I'm 83 and don't have dementia, but I have been traveling a lot for fun recently on airplanes. I usually go alone. The airlines will meet you at the gate and take you to your next gate with a wheel chair. They don't leave you, even sometimes when I wish they would. You just have to have someone reliable to get you to the airport and to pick you up.
I totally agree. Many years ago, I had to do that because of a ski injury. The airline was awesome. Call the airline and ask about how they would assist you.
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
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.
I noticed these replies relate to air travel but.....I still enjoy traveling and have many places still left on my 'bucket list'. However, I am getting apprehensive about traveling by car by myself (and my pup Gucci). I am mostly afraid of becoming ill. (have a heart condition, under care but will never get better (A Fib). My memory is becoming weak but I manage to get to where I'm going with a little patience and help from GPS. But..that is my problem - as long as I have my pup with me I am concerned about what would happen to him if we were separated while several miles from home (may couple of thousand). I find I cannot always make a good decision at the moment it is demanded....he might end up in a kennel or shelter (he is 19 years old but still healthy). I cannot find anyone among my friends who want to travel that far from home. Guess I'm just venting...I doubt there is anything I can do about the problem except give up and stay close to home. If you read this far, thank you for your patience.
I noticed these replies relate to air travel but.....I still enjoy traveling and have many places still left on my 'bucket list'. However, I am getting apprehensive about traveling by car by myself (and my pup Gucci). I am mostly afraid of becoming ill. (have a heart condition, under care but will never get better (A Fib). My memory is becoming weak but I manage to get to where I'm going with a little patience and help from GPS. But..that is my problem - as long as I have my pup with me I am concerned about what would happen to him if we were separated while several miles from home (may couple of thousand). I find I cannot always make a good decision at the moment it is demanded....he might end up in a kennel or shelter (he is 19 years old but still healthy). I cannot find anyone among my friends who want to travel that far from home. Guess I'm just venting...I doubt there is anything I can do about the problem except give up and stay close to home. If you read this far, thank you for your patience.
@mtnmarge your trips sound like fun! And your dog as navigator! Does your dog have a chip for identification? You could also have a collar for travel days. I’ve seen ones that have the owners name and phone number printed on.
Talk with your vet to see what suggestions he has.
Have a good trip!!
I noticed these replies relate to air travel but.....I still enjoy traveling and have many places still left on my 'bucket list'. However, I am getting apprehensive about traveling by car by myself (and my pup Gucci). I am mostly afraid of becoming ill. (have a heart condition, under care but will never get better (A Fib). My memory is becoming weak but I manage to get to where I'm going with a little patience and help from GPS. But..that is my problem - as long as I have my pup with me I am concerned about what would happen to him if we were separated while several miles from home (may couple of thousand). I find I cannot always make a good decision at the moment it is demanded....he might end up in a kennel or shelter (he is 19 years old but still healthy). I cannot find anyone among my friends who want to travel that far from home. Guess I'm just venting...I doubt there is anything I can do about the problem except give up and stay close to home. If you read this far, thank you for your patience.
I wish I had the liberty to travel more right now. Have you considered boarding your dog and traveling by train? I know a couple of people who prefer traveling by train. They have met several big name celebrities while doing so. They like not having to drive and be behind the wheel so long. I intend to give a try one day. I’ve only traveled by train in Europe and loved it there,
I wish I had the liberty to travel more right now. Have you considered boarding your dog and traveling by train? I know a couple of people who prefer traveling by train. They have met several big name celebrities while doing so. They like not having to drive and be behind the wheel so long. I intend to give a try one day. I’ve only traveled by train in Europe and loved it there,
I prefer to travel by train to visit my daughter several states away. I find it less disorienting for my whole body. There are usually nice people and my daughter meets me at the other end.
You can also ask the Ticket taker to alert you to your stop. I registered as disabled when I bought my ticket and they helped us.
I used an airline/airport assistance service for the first time recently. Not sure if the airports you will be using would have this facility. I found them incredibly helpful taking me through security, immigration, on and off the plane and then baggage claim. You might want to see if something similar is available.
I used an airline/airport assistance service for the first time recently. Not sure if the airports you will be using would have this facility. I found them incredibly helpful taking me through security, immigration, on and off the plane and then baggage claim. You might want to see if something similar is available.
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I totally agree. Many years ago, I had to do that because of a ski injury. The airline was awesome. Call the airline and ask about how they would assist you.
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2 ReactionsYou 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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4 ReactionsUPDATE: my neurologist said I can go to see my sister in NY. So the tickets are bought.
I’m going in a few months.
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8 ReactionsI hope the visit is delightful and the travel smooth.
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3 ReactionsI noticed these replies relate to air travel but.....I still enjoy traveling and have many places still left on my 'bucket list'. However, I am getting apprehensive about traveling by car by myself (and my pup Gucci). I am mostly afraid of becoming ill. (have a heart condition, under care but will never get better (A Fib). My memory is becoming weak but I manage to get to where I'm going with a little patience and help from GPS. But..that is my problem - as long as I have my pup with me I am concerned about what would happen to him if we were separated while several miles from home (may couple of thousand). I find I cannot always make a good decision at the moment it is demanded....he might end up in a kennel or shelter (he is 19 years old but still healthy). I cannot find anyone among my friends who want to travel that far from home. Guess I'm just venting...I doubt there is anything I can do about the problem except give up and stay close to home. If you read this far, thank you for your patience.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 Reactions@mtnmarge your trips sound like fun! And your dog as navigator! Does your dog have a chip for identification? You could also have a collar for travel days. I’ve seen ones that have the owners name and phone number printed on.
Talk with your vet to see what suggestions he has.
Have a good trip!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI wish I had the liberty to travel more right now. Have you considered boarding your dog and traveling by train? I know a couple of people who prefer traveling by train. They have met several big name celebrities while doing so. They like not having to drive and be behind the wheel so long. I intend to give a try one day. I’ve only traveled by train in Europe and loved it there,
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI prefer to travel by train to visit my daughter several states away. I find it less disorienting for my whole body. There are usually nice people and my daughter meets me at the other end.
You can also ask the Ticket taker to alert you to your stop. I registered as disabled when I bought my ticket and they helped us.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI used an airline/airport assistance service for the first time recently. Not sure if the airports you will be using would have this facility. I found them incredibly helpful taking me through security, immigration, on and off the plane and then baggage claim. You might want to see if something similar is available.
@jennifer28 yes, thank you. I’ve already arranged for help…
I am flying from into major airports, so it’s not a problem thank you though