Is it ever a good idea to travel by air when your loved one has dementia?
Although they are the hallmark of the holiday season, busy airports can trigger stress in even the most excited, reunion-bound travelers. When your party includes someone living with dementia, however, that feeling is magnified.
“(There is) the additional factor that you’re now responsible for someone's well being and comfort,” says Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Senior Social Worker Linda Mockler, LMSW, MEd. “I think that one of the hardest things about being a caregiver is the weight of responsibility.”
That responsibility includes answering countless travel-related questions, not least of which is whether you and your loved one should fly in the first place.
“As the disease progresses, travel may become too overwhelming,” AFA officials write on their website. “It is imperative to discuss any travel with the individual's physician to evaluate whether or not travel is recommended or safe.”
If your person still recognizes her loved ones, you may determine that time spent nurturing those relationships, while connection is still possible, makes the most sense.
“You can’t predict when the disease is going to accelerate,” Mockler says.
Should you choose to fly there are several ways to mitigate any pressures you might feel and make the entire experience a pleasant one.
For one thing, remember that crowds and chaos aren’t necessary prerequisites for family gatherings. Schedule your festivities so that you can avoid the busiest airport days.
Contact your airline for specific accommodations, and ensure that you are seated beside your loved one. If you can, reserve an aisle seat, so that your partner can easily walk around.
“Even in the earlier stages, if someone is feeling agitated (walking is) one way to discharge that,” Mockler says.
According to Orlando International Airport’s Assistant Manager of Customer Relations Jodi Zadow, any information you provide the airline ahead of your flight will be beneficial.
Flight attendants and crew members will be given printouts of the data you offer, creating a seamless flight for you and fellow passengers alike.
If you can, avoid baggage claim and stick with carry-on items. Be sure to pack your person’s favorite snacks, a blanket or similar comforting item, and consider bringing noise-canceling headphones, as the frequent announcements can be jarring.
Mockler suggests creating a Spotify playlist to soothe your family member, too.
If you do check your luggage, do so immediately, Mockler says, and plan ahead so that these transitions run smoothly. For instance, make sure a car is ready upon your plane’s arrival.
There are also airport programs designed to increase your comfort and safety.
For instance, more than 230 airports participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program, which helps employees identify travelers who may require more time, patience, and understanding.
On travel day, you’d simply find an information booth, located outside the TSA checkpoint, and secure a lanyard, Zadow says. Your loved one’s badge would include your address and phone number so that, should she become lost, employees can easily contact and reunite the two of you.
Staff won’t ask about your loved one’s disability, but they are trained to provide additional assistance upon seeing the lanyard, Zadow says.
And, regardless of where you are in the world, the badges look the same.
If your loved one requires additional support to get through security, call TSA Cares 72 hours before your flight and you’ll be given the guidance and accommodations you need.
You should also discuss potential challenges with your loved one, Mockler says.
“I think in some ways (travel) can be very unpredictable so factoring that in, that there may be things you hadn’t anticipated (is important),” Mockler says.
It’s important to release your expectations so that you can find this season’s nuanced glimmers and particular joys.
“Although some things might change in some ways, you can still celebrate,” Mockler says. “We might be changing some things but the essence will remain the same.”