8 Things to Consider When Traveling with a Person Living with Dementia

Being a care partner for a person living with dementia or other brain change can be incredibly challenging as you weigh their needs and yours. It can also be rewarding. If your family lives a fair distance away from you, you may need to determine the best way to spend time with them, especially as special occasions arise.

Weigh the pros and cons. Traveling with a person living with brain changes can be challenging. Be honest with yourself and others as you consider the pros and cons of traveling. What are the benefits of traveling? The drawbacks? Will the experience be life-giving for the person living with dementia? Or will it be stressful? Are you traveling for yourself or others?

Choose your travel time. Once you’ve decided to travel, consider the variables you can control. Is there a time of day that works better? Are mornings better than evenings? Early afternoon better than early morning? Begin or end your journey at a time of day that is usually “good” for your loved one living with brain changes.

Planes, trains or automobiles? Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each mode of transportation. While travel by plane can make a long journey go faster, the stress of standing in line, waiting for security checks and sitting for hours can create added stress. Would train travel be more relaxing? Or take too long? Would traveling by car give you greater flexibility? Or make the journey too long?

Plan for rest. Schedule time to rest as you travel. If you travel by air and need a layover, allow plenty of time. Find a quiet lounge or even a hotel room where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the airport for a couple of hours to allow for a reset. If you are traveling by car and the journey will take more than one day, allow plenty of time to rest overnight and start fresh in the morning.

Plan for agitation. Remain relaxed. Traveling can be challenging — even for people without brain change. Expect agitation and prepare yourself by responding with kindness and grace. When agitation occurs, try to find the source — the unspoken need — so you can meet the need and keep moving everyone in the right direction.

Anticipate situations that may trigger reactions. Remember: reactions are simply an expression of unfulfilled needs. Anticipate those needs. Does your loved one often get cold? Make sure you have an extra sweater. Is your loved one frequently thirsty? Have water available. Does your loved one struggle with urgent bathroom needs? Make frequent bathroom stops.

Transparent conversations. While still honoring your loved one, disclose your loved one’s brain change symptoms to flight attendants and others traveling with you. Let them know how they can help you make the travel experience better for your loved one. If people anticipate a challenge, they will be more accommodating when something happens.

Consider alternatives. Saying no to traveling to attend a grandchild’s wedding, graduation or other special event can be hard. While you are evaluating, consider if other alternatives may make the trip possible for you as a caregiver. Some memory care communities offer respite care for a week or two. While it requires planning and a little faith that a space will be available when you need it, partnering with a memory care community may be the best option. If you have a respite caregiver, they may also be able to provide full-time support while you travel.

Many caregivers feel guilty for wanting to travel. They feel responsible for the person living with dementia and do not want to place that burden on someone else. Give yourself the gift of a break and time with loved ones. Do not rule out travel just because it may be difficult. Instead, consider the options and determine if it’s possible to travel and still care for your loved one living with dementia.

Melody Karick, dementia educator and consultant for ForgeWorks, was a care partner for her parents before serving as the director of memory support at Garden Spot Village. She helps businesses, churches, municipalities, first responders and families serve people living with dementia.

Melody’s certifications include Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner, Personal Care Health Administrator, Virtual Dementia Tour Certified Trainer and Positive Approach to Care. In addition, Melody leads Dementia Friendly Lancaster, a group of devoted community members, organizations and faith-based leaders as well as those who have been touched by dementia.