Transcript Traveling with a Loved One with Dementia

Traveling and Dementia
Josepha A. Cheong, MD
UF Psychiatry and Neurology
Overview
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General issues and principles
Traveling by car
Traveling by plane
Resources
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
General Issues and
Principles
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Safety
– Availability of support for the caregiver
– Access to emergency medical care
– Reliable transportation
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The “3-5 Year Old” Rule
– Similar to travel with a toddler
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General Issues and
Principles
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Limitations
– Of the person with dementia
– Of the caregiver
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Preparation
– Established itinerary
– Ample time for travel and for rest
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A Person with Dementia
Should Not Travel if…
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Severe disorientation and agitation in
unfamiliar surroundings
Delusional, paranoid or aggressive
behavior
Severe incontinence
Wandering behavior
(adapted from the Alzheimer’s Association Info Sheets for Dementia Care)
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How to Determine is
Travel Will Be Tolerated
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Take a “trial” trip that is shorter in
length
Modify trip plan according to behavior
and tolerance of the trial
Observe patient’s ability to deal with
change and unfamiliar surroundings
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Key Issues
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Time – allow plenty of time for breaks
and for adjustment to an unfamiliar
setting
Safety – always be vigilant for
wandering or inadvertent “escapeseeking” behavior
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Key Issues
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Safety – identification and contact
information should be kept on a
bracelet at all times
Medications – keep at least 2 copies of
a list of all the meds (dose and
schedule), be sure to bring enough
medications to cover the period of the
trip
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General Principles for the
Caregiver
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Be prepared to do everything for the
patient with dementia
Begin the trip with getting plenty of
rest
Arrange for assistance if at all possible
Plan all the possible details in advance
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Key Principles
Pack the necessities and clothing for
the patient
 Travel during the non-peak season
(avoid Thanksgiving – Christmas)
 Maintain your sense of humor
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UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Key Principles
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When planning a trip, inquire
regarding facilities that could
accommodate a person with dementia
Check-in all luggage except for
medications and a set of clothing
Bring familiar clothing and other
objects for orientation
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Airline Travel
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Take the shortest route possible with
the fewest plane changes
Bring a set of clothing in case of a spill
or toileting accident
Book a seat that keeps the interaction
with others to a minimum
Limit fluids
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Airline Travel
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Minimize carry-on luggage
Consider a mild tranquilizer but only
with an MD’s consultation
Make certain that there is plenty of
identification
Limit time in crowded gate areas
Bring a snack and a distractor
(adapted from Totebag and Toothbrush: Travel Tips for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Moxley, 1996)
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Car Travel
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Limit time in car to 2hrs at a time
Be certain to secure seat belts and
door locks
Bring extra set of clothing
Stop early in the day to allow time for
the person to adjust to the change in
environment
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Car Travel
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Never leave person unattended
Make certain of identification
information
Carry recent photographs of person
Plan itinerary in advance, leave copies
with friends and families
Have assistance whenever possible
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Review
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Safety is always the primary concern,
even if it means NOT traveling
Allow time for adjustment to change
Try to maintain as much of the daily
routine and schedule as possible
Have realistic expectations of the
person’s ability to tolerate change
Assistance is ALWAYS a good thing
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Resources
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Alzheimer’s Association Information
Sheet on Travel Tips
Moxley J. (1996). Totebag and
Toothbrush: Travel Tips for the
Alzheimer’s Caregiver. WinstonSalem, North Carolina: Piedmont
Triad Alzheimer’s Association
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Resources
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Hall GR. Travel Guidelines for People
with Dementing Illness. Iowa Geriatric
Education Center – Virtual Hospital:
www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/GeriatricEduca
tion/Travel.html
UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net
Questions?
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