Vacation Tips for Caregivers
reposted from the
Big Sioux Alzheimers Association |
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Plan a manageable vacation.
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Vacations are
a time for families to share new experiences, see
interesting places, and get some rest and relaxation. If
you are the caregiver of a person with Alzheimer's, it
will be important for you to consider the stage of the
person's illness, any impairments that might affect
traveling, and what adaptations can be made to make a
vacation relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. Here are
some suggestions to consider before you take your next
vacation: |
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Think about your expectations.
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If you choose to travel with
the family member, you'll have many of the same
responsibilities you have at home. In that sense, this
will be a "working" vacation. If you're
interested in rest and relaxation for yourself, you may
want to consider taking time away with a friend and
arranging respite care for the person in your home or at
a local care facility. |
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Stick with the familiar.
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Consider vacationing in ways
the person was accustomed to before the onset of the
disease. For example, if the person has never traveled by
airplane, it would probably be better to drive.Or, if the
person has never taken a beach vacation, choose something
more familiar such as a trip to a nearby attraction.
Spending a short time traveling to a destination may be
most helpful to the person. |
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Stay away from busy places ...
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or from situations that may
cause the person to feel overstimulated or anxious. In
most cases, large cities such as New York, Chicago, or
Los Angeles might make the person feel confused or
anxious. Large amusement parks might also pose problems.
Visiting a relative who has a large family, with a busy,
bustling household, may not be a relaxing time. |
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Keep your vacation simple.
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For example, avoid the
temptation to plan a fast-paced sightseeing trip.
Instead, plan a trip that involves as few changes as
possible. Escorted tours can be enjoyable if you are
traveling with a group of people you know well and who
understand your caregiving responsibilities. |
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Consider a short trip.
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If you're
unsure how the person will react to traveling, consider a
shortened version of a long trip. If the person reacts
positively, you can return at a later time for a longer
visit.
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Choose a "fail-safe" option.
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Pick a vacation package that
allows you to leave early--without financial penalty--if
the person becomes ill or wants to return home. |
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Develop a
list of destinations...
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and contact information for
family members at home as well as a list of medical
professionals along your travel route for you and your
loved one. Alzheimer's Association Chapters are an
excellent source of medical and social service contacts. |
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Advise airlines, hotels, or tour operators
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that you're
traveling with a person who has memory impairment, and
provide some examples of your safety concerns and special
needs. For example, you may want to reserve a wheelchair
and plan for special meals prior to an airplane flight,
or let the tour operator know that your family member
cannot be unaccompanied.
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Prepare identification items ...
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for your traveling companion.
Make certain that your family member wears an
identification bracelet or clothing tag with his/her full
name, and your name. You will want to keep all credit
cards, travelers' checks, and passports with you for
security. |
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Never leave your loved one alone.
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If you're on a tour
sponsored by your church or a local civic group, you may
be able to rely occasionally on help from friends. Never
ask a stranger to watch the person. A person who's
acquainted with the effects of the disease and doesn't
know you or your loved one won't understand how to react
in a difficult situation. |
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Take security precautions.
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For example, if you're
traveling by car, automatic locks are useful. To prevent
the person from exiting the car, you may want to remove
the locks from his/her side of the car. In most cases,
the person should sit next to the driver and not in the
back seat. Keep in mind that automatic windows can be
dangerous. |
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Prepare your traveling companion.
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Telling your loved one about
the trip in advance may help him or her feel part of the
decision-making process. Or, you may only need to inform
him/her shortly before leaving with a simple explanation:
"We're going on a trip together to Texas. I'm going
to start packing some of your things. Can you help me
pack this suitcase?" Or, you may find it less
disruptive simply to announce your plans on the day
you're leaving. |
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Time your travel.
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If he/she travels better at
a specific time of the day, you may want to make plans
accordingly. Take breaks along the way for snacks. |
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Anticipate and avoid delays. |
If you're traveling by train, bus, or
plane, have a friend drive you to the departure point to
relieve you of parking the car and handling the luggage.
Call ahead to determine if your departure will be delayed.
(Many people find it disturbing to wait for hours in
crowded terminals). In addition, bring along items such
as magazines, audiotapes, or a deck of cards to entertain
and relax your family member. |
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Plan ahead for
restroom use.
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If the person is a man and you're a
woman, or vice versa, you may want to bring along a
friend or family member or solicit the help of a staff
member who can accompany him/her to the restroom. Or, it
may be helpful to provide extra protection by using adult
incontinence products. |
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Allow for extra time. |
Avoid the temptation to cram several
activities into one day. Instead, plan for a single
activity and have a couple of alternatives in mind if
there's extra time available. In addition, you and the
person may need more time in between activities to relax
and rest. |
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Maintain familiar eating patterns
and times. |
If your family member is used to eating
at the kitchen table every evening at home, it's probably
not wise to plan for a dinner in a crowded restaurant.
You may want to find a very quiet restaurant, use room
service, or stay at a hotel or motel that has a kitchen
available. Also, serve him/her the same type of foods at
the same time of day that you do at home. |
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Maintain daily routines. |
For example, if the person bathes or
showers every morning, you should try to maintain that
routine. |
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Have faith in your own knowledge
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... and in your judgment and experience.
No one knows the individual better than you do. While a
growing number of hotel and tour operators have oriented
their employees in dealing with persons with dementia,
you understand best what works and what doesn't. Have
confidence in your abilities and in your loving concern
as a caregiver and enjoy your special time together. |
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