Traveling with Someone Who Has Dementia
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer visit with family, it’s important to recognize that dementia affects each person differently. Some individuals may feel anxious or disoriented in unfamiliar settings. Others may enjoy new experiences as long as their routines and comforts are nearby. And travel often involves light exercise, which we know can help slow cognitive decline. No matter where your loved one is on their journey with cognitive decline, a bit of extra planning can go a long way in creating a positive travel experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips for traveling with someone who has dementia:
Plan ahead. Ask your loved one’s health care provider if they are fit for travel and inquire about any preparation they advise. Whenever possible, involve the person with dementia in the planning process. Simple questions like, “Would you like to visit Aunt Marie this spring?” or “Would a short car ride be okay?” can help guide your decisions—and give your loved one a sense of control. Think carefully about how your loved one typically responds to change. Would a road trip be less stressful than flying? Do they tend to do better in the mornings than in the evenings? Is this a trip they would have wanted—or agreed to—before their diagnosis?
Choose familiarity and simplicity. Familiarity is comforting to someone with memory loss. If possible, stay in a place they’ve been before, or bring items from home that make a new place feel safe. A favorite pillow, blanket, or framed photo can offer grounding and reduce confusion.
Keep your itinerary simple. Avoid over-scheduling and allow extra time for transitions. If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia and still enjoys sightseeing, plan one main activity per day—and build in time for rest. Share the itinerary with other family members on the trip.
Learn to recognize the signs of agitation and anxiety. People with dementia may have good days and tough ones. They may thrive in quiet surroundings and become overwhelmed in crowds. If your loved one becomes anxious in the late afternoon (a common occurrence known as “sundowning”), plan to be settled in before then. Avoid late dinners, long evenings out, or activities that could cause sensory overload.
Manage expectations. No matter how much planning and preparation is involved, there may be moments where your loved one is not having a good time or asks to go home. That’s a frequent occurrence on family vacations of all kinds—whether or not anyone has dementia. Mentally prepare for these moments with the understanding that the vacation is not ruined. Practice a personal mantra to keep yourself grounded, or rehearse a redirection technique in anticipation of this happening.
Have a backup plan. We all know what they say about the best laid plans. Things happen. Our first plan, as meticulous as it may be, can fall apart. Your plan should include options for canceling your trip if necessary, such as travel insurance for flights and accommodations. Should your loved one’s health care provider decide that travel is not advisable, look into options for local respite care. That way, you and your other family members can choose to continue with your plans while your loved one is provided quality short-term care in a welcoming long-term care community.
Traveling with someone who has dementia just means traveling more slowly, thoughtfully, and with flexibility. Whether you’re visiting family or watching the ocean together from a quiet bench, what matters most is the time you’re spending with someone you love. Their world may be changing—but your love, patience, and presence are what make the journey meaningful.