What to Expect if You’re Flying With a Relative With Early Dementia
From holidays to special events, there will be times when you need to fly with a relative who is struggling with early dementia. Someone struggling with early dementia might have trouble with memory and expressing their thoughts and words. This can make it challenging to fly with them.
If you know what to expect from your flight leaving from Charleston, you can better plan and make the process more seamless. Here are some tips and things to expect when flying with a loved one with dementia.
Plan Ahead to Make Traveling Easier
The unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport and airplanes can be overwhelming for a person with dementia. This can cause an increase in questions, agitation, and problems with memory. You can minimize this by planning your trip from Mt. Pleasant more efficiently.
If your loved one does better in the mornings, you want to book an early morning flight, so you're at your destination before they feel tired and agitated. Finding a direct flight or one with the shortest layover is also beneficial.
Expect a Lost Medication or the Need to Visit a Doctor
From unexpected falls to a missing bag, you might arrive at your destination without the medications you need for your senior. Before you leave James Island, it's a good idea to make photocopies of any medications or ask the pharmacy for a printout. Also, make a list of the pharmacy's phone number and your loved one's primary doctor's phone number so you have them on hand for quick access to provide to a hospital or other medical professional.
People Are Willing to Help
From someone opening the door to a helping hand to putting a bag into an overhead compartment, people are willing to help you. Some people will volunteer to help when they see you struggling, but there are times when you need to ask.
For instance, if your relative with dementia has mobility issues, you can arrange with the airline to get a wheelchair and an employee to help you to the terminal. This can also minimize the hassle of security and waiting in long lines. Accept help when offered and ask for it when you need it.
Confusion and Repeated Questions From a Relative With Dementia
Flying is going to be a big upheaval in the carefully crafted schedule that you've created. This will leave your relative confused and struggling to understand their current situation.
"Where are we? Where are we going?" These are questions you can expect to hear often when flying with a relative with dementia. Prepare yourself and be as patient as you can be.
Select Senior Helpers to Help You Manage
With pre-planning and patience, your flight with a relative with early dementia can run smoothly. If you need help with a senior loved one in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Moncks Corner, James Island, and Daniel Island, Senior Helpers can help you manage your daily schedule. Contact us now!