services allow a family member to accompany the patient during the trip.
