Labor Day travel tips when a loved one has Alzheimer’s

[August 30, 2019]  Labor Day Weekend is a big traveling weekend for many families. Planning and taking a trip can be very stressful for the more than 230,000 Illinois residents currently living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

While the symptoms of this progressive brain disease can sometimes make travel more difficult, it doesn’t mean families can’t travel with a loved one with dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter offers a number of easy tips to help ensure a safe and smooth trip when traveling with a person living with dementia:

Stick with the familiar: Travel to known destinations. Try to visit places that are familiar.

Be prepared: Create an itinerary that includes trip details. Give copies to family members or friends. Keep a copy with you.

Pick the right time: Travel during the time of day that is best for the person with Alzheimer’s.

Avoid layovers: If unavoidable, ask about airport escort services.

Ask for help: For example, request airline personnel to help you navigate through the airport.

Ensure a Safe Return: Changes in environment can trigger wandering. Enroll in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®.

Find local support: Before you go, contact the Alzheimer's Association chapter at your destination.

More tips and information are also available at alz.org/travel.

About the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter:

The Alzheimer’s Association® is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter covers an 87-county area with offices in Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Quincy and Carbondale. Since 1980, the Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. The Illinois Chapter serves more than half a million Illinois residents affected by Alzheimer's disease, including more than 220,000 Illinois residents living with the disease. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. For more information visit www.alz. org/illinois  or call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

[Kaylin Risvold]