Elderly parents with cognitive issues don’t typically have the opportunity to travel, as once intuitive everyday activities have become more challenging for them and their caregivers. Significant alterations to their routines that are inherent in traveling can be exceptionally confusing and disorienting for dementia patients in particular. However, if your senior loved one lives in a memory care facility, they are potentially more separated from their family than they ever have been, and taking them on a road trip to visit extended family for special events can be an excellent way to keep them engaged and involved. If you are worried about traveling with your elderly parent, don’t let it stop you from bringing them to the family celebration – we are here to help with helpful travel tips.

Summer Road Trip Travel Tips

  1. Be Proactive About Packing: The most important part of a successful road trip with an elderly parent (especially someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s ) is bringing everything you need from the beginning.  What might seem an insignificant oversight for most travelers can rapidly lead to undue confusion and stress for someone with cognitive issues.Be sure to gather all necessary identification, documentation, prescriptions, and resources that you might possibly need for your road trip. This may include ID cards, medical ID bracelets,  medications, and any item from their daily routine that will help them to cope with simple tasks. These items are vital for a continuum of care even when traveling, as well as successfully navigating any unexpected problems that may arise during the trip. If they live in an assisted living or memory care center, be sure to ask their day-to-day caregivers about specifics in their routine that you may not be aware of. Those people who are with them every day understand the nuances of their preferences, habits, and routine – and upsetting these activities too much may be too overwhelming for your loved one.  Be sure to have their toothbrush, their favorite hairbrush, their slippers, and the blanket from their bed if those are important – anything that will inspire familiarity will help you to acclimate them to a new environment.
  2. Plan Reasonable Travel Days:  Minimizing travel time is important when on a road trip with elderly parents, regardless of cognitive ability. Plan on taking direct routes and limit the sightseeing unless it’s a planned part of your itinerary (such as visiting a family member.) Limit the amount of time spent in vehicles of any kind, as long hours in cars, trains or planes can become very uncomfortable both physically and emotionally for elderly people. Leave a buffer for potential delays, but weigh the number of stops against the length of each leg – and remain flexible if your loved one is frantic to get out of the car.
  3. Keep Them Informed: Individuals with cognitive issues often forget their family members and get confused about their daily routine – so they are definitely likely to forget that you told them all about your travel plans a week ago. Be sure to repeatedly tell your loved one what is happening, what you are doing, and who they are going to see – and encourage them to tell stories about the places you are going or the people you are visiting (should you be taking a nostalgic trip.)  By continually informing them of where they are and what they are doing, you can ease fear or concern about all of the unfamiliarity. 
  4. Set Aside Quiet Time: Both when traveling and when at your destination, don’t try to fit in too many activities. Be ready to slow down and offer a quiet, calm space for your family member to rest or sleep. If your trip entails visiting a lot of people, you may wish to consider setting aside a quiet room or even getting a hotel room to prevent overstimulation and confusion. If possible, give them a nice view, landscaped grounds, or a luxurious environment so they can rest, relax and recharge.

    Summer road trips can be fun, but a small amount of preparation will definitely yield a more peaceful and fun experience.

    If your senior family has dementia, contact A Banyan Residence today. We operate an assisted living and memory care facility in The Villages, Florida.