Dementia - Going on holiday with someone with dementia

It is the time of year when we are thinking about summer holidays, certainly my daughters are looking forward to the school holidays and going away somewhere. Going away on holiday with someone living with dementia is likely to have its challenges but that doesn’t mean that it is not possible.

The practicalities are important to consider and will vary hugely from one person to another as dementia affects people in different ways and also progresses at different rates. I would suggest not committing yourself to the trip too far in advance, things can change so it is best to be as flexible as you can.

A few top tips of things to consider when planning your trip;

Type of Trip:

I was recently chatting to a lovely couple about the holidays they choose to go on. The husband is living with dementia and they have found that going on a cruise works really well for them. As the departure point is Southampton it avoids the stress of airports and once they are onboard she feels that she can relax, knowing that her husband is pretty safe and secure. They visit different places but have the security of their own cabin for the duration of their trip.

It is worth thinking about what you will spend your time doing, how the person with dementia is likely to react to the new situation and what will make it feel like a holiday and not an ordeal. Everyone is different and enjoys different things but it will probably not be like the last time you were on holiday.

If you are flying: 

Airports are confusing and busy places, especially at busy times - so, if you can, arrange to travel when the airport is likely to be quieter. If there are any mobility challenges at all, do ask to use the airport’s transport service, it can be a surprisingly long walk to the departure gates. Finally, allow plenty of time, there is nothing that adds to any stress more than rushing through a busy airport, thinking you are about to miss your flight!

Where to stay:

If the person you are with is going to need a fair amount of downtime to rest or just take it easy then a smaller hotel or guest house might be the best option, where you can relax in the lounge while they rest in the room. Even better might be a stay with family or friends who can provide a bit of support.

Care:

Does the person with dementia have care provided when at home? If so, is this something you can manage while you are travelling? If not, then it might be possible that a caregiver can travel with you (although there is likely to be quite a cost to this).

Medication:

Ensure you have enough of their medication and probably a little extra in case any travel plans are delayed. A pre-filled blister pack from your chemist makes it much easier to be sure you have the right medication at the right times.

Happy holidays, have a great summer!

Alastair Shanks, Owner Right at Home GF and Dementia Friends Champion