Thinking about taking a 6 day trip with husband with mod dementia. Has some ongoing confusion. Worried disruption to routine, plane trip, new locales, visiting family he rarely sees will mean he will be worse when he comes home. Any experiences you can share?
You’re better off setting up Zoom or FaceTime. Try it!
I travel with my father and confusion and forgetfulness are predominant. Otherwise happy go lucky. We visit places he has been before so can constantly relate things. Upon ‘re entry’ there is often 2-3 days of getting back to normal.
i am at the point where we have taken our last trip (I believe). The prep and tax on me is not worth the squeeze. It’s turned into traveling with a 2 yo. Prep a bag, the things he feels he needs, extra depends, etc. it’s great to provide the change, break or experience but it’s come to an end. You know it when you reach it and you won’t know it unless you do it.
also consider safety in your arrangements. I had to beg Marriot to give me adjoining rooms once and my dad still got out of the room at 2am to wonder where he was. The desk had been forwarded and were great when we ran out in pjs after him.
good luck.
I do not recommend traveling with him. It more than likely won't be pleasant for either of you.
This will make it harder on you than even on him.
Will there be a family bathroom, or will one of our sons be along or other capable man be available to help him otherwise?
Will there be laundry facilities available in case of more than usual incontinence issues?
What extra effort will it take to be sure he has proper nutrition... if special food, products or special utensils need to be brought along?
Will there be anyone trustworthy to help supervise to prevent him from wandering off... even to go find the bathroom without me realizing it? Everyone says they will watch him, but then often are distracted.
Will we be in situations with large crowds that may be overwhelming... as well as possible exposure to FLU, COVID, RSV, etc. The worse case scenario... medical care or hospitalization, even for every day chronic issues.... especially if we are too far from home to return to our providers.
Will we have a schedule we will need to follow... what if we are late. Will I end up missing the activities that was the purpose of the trip?
These are just a few of the concerns for me in a normal day that when they occur at home, do not stress me... but away from home is a different story. So, the bottom line is how much will I get out of an event if he accompanies me as well as the issues that may cause him unnecessary stress. I have found when he is along, a simple conversation with someone else can be next to impossible.
You know his overall abilities and the concerns you have for him just at home so visualize how they could be magnified in an unfamiliar environment.
One experience I can share is several years ago we traveled on a plane. The bulkhead seats are not always available. I didn't even consider the consequences until we were about to get seated. With the small amount of space, I realized he would have trouble maneuvering into the window seat. I then realized if he took the aisle seat, I would have trouble helping him out if I were behind him, especially if we were in an emergency situation.
Yes, some things are well worth the inconveniences and set backs. Only you can answer this.
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