Do you plan to take a trip with your elderly loved one who has dementia? You may be worried about all sorts of things in regard to this trip. If you have never been on a trip with your elderly loved one since they were diagnosed with dementia, you may be unsure of what you are supposed to do. You might not know how to handle certain things that may come up during the trip. Here are some tips that might help you and their elder care aides when taking a trip with your elderly loved one who has dementia.
Take Items That Are Familiar to Them
Are you going on a trip with your elderly loved one who has dementia? If so, the most important thing for you to do is to take items with you that are familiar to your elderly loved one. For instance, if they always use the same blanket every night for bed, be sure to bring that blanket on the trip. If your elderly loved one eats the same snack when they are away from home, be sure to bring that snack. The more things that you can keep the same for your elderly loved one, the fewer behaviors they are likely to have.
Sticking to a Routine
While it can be difficult to stick to a routine when going on a trip, it is important that you do so, as much as possible. People who have dementia thrive on routines. If they go on a trip and everything is different, they are probably going to have more behaviors. For example, if your elderly loved one usually eats lunch at 1 p.m., be sure they eat lunch as close to 1 p.m. as possible on the trip. If they usually go to sleep by 8 p.m., be sure they are able to do this on the trip.
Take Breaks with Elder Care
If the trip that you are going on with your elderly loved one involves doing a lot of things, be sure that you take breaks often. It is very easy for someone with dementia to get overwhelmed while taking a trip. There are so many things that are different for them when they are away from home. It is important that you do your best to allow them time to get a snack, go to the bathroom often, and sit down for a bit. Breaks are going to help the trip go more smoothly for everyone and elder care providers can assist.
If you have a trip planned with your elderly loved one who has dementia, be sure that you follow these tips. By doing so, the entire trip can go more smoothly for both of you. If it isn’t possible for your elderly loved one to go on the trip, you may need to have elder care providers stay at their home with them while you are gone.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers
If you or a loved one are considering Elder Care Services near Columbia PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Lancaster. Call today at (717) 205-2174.
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