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I Have Mild-Moderate Dementia. Should I travel alone?
Aging Well | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
SueEllen-
You have mild-moderate dementia, but you are very wise, so I think you can make this decision.
Some questions come to mind:
How do you feel in airports?
What sort of airports will you go through? Giant big and sprawling hubs, or smaller and more quiet?
Will you have to change planes or is it just one plane, on and off?
If you get overwhelmed, can you calm yourself and ask for help?
How have you done with air travel before? Do you plan well to give plenty of time and rested energy to your trips?
How will you get to the airport and back home?
I'm sure you'll make a good decision.
Ed
Replies to "SueEllen- You have mild-moderate dementia, but you are very wise, so I think you can make..."
You can ask for special help at airports prior to arrival. They can give you a ride to the gate. Dress very simply, without items in pockets. However, my husband's last experience in an airport was not great as we had not requested help through security as well and a long delay added frustration. He spent a lot of time being checked, even with the KTN (Known Traveler Number). I suggest non stop flights, only, too. Ask about having a calming med just for trips from your Dr. Avoid traveling on holidays or when thousands are going to something like the Super Bowl.
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@edsutton I’ve traveled a bit during my 75 years.
Last year I flew to JFK in New York with my sister. I ordered a wheelchair which is great. They zip you past everyone at the Security gate.
We boarded the plane, sat on the tarmac for 2 hours because the plane had a mechanical problem. They put us up in a hotel. If my sister wasn’t with me I would have been in a bit of trouble.
I came home by myself, and everything went well. I splurged by going first-class.