Traveling Internationally With Dementia, Wandering Concerns, and Medical Alert Bracelet Recommendati

sarahperryrn

My dad is taking my mom to Mexico for stem cell treatment related to her dementia. He is going alone as her sole support person/caregiver. i’ve tried everything I could to try to stop this trip from happening not only does the procedure scare me with a alone. This is something that my dad is determined to do. My mom is a significant wandering risk and can also become confused/disoriented in unfamiliar environments. The last time they flew was about 9 months ago, and this upcoming trip is a direct flight.

One concern I have is finding a medical alert bracelet or wearable ID that:

• is difficult for someone with dementia to remove independently,
• is comfortable enough for long-term wear,
• clearly identifies memory loss/dementia,
• includes emergency contact information,
• and ideally helps with wandering safety/tracking.

I would also appreciate any practical advice from people who have navigated:

• airport travel with dementia,
• international travel as the only caregiver,
• wandering prevention,
• GPS tracking devices,
• safety planning,
• or anything you wish you had known beforehand.

Right now my dad is very determined to move forward with the trip, so I’m trying to focus on harm reduction and practical safety planning rather than arguing with him about whether to go.

Thank you so much.

eaglemom

Your dad isn't going to change his mind, so its good you've changed your focus. The ALZ Assoc used to support the caregiver & the patient wearing a Medic Alert bracelet. Both my DH and & wear one. When ordering make certain to get one for international travel. We've both worn ours for 11 yrs. I've replaced them 3 x's in that time frame. They do not have GPS on them, but I believe they might have some that do. Google Medic Alert and it will point you in the right direction. Wearing one allows you to preboard, which is wonderful. I'd highly suggest your dad take your mom to "family restrooms." At most / many airports the restrooms and an 'in' door but a different 'out' door. That's very confusing. Using the Family restroom removes that. Don't let mom carry a purse & certainly not her identification / passport. If she insists on carrying something, give her an old purse with an old wallet. Put several $1.00's in it. Also toss in some snacks. That way when she looses it, its not a crisis.

The travel will be exhausting for both of them. She'll want to see what's going on and he'll be taking care of everything and her. You don't have to like what your dad is doing, but you can thank him for taking care of mom. Those are words he'll like hearing, I'm sure.

Let us know what else you need.

eagle

H1235

Could you sew an air tag into the hem of her pants? I have heard of people attaching an AirTag to the shoes, but I’m not sure how exactly.

notequipped

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/273925#Comment_273925

There are AirTag holders made for shoelaces and also shoe insert holders. Just make sure that anyone traveling with a LO with AirTags is aware that they are there. My pregnant daughter took my Mom out over the weekend. She called her husband in a panic as she thought that someone with nefarious intentions had AirTagged her. She then sent me a text asking me if I AirTagged Grandmom. Well, yes and no. I AirTagged both sets of her keys. Apparently, you receive a notification on your phone when AirTags are traveling with you to prevent tracking without your consent.

Iffy49

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76038/traveling-internationally-with-dementia-wandering-concerns-and-medical-alert-bracelet-recommendati

if she has an iPhone you could use Find my phone to locate her. But they have similar apps for android phones. It would be good for your father to be linked to her too.