Traveling with an Alzheimer’s patient?
Travel safety tips to help you along the way.
You don’t have to stop traveling if you’re caring for someone with dementia. It just requires more careful planning.
What to bring:
- Copies of important documents (doctors names and contact information, list of current medications and dosages, a list of food and drug allergies, name and contacts of friends and family to call in case of emergency, insurance information)
- Medication
- Travel itinerary
- Snacks
- Activities
Tips for safe travel:
- A change in environment can trigger wandering. Enroll in Alzheimer’s Medic Alert + Safe Return® program and notify the program of travel plans.
- Stick with the familiar. Travel to known destinations that involve as few changes to daily routine as possible.
- If staying in a hotel, inform hotel staff of specific needs ahead of time.
- Travel during the time of day that is best for the person with dementia.
- Contact the Alzheimer’s Association to learn if there is an association office in the area of your destination.
Tips for air travel:
- Inform the airline and airport medical service ahead of time to make sure they can help you if needed.
- Remind airport employees and in-flight crew of your needs.
- Considering requesting a wheelchair so that an airport employee is assigned to help you get from place to place in the airport.
If you have any questions or concerns call the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter at (614)457-6003 or the Alzheimer’s Association 24 hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
