However your family spends time together, summer vacations are special – no doubt about it. As we get older, our lives change, but the traditions are the things we look forward to and that bond us together. Plus, vacations are fun, no matter how old or young you are. Yet, when someone in your family has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may wonder if family vacations are off the table.
Our Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke, a memory care assisted living community in Pembroke, MA, says, “Family vacations become more important than ever when a loved one has a memory issue. These special times remain opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime. Although it takes a little extra time and preparation to plan a trip with a loved one with dementia, the effort can be well worth it.”
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of traveling with your loved one, as well as what their state of mind may be. Our ED explains:
“First of all, you’ll want to determine if your loved one can travel safely and comfortably,” they say. “Then, it’s important to determine where you can travel. Will the destination be familiar to your loved one? Is there a support system or other assistance in place for you when you arrive? Is it possible that traveling will be too disorienting for your senior? These are questions only you can answer, and the answers may change over time.”
Regardless of the situation, here are seven tips you can follow to help you plan an enjoyable, safe, and happy summer travel season with your loved one.
1. Consider your destination
First things first: Where will you be traveling? Depending on your loved one’s state of mind, it may be better to go somewhere familiar (or a place that they’ve traveled in the past). That doesn’t mean that a new place is completely off the table, but it does require consideration. Also, where is this destination? Can you get there fairly quickly, or will it require a long and circuitous route? When your loved one has dementia, how you get there is nearly as important as where you’re going.
2. Be direct
No matter where you end up traveling, it’s important to be as direct as possible. Can you drive to your destination? What about direct flights? If possible, you want the most direct and straightforward route, even if it means paying a little bit more money. By avoiding airport transfers or too many scenic detours, you’ll reduce confusion and make your travel a lot easier.
3. Break up your travel time if it’s more than 4 hours
If you’re going a long distance, it may be necessary to break up your travel time over several days. This will allow you to travel during the time of day that’s best for your loved one (avoiding any unpleasantness with sundowning or other unwanted behaviors), and give you a break as much as possible. Plan your route accordingly and be sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. If the travel goes well, your time at the destination will be that much more enjoyable.
4. Have another caregiver travel with you
Sometimes it’s not possible to split a trip into several days of travel. In that event? Consider asking a friend or family member to come with you on the trip. Having an extra pair of hands will help your loved one stay comfortable and secure, which will minimize your stress and make the trip as smooth as possible.
5. Give people (or places) advance notice
Whether you’re staying with family members or at a hotel, or if you’re flying or taking the car, you’ll want to make sure you touch base with someone at your destination in order to make sure your loved one has everything he or she needs to feel comfortable. This ranges from wheelchair transport to accommodations for airport screening to making sure that you have a hotel room that’s in a quiet location. More than likely, your loved one isn’t the first person with memory issues they’ve cared for.
6. Have important items on hand
Pack a “go bag” with everything you need in the event of an emergency: insurance documents, legal papers, medications, contact information and powers of attorney (among anything else that’s necessary). Don’t forget to pack items that are essential to your loved one’s comfort, like snacks, extra clothes, wet wipes, games and other useful distractions. By having everything on hand, you’ll save valuable time in a stressful situation or emergency.
7. Have realistic expectations
You may have an idea in your head about how this vacation will go, but understand that the best laid plans don’t always go smoothly. Even if you plan everything perfectly, unexpected things can and will happen. It’s also more than likely that you will be disappointed with your loved one’s reaction to the vacation itself. That’s okay – and it’s okay to feel a little disappointed when things don’t go the way you wanted them to. It’s important to remember that your loved one has limits, and that it’s your responsibility to manage those limits.
“It’s possible,” our ED says, “that you may even need to cancel your travel plans and come up with alternate options for vacation. It may be that your loved one simply can’t travel, in which case, there are other ways for them to experience connections with friends and family.” We suggest being flexible, such as taking shorter trips or video-calling family members instead of actually physically being there.
“Remember, it’s all about your loved one’s comfort and enjoyment,” says our ED. “If he or she is happy and enjoying themselves, it will be a lot easier for you to enjoy yourself, too.”
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
At Bridges® Pembroke, we also offer free educational sessions and caregiver support groups to help families navigate the dementia journey. These events provide practical tips, expert guidance, and a welcoming space to share experiences with others who understand. Whether you’re seeking advice for daily care challenges or emotional support, our programs are here to empower and connect you.
Purposefully Designed Community
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Contact us today to learn more.