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Travelling and going on holiday
Going on holiday can be enjoyable for people with dementia and their loved ones, offering new experiences and a break from routine. Many people like to travel alone, although this can become more difficult as the dementia progresses. Others prefer to travel with a companion - often the person who normally cares for them. This factsheet gives tips and advice about going away for people with dementia and those who accompany or care for them.
Planning your holiday
Going on holiday should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. However, it is important to plan carefully in order to avoid potential problems. Someone with dementia might find a new environment confusing, or may have difficulties readjusting once they return home. Meanwhile, a travel companion might be so concerned about giving the person with dementia a good holiday that they forget to relax themselves. For these reasons, it is important for everyone involved to think carefully about the kind of holiday that would suit them.
If you are organising a holiday for someone with dementia, try to be open with others (for example, hotel staff) about the person's needs, and explain potential difficulties or limitations, so that everyone knows what to expect. Trying to hide problems can make life more stressful for everyone.
What type of holiday to take
People enjoy a range of types of break, depending on their interests, personal preferences, time available and finances. The extent to which the person's dementia affects their daily life will also determine the type of holiday that is most suitable.
• Staying with friends and relatives
- If you are considering paying a visit to friends or relatives, or if a number of you are going away together, discuss the situation and suggest how each person might be able to help. For example, some members of the group might spend some regular time with the person with dementia during the mornings or afternoons. This can give the person and their usual carer a break from each other. Alternatively, they might provide extra help with particular tasks, such as preparing dinner. People are usually more willing to offer support or share responsibilities once they are clear about how they can contribute.
• Independent travel
- This option offers the greatest choice and flexibility, and may be suitable for someone with mild dementia, but you will be responsible for arranging your own travel and accommodation. Speak to the hotel or B&B before you book, to check that it is the right place for you. Try to ensure that there will be a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and that staff will be understanding if any difficulties occur. It may be a good idea to book out of season, when everyone will be less rushed and can give you more time and attention.
• A mainstream package holiday
- Again, if the person's dementia is mild, you may want to go on a mainstream holiday where everything is arranged on your behalf. If you choose this option, talk to the travel agency and holiday company before you book. Make sure that they are aware of your needs, and that all the support you need will be available.
• Specialist provision
- A range of holiday and travel services are available for people needing special support. A person with dementia may be accompanied by a friend, relative or carer, or may use respite services, to give themselves and their carer a break from each other.
Whatever type of holiday you choose, try to find out as much as you can beforehand about the place you intend to visit. Are there interesting places to see, activities you can enjoy and pleasant places to relax? If anyone travelling has a physical disability, will it be easy for you to get around? Local tourist offices can provide useful information.
Be aware that someone with dementia who is independent in familiar surroundings may need extra support when coping with a new environment or changes to their routine. Even if they are travelling with a companion, the holiday may be more enjoyable for everyone if another friend or relative comes too.
Preparing and packing
The earlier you start preparing for your holiday, the less stressful it will be. Allow plenty of time to organise passports, insurance and other administration. It can be very helpful to write a list of all the belongings that you are taking with you. This list should state what is in each piece of luggage and how many pieces of luggage there are. Each person travelling should carry one copy of the list on them, and another copy can also be left with someone at home.
Make sure all luggage is clearly labelled with your name and address. Also put a sheet of paper with your name and address on it inside each separate bag or suitcase, in case items get lost.
Passport and other identification documents
Anyone travelling outside the UK needs a current passport. Most airlines require a valid passport, or another identity document that includes a photograph, even for flights within the UK.
Check the passport expiry dates of everyone travelling, several months in advance. For travel to some countries, your passport must have several months' validity remaining so it is important to check the requirement for the country you plan to visit.
It is a good idea to make two photocopies of the personal details page of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a relative or a friend, and carry the other copy with you (separate from the passport itself), along with copies of your important documents. Write down the phone numbers of places to call if documents or bank cards get lost.
A MedicAlert bracelet or similar identification may be useful for a person with dementia in case they become separated from whoever they are travelling with, or become too confused to speak clearly.
Medicines
If you are likely to be separated from your luggage during your journey - for example, on an aeroplane or a coach - keep any medication in a carry-on bag, together with a list of the medicines and dosage routines. Medication must be kept on you at all times. If any medication needs to be kept in the fridge, tell the airline in advance and make sure you will have access to a fridge where you are staying.
The journey Airports, railway and bus stations, ships, trains and even large aircraft are usually busy and confusing places in which it is easy to get lost or to lose touch with someone. If you are travelling with someone with dementia, always make a mental note of what they are wearing, and consider carrying a recent photograph of them. If you need help, look for people who are wearing official uniforms (for example, security staff, airline counter staff or train conductors).
Travelling by air
Airlines generally state that people who travel with a 'permanent or stable condition' do not require medical clearance. However, it is best to check at the time of booking what, if any, medical information is required. Some airlines may not let someone with dementia fly alone if there is a possibility that they may become distressed while in the air. Airline cabin staff do not offer special assistance with medical needs, eating or visiting the toilet, and airlines will insist that a person with these needs has an escort for the flight. Some airlines can provide an escort for a person travelling alone, although the person travelling has to pay for the escort's fare.
Airports and airlines should provide the following assistance to anyone with a sensory, physical or learning disability:
• assistance to reach check-in
• help with registration at check-in
• a briefing for you, and any escort or companion, on emergency procedures and the layout of the cabin
• help with getting on and off the plane
• help with stowing and retrieving baggage on the plane
• an on-board wheelchair (not always available)
• someone to meet you off the plane and help you find your way around the airport.
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