It’s summertime, and for many families, that means travel. Memory loss can add stress to summer vacations, but there are ways to minimize anxiety without sacrificing family time. Whether going cross-country or on a short trip, use these tips for safe and hassle-free travel.
Maintain a Sense of Routine
As anyone who works in a memory care facility knows, seniors with memory loss thrive on routine. To reduce stress and confusion, vacationing families should try to make things familiar for their loved ones. On trips, try to keep the most important parts of the person’s at-home routine—such as going to bed, waking up, and eating at set times. With all else being uncertain and new, a trip isn’t the time to change things up.
Create an Informational Flyer for Emergencies
We bring our IDs and passports when we travel, and the same logic applies to trips with memory-impaired people. Before taking off or hitting the road, create a flyer with the person’s name, address, phone number, allergies, medications, and picture. When moving through train stations, airports, and cities, families can hand these flyers to officials if their loved one gets lost.
Get Some Sleep
Never underestimate the power of good sleep. If booking a hotel for an upcoming trip, try to get a room at the end of a hall and away from the pool, elevator, and lobby. For road trips, limit long stretches in the car by taking frequent breaks and stopping early in the evening. On flights, try to avoid long layovers and maintain bedtime routines as much as possible. With a long night’s sleep, everyone will feel better in the morning.
Pack the Meds
Is your memory-impaired loved one on medication? While it’s easy to forget them when packing for a trip, it’s crucial to maintain a regular dosing schedule. Have a medication list ready, including names, dosages, and intervals, and keep medicines on hand. If flying, bring medications in carry-on bags to prevent delays when waiting for checked luggage.
Plan Realistically and Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go
While all vacations require some planning, it’s crucial when taking summer trips with cognitively impaired people. A person with memory loss responds to his or her environment, and they’ll easily pick up on others’ stress and anxiety. Realism is another vital component of vacation planning strategy—and it may mean letting go of preconceived notions of how things are supposed to be. It’s okay to take a break or choose a different activity if the day isn’t going well.
Have a Fun, Safe, and Memorable Vacation
Traveling with a family member in cognitive decline can be stressful, and there are ways to decrease stress and have a wonderful time. By keeping these points in mind, families can have fun, safe, and successful summer vacations. If you need advice or assistance, please call or click for a no-obligation tour and consultation. We’re here to make your summer as easy and stress-free as possible.
