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Traveling and Dementia

Traveling and Dementia. Josepha A. Cheong, MD UF Psychiatry and Neurology. Overview. General issues and principles Traveling by car Traveling by plane Resources. General Issues and Principles. Safety Availability of support for the caregiver Access to emergency medical care

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Traveling and Dementia

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  1. Traveling and Dementia Josepha A. Cheong, MD UF Psychiatry and Neurology

  2. Overview • General issues and principles • Traveling by car • Traveling by plane • Resources UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  3. General Issues and Principles • Safety • Availability of support for the caregiver • Access to emergency medical care • Reliable transportation • The “3-5 Year Old” Rule • Similar to travel with a toddler UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  4. General Issues and Principles • Limitations • Of the person with dementia • Of the caregiver • Preparation • Established itinerary • Ample time for travel and for rest UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  5. A Person with Dementia Should Not Travel if… • 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) UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  6. How to Determine is Travel Will Be Tolerated • 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 UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  7. Key Issues • Time – allow plenty of time for breaks and for adjustment to an unfamiliar setting • Safety – always be vigilant for wandering or inadvertent “escape-seeking” behavior UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  8. Key Issues • 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 UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  9. General Principles for the Caregiver • 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 UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  10. Key Principles • Pack the necessities and clothing for the patient • Travel during the non-peak season (avoid Thanksgiving – Christmas) • Maintain your sense of humor UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  11. Key Principles • 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 UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  12. Airline Travel • 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 UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  13. Airline Travel • 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

  14. Car Travel • 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

  15. Car Travel • 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

  16. Review • 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

  17. Resources • Alzheimer’s Association Information Sheet on Travel Tips • Moxley J. (1996). Totebag and Toothbrush: Travel Tips for the Alzheimer’s Caregiver. Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Piedmont Triad Alzheimer’s Association UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  18. Resources • Hall GR. Travel Guidelines for People with Dementing Illness. Iowa Geriatric Education Center – Virtual Hospital: www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/GeriatricEducation/Travel.html UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

  19. Questions? UF Psychiatry - ALZONLINE.net

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