Dear HelpLine: Navigating Travel During the Holidays | AFTD

Dear HelpLine,
I am thinking of traveling to see family this year for the holidays, but this would be the first time taking my wife since she was diagnosed with FTD 2 years ago.  Is there anything you can share with me about traveling with someone with FTD?

For many people, the holiday season is a time for celebrations and gatherings. It can be a time filled with many different emotions including joy, happiness, sadness, and stress. However, planning ahead can be a helpful step in reducing stress and can foster a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. There are some key considerations to keep in mind when planning around the holidays and traveling with a loved one who has been diagnosed with FTD. AFTD has developed a resource providing travel guidance for families affected by FTD, which can be downloaded using the link below:

AFTD Travel Resource

It can be helpful to consult with your loved one’s medical team in advance of travel to discuss any concerns you and your loved one may have. Keeping a log of details about behaviors your loved one living with FTD may experience can help with identifying patterns and how to approach various situations. AFTD developed a behavior tracker that can aid in identifying these patterns, which can be downloaded using the link below:

AFTD Behavior Tracker

Prior to traveling with a loved one living with FTD, research accommodations and accessibility options such as the Hidden Sunflower program available at many airports. You can also consider consulting with a travel agent who can assist with navigating accessibility options and accommodations during travel.

For some, travel can be stressful. When planning ahead for travel, consider potential stressors and ways to reduce stress. For example, if noisy environments are upsetting for a person living with FTD, noise-canceling headphones may be helpful in reducing stress. Be prepared for changes not only in travel plans but also in your loved one’s needs during travel. Unfamiliar environments and changes to routines can be stressful to navigate for someone living with FTD. Providing familiar comforts such as snacks, electronics, or music may be helpful in managing stressful situations. Having additional help and support from others can also be beneficial. While considering how to reduce stressful situations for your loved one, self-care is also important to remember.

Consider what is helpful to you in reducing your stress as well. You won’t be able to plan for every scenario, but it can be helpful to have some tools in your kit to reduce stress where you are able. It’s important to keep in mind that plans may not go exactly as expected and that is ok!

FTD care partner support groups can also be a helpful space for suggestions, support, and resources when navigating holiday travel. You can search for local and regional FTD care partner support groups in your area using AFTD’s Find Support page.

Find Support Near You

If you are unable to find a group in your area or if you need more assistance in finding an option that works for you, contact the HelpLine at 1-866-507-7222 or info@theaftd.org. The HelpLine is a resource for both care partners and those living with FTD in navigating support, information, and resources.