Tips for traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s: Melissa Zapanta-Shelton

Guest columnist Melissa Zapanta-Shelton has re-joined the Cleveland-area Alzheimer’s Association as executive director. She previously served as vice president of development from 2014-2019, where she and her team contributed $2 million in annual revenue. In her new role, she will lead the association’s efforts to engage the community, increase awareness of the disease, expand the reach of free education and support across Northeast Ohio, and raise crucial funds to work toward the association’s mission of a world without Alzheimer’s. Melissa and her husband live in Hinckley Township with their two children and a house full of dogs and cats.

Living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia does not mean you have to stop participating in meaningful activities such as travel.

However, it does require planning to ensure safety, comfort and enjoyment for everyone.

As we head into graduation and summer vacation season, here are a few tips for ensuring a smooth experience for friends or family members living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Tips for a calm travel experience:

• Regardless of distance or duration, it’s important to consider the specific needs, abilities, anxiety and preferences of everyone involved. This is crucial when evaluating how and when to travel.

• It may be helpful to stick with the familiar. Travel to known destinations that involve as few changes in daily routine as possible.

• Learn to recognize signs of anxiety and agitation, and identify strategies to reduce them.

• Remember that environmental changes can trigger wandering or confusion. Don’t overload your loved one with too much information. Instead, focus on the excitement of the trip.

General travel considerations:

• If you’re staying in a hotel, inform the staff in advance so they are prepared to assist with specific needs.

• Have a backup plan in case things change unexpectedly. Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover flights or hotels.

• Carry an itinerary that includes details about each destination. Give copies to anyone you’re visiting and to emergency contacts at home.

• Travel during the time of day that is best for the person with dementia. For example, if he or she becomes tired or more agitated in the late afternoon, avoid traveling then.

• Have a carry-on bag of essentials, including up-to-date medical information and contacts, current medications, a comfortable change of clothes, water, snacks and activities.

• Stay as close to your normal routine as possible. Keep meal and bed times on a familiar schedule, and recognize that eating in may be a better choice than a crowded restaurant.

If you’re visiting family and friends:

Prepare your family for the visit by explaining the state of dementia and any changes it has caused. Go over any special needs and explain that you’ll need flexibility with the timing of meals and activities during your stay.

Suggestions for air travel:

Moving through an airport requires focus and attention, and can be distracting or overwhelming. Consider the following:

• Book through a travel agent or directly through the airline, which allows you to add special notes, requests or needs, like wheelchair assistance or special meals.

• Avoid tight connections. Review airport maps in advance so you can measure the time between gates, find family restrooms and locate customer service agents.

• Consider requesting a wheelchair or cart so you’ll have help navigating security checkpoints and connections. This expedites the process and reduces stress.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from airport employees and in-flight crew.

• Stay with your loved one at all times. It’s easy to get lost or confused in a busy airport or unfamiliar location.

For more tips or information about free resources at your destination, contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

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