Vacation

cdgbdr · December 2024

My husband has moderate vd dementia. Prior to this dx, we bought a timeshare that I am still paying on. The idea of not being able to travel and use that is awful to me. I still work full time and have a companion with him most of the day.

Our last vacation was when I saw a huge difference in him and he "lost" the memory of us being married.

We are at the beach now. We traveled by car and met friends halfway. My friend's DH drove with him yesterday and they shopped and had lunch along the way.

Other than getting pissy because it took me too long to get the rental car, it's been ok.

I think traveling in the daylight helps. I know there's not always going to be someone willing to come along. Wish me luck!

annie51 · December 2024

Enjoy your much needed time away while you can! It’s great to have friends along, too. I have given up on most travel with DH and it breaks my heart - it was a big part of our life for so long.

I hope it goes well!

Bailey's Mom · December 2024

I'm thankful that DH & I traveled so much when we were younger…don't really want to do it much now, anyway. Our last…and probably final…vacation was just 4 hrs away and only for 3 days. He also didn't know who I was briefly on the last day. I didn't realize how hard it would be for him and I doubt that we will try it again. Hope you can keep doing it for awhile and enjoy yourself.

Biggles · December 2024

We traveled a lot, sailed the coast a lot, flew our plane a lot and I am so thankful that we did all this when we could and when our children were young they traveled with us. The memories are so very special. It’s been extremely hard to stop and awful for my DH to be so home bound, he still thinks we could buy a yacht or a plane and start again. Oh boy do I wish! I have found it easier to lie and say I just don’t want to go, he of course can no longer drive and thinks I am stopping him from driving. It’s all so heartbreaking especially when friends are gallivanting around the globe! Being still isn’t easy it’s a learned art. With the help of a new puppy, a new group ‘Sailability’ and some very supportive people around us. We have had a couple of 4 day holidays but strange surroundings, hallucinations, wakeful nights etc. make it very hard. Good luck keep trying until it becomes too hard.

Cathy coconis · March 24

it is so difficult, my DH & I went to FL last Dec but he does not want to travel any more. Good luck and continue trying!

RetiredTeacher · March 25

We used to RV a lot. A few yrs ago we got rid of our Class A motorhome thinking we were done. A couple of yrs later, prior to diagnosis, we bought a small Class C to go again. Trips are more difficult now. Nights are tough but he seems to enjoy getting away. I drive and do everything now and we generally stay close to home but are still trying to continue going. He is still continent, doesn't wander and can still walk. We take his walker, dont do many activities, plan simple meals and are just trying to enjoy being able to get away for 3 or 4 days. We have booked short jaunts for April, May and June. Plans are subject to change and I realize each time has the potential of being the last trip we take together. I want to keep going as long as it is possible. This disease is such a long drawn out decline but I realize life is finite. I want to experience as much joy as possible....with greatly reduced expectations.

cdgbdr · March 25

We took another overnight trip a couple of weeks ago and have more trips planned this year. Only 1 of the trips is just the two of us. He prefers to have friends/family come along. I hope, for my sake, we can continue to travel some.

upstateAnn · March 25

Trips are impossible for us now. I tell all my friends to seize the day. Reading is what brings me to new worlds now.

Belle60 · March 25

We still travel alot. Most of our family and all the grandkids live elsewhere. So far, it goes okay. But of course, I have to do everything and sometimes we bring our dog. It can be exhausting but DH does enjoy seeing family. We usually fly but I am considering driving this next time. Not sure how he will do with the long drive. Waiting for things is an issue. He no longer waits well for anything. I had to change his barber becuase it was first come first serve. He was accusing other people of jumping in front of him. So I changed him to my hairdresser who understands. We make an appointment no waiting. Works better.

Russinator · March 25

Sadly, trips also impossible for us.

bwanasil · March 26

only in my dreams .

Bridge4 · March 27

Just got a new book- “Travel Well With Dementia” by Jan Dougherty. Lots of helpful tips if you decide to go. We have mostly taken short trips to see family the last couple of years, and every time there has come a moment where I say “never again”! But the heart tends to overrule the head when it comes to spending more time with the kids and grandkids.

Vacation

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