Summer Vacations
Posted by Erin Whalen, Alzheimer’s Care Specialist, Senior Living Residence on 29 May 2009 | 38 Comments
Tags:
Alzheimer’s disease,
vacation,
caregiving,
memory loss
With the unofficial start of summer, many of us begin to look at our calendars to plan vacations or time away from home. Many caregivers have concerns about vacationing and traveling with their family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Yet vacations and leisure time can be about relaxation and enjoyment, for both the caregiver and the person living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The following are some helpful suggestions for planning a successful vacation:
- Arrange a vacation that follows past routines. For example, if you have frequently visited a particular destination, try returning to that place again. Bring along an old photo album and reminisce about past trips.
- Be sure to involve the person with Alzheimer’s disease in vacation activities: walks on the beach, playing a simple card game, preparing dinner, collecting shells, visiting a museum or other activities that promote feelings of enjoyment and reflect individual interests.
- Consider the particular needs of the individual with AD, including current health and wellness issues related to the disease. Adjust your expectations with regard to length of trip, daily activities, accommodations and spending time with many different people. It is vitally important to provide identification for the individual with AD and alert hotel or travel staff about the risk for wandering.
- Follow the schedule of your regular day at home as much as possible. For example, eat meals at the same time, limit the number of daily activities and stimulation as needed.
- Be realistic in expectations. The four week trip you have always dreamed of may be too much for both of you. Prioritize what you would like to do together and focus on that.
- Consider traveling with friends or family members who can help with some of the caregiving so you are able to have some time on your own.
While a vacation can be manageable and enjoyable for both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers may also use the season to take some time for themselves. There are many different ways to travel on your own. You can involve other family members in caregiving for short time or explore respite care options. And remember, Senior Living Residences offers respite services at all of our Memory Support Neighborhoods.
Useful Links:
http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-travel.asp
http://alzheimers.about.com/od/familyandfriends/a/Vacations.htm
