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Traveling With Memory Impaired Loved One Requires Special Planning

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By LYN ROCHE, Tribune Correspondent

Published: February 15, 2008

Dear Lyn: My husband is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. His memory isn't good and he gets confused. Our only grandchild's wedding is in June. I'm looking forward to it and he's still social enough to enjoy the celebration. It's just that we have to fly and I'm worried about the stress of crowded airports and possibly losing him. Any suggestions you have that could help make traveling with him easier for both of us would be greatly appreciated. – Mildred

Dear Mildred: My main suggestion is to use the time between now and June in well-thought-out preparation. Your anxiety about air travel with your husband will be greatly reduced and you'll be better able to enjoy yourselves and the special time with your family.

First, try to get direct flights that don't require changing planes. If you can't book direct flights, allow generous connection times to help avoid unnecessarily stressful situations and/or missed flights. Inform the airline of your husband's condition when you make the reservations. Arrange to be transported together through the airport. It should be easier and safer for your husband than walking – as well as less tiring for both of you. Also try to plan your hours of travel during the time of day you consider his "best time."

If your husband isn't enrolled in Safe Return, contact the Alzheimer's Association now at 1-888-572-8566. Order a bracelet for him and a companion bracelet for yourself. Should you become separated from him, or if you're incapacitated or involved in some mishap, you'll both be identified as part of an excellent locator program. If you encounter difficulty getting your husband to wear his bracelet, visit my Web site, www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com. Read, "wandering" under Archived Articles.

I also suggest you write down important information for both of you to have with you at all times during your trip. The information for your husband to carry should contain his name and address, your cell phone number, all flight numbers, and a complete itinerary. Include destination information and names and numbers of people with whom you'll be staying. Because your husband could become confused and possibly uncooperative with authorities if separated from you, also include a brief explanation that he is memory-impaired and may not be able to answer questions accurately. His bracelet also will alert them to that possibility.

The information you carry also must contain all your travel information and state that your traveling companion has Alzheimer's. Be sure to include a recent close-up and full-length photo of your husband. All the tickets, luggage claim stubs, passports if necessary, and anything else important should be in your possession — not his — at all times. It's also a good idea to keep a small notepad and pen with you so you can write down your gate numbers or any other new information you feel will help you remain informed and composed.

If at any time you should happen to feel overwhelmed, ask for assistance. And remember, all airports have medical stations offering first-aid and a calm quiet area. Fill your carry-on with plenty of Kleenex, hand wipes, gum, favorite snacks and any quiet activities you can think of that might keep your husband occupied and peaceful while standing in security checkpoint lines, waiting at the gate or during flight times.

Advance preparations to lessen your anxiety, plus a confident smile on your face to lessen his, should help make air travel a more pleasant experience for both of you.

Caregiving expert and author Lyn Roche helped care for her father, mother-in-law and grandmother. Write Lyn Roche at Journey Publications, P.O. Box 433, Sebring, FL 33871, or lyn@thecaregiverscaregiver.com. Visit her Web site at www.thecaregiverscaregiver.com>

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TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE

changing planes • cell phone number • flight numbers • direct flights • stressful situations • safe return • special time • mishap • time of day • lyn • archived articles • best time • alzheimer • important information • air travel • airports • companion • anxiety • celebration • airline

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