traveling with spouse with dementia- beginning stages

loisfi · February 14

Husband has posterior cortical atrophy so forgets things easily, has no peripheral vision. But we love to travel. Considering the Caribbean to escape MN winter. We love to walk together. Plan to stay in one place from approx march 3-10. any ideas? thanks. Lois

Biggles · February 14

Only my ideas but from my experience do it while you can. Make sure details are up to speed eg a tracer watch, POA, travel insurance, infalable travelling bank accounts, ID bracelet, medications, etc and anything else you can think of. As the disease progresses generally speaking travelling becomes too difficult. Good luck, keep us posted.

LindaLouise · February 15

I don't know if your DH is at this stage yet, but when he could still travel with me, airports and going through security were sometimes triggers for anxiety. O worried he or I would get pulled out of line to be searched, etc. I hand wrote a couple of cards that said "The person I'm with has dementia and we need to stay together." A couple of times when he got confused or stressed and didn't know how to respond, and once when they wanted to have him be patted down, I handed the note to the TSA agent and they immediately switched gears and helped us out.

GothicGremlin · February 15

I traveled to Europe with my sister when she was about mid-stage 4 (so pretty early). Even so, it was it was a lot of work to make sure that everything went smoothly.

We did a lot of prep before we went. I used TSA Cares so that we could get through airport security without a lot of hassle. You'll need to make a couple of phone calls to set it up with TSA. It was worth it. My partner and I, and my sister went through a pre-check-like security line. We were kept together, and the TSA agent worked with me and my sister to get her through security.

If I had to do this trip over again, I would - in spite of all of the work.

Staying in one place while you're there is wise. Familiarity is key, and keeping the same room, going to the same restaurant, etc., will really help a lot.

I'm glad you're doing this earlier rather than later, because if you wait too long, you almost certainly won't be able to take a trip like that safely.

Joe C. · February 15

As stated above reach out to TSA Cares, just google it, it will help you navigate security and eliminate the possibility of getting separated in the screening lines. I used it several times and it was a great help. If traveling outside the US the note about dementia might work for the return trip security check. In any large airport beware of restrooms with 2 entrance/exit, I know a couple whose spouse exited the restroom through a door other than where he was waiting. I traveled quite a bit with my wife through mid stage and I am so greatful we were able to ale those memories together. Good luck.

sandwichone123 · February 16

Family bathrooms are a huge blessing because you can go in together.

furby63 · April 25

Did you go and if so how was it?

l7pla1w2 · April 26

Keep in mind that RealID verification is coming for domestic air travel. I mention it because DW was due to have her driver's license renewed this past October. I knew if we went to the DMV to get a Real ID license, it would be obvious that she has dementia, and they would pull her license. (N.B. She hasn't driven for several years. I renewed by mail, because having a DL was important to her.) You can use a passport instead, and that was going to be our solution. although I didn't anticipate traveling anytime soon.

WIGO23 · April 26

One challenge DH has is finding the bathroom at night in a strange place even if it is literally under five feet from the bed. It has been consistently an issue even though he is mild/moderate stage. I solved it (somewhat) by taking a night light for the bathroom. He still gets disoriented sometimes—forgetting to go to the light—but it has helped.

Arrowhead · April 26

My wife and I took a trip to the British Isles in 2019 when she was still early in her regression. You will need to keep a closer watch on him than you do at home. It’s easier to get separated in unfamiliar places, especially when using public toilets. I strongly suggest putting apps on your phones that allow you to keep track of each other’s physical locations, and make sure both of you have your phones on, charged, and with you at all times. It will be more work for you than if you had stayed home, but the memories you make will be well worth it.

Russinator · April 26

My experience: do it while you can.

traveling with spouse with dementia- beginning stages

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