Travel Tips for Carers

A new information leaflet has been published to offer travel advice to carers of people with dementia.  

Dr. Eleanor Mullan, Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Old Age, South Lee Mental Health Services, Cork University Hospital said although some activities may have to be curtailed, with thoughtful planning it is still possible to travel with a person with dementia, especially in the early stages of the disease.  

To make the trip a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both the person with dementia and their carer it is important to discuss the trip in advance with your GP and to develop a contingency plan in advance of your travels for unexpected delays or diversions, she said.  

By following a few simple steps, travelling with a person with dementia can be made easier:  

Do:

Keep travel arrangements simple

Discuss any concerns with the patient’s doctor

Try to get plenty of rest Allow for plenty of breaks throughout the day

Ensure the patient takes their medication at the correct time

Ensure the patient is wearing I.D. at all times

Carry a picture of the patient in case they wander

Accompany the patient to the toilet in busy places  

Don’t:

Plan late night activities as many people with dementia can be more disoriented later in the day

Cram in too many activities in one day

Leave the patient on their own in unfamiliar surroundings

Be afraid to ask for help    

There are almost 40,000 people in Ireland with dementia and 50,000 carers caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.  

The advice leaflet was developed by the South Lee Mental Health Services in conjunction with Lundbeck ( Ireland) Ltd. A free copy of the leaflet ‘Travelling with Dementia’ is available by calling 01 468 9800.

Posted Thursday 3rd July 2008