Summer is often a time for family vacations, visits, and much-needed respite. When someone you love is living with dementia, travel may still be possible, but it requires thoughtful planning, patience, and flexibility. You may want to include your loved one in a family adventure, create meaningful memories together, or help them spend time with another long-distance caregiver while you rest and recharge.

Start with the Stage of Dementia

Before planning any trip, consider your loved one’s current stage of dementia and how well they tolerate changes in routine. People in the early stages may enjoy short trips and may even manage longer vacations. As dementia progresses, however, trips of any length can become overwhelming and may cause more stress than enjoyment. Short trips, weekend getaways, or familiar destinations are often more manageable than long journeys. If travel is likely to increase anxiety, confusion, mood changes, or challenging behaviors, it may be best to choose a simpler experience closer to home.

Keep Routines Familiar

During travel, try to make the environment and daily routine feel as familiar as possible. Consistency can help reduce confusion and provide comfort.
 Keep mealtimes, rest times, and daily care routines as consistent as possible.
 Bring familiar comfort items, such as photo albums, a favorite blanket, or a plush item your loved one likes to keep nearby.
 Choose quiet, calm spaces whenever possible, especially during transitions.
 Allow extra time so no one feels rushed.

Plan for the Type of Travel

If you are driving, plan frequent rest stops so everyone can stretch, use the restroom, get fresh air, and reset. These breaks can help keep the trip calmer and more comfortable. If you are flying, consider early morning flights when airports may be less crowded. Let airline staff know that your loved one is living with dementia so they can offer appropriate support. Many airlines have staff trained to assist travelers who need additional help.

Respond Calmly to Stress or Behavior Changes
Travel can introduce triggers such as fatigue, crowds, unfamiliar surroundings, loud noises, and time-zone changes. If your loved one becomes anxious or upset, use a quiet, reassuring tone and, when possible, move to a calmer location. It can also help to check basic needs first:
Are they hungry?
Are they thirsty?
Do they need to use the restroom?
Are they tired or overstimulated?
Simple redirection, reassurance, and a quieter environment can often make a difficult moment more manageable.

Stay Flexible

The key to successful travel is planning, preparation, patience, and flexibility. Even the best-organized trip may need to change. If anxiety increases or behavior becomes difficult to manage, it is okay to cancel plans, shorten the trip, or return home early. Changing plans is not a failure or a negative reflection of your care. It is a compassionate response to your loved one’s needs.

When Travel Is No Longer the Best Option

There may come a time when travel is no longer safe or enjoyable for your loved one. When that happens, joyful experiences can continue in other ways.
 Share photos and mementos from past family trips.
 Take scenic drives close to home.
 Explore virtual travel experiences.
 Create memory-sharing activities around favorite places and family stories.

Even brief moments of connection can bring comfort, joy, and happiness.

Sheryl A. Oglesby is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional and a Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator. For more information contact Mrs. Oglesby at leeleeoglesby@gmail.com or call 423-698-8086.