Safety is always the number one consideration when planning a trip with a loved one who has Alzheimer's. Follow the steps below to help plan an Alzheimer's-safe vacation so that you can both relax and enjoy the trip.

1. Have a plan in place for wandering.

A familiar routine and environment are comforting to someone suffering from Alzheimer's, and because traveling disrupts this, it is more likely that anxiety and wandering could happen. That is why it is crucial to never leave your loved one alone, be prepared, and have a plan in place.

Contact your local Alzheimer's Association before your trip and register with their Safe Return Program or  Comfort Zone monitoring system, being sure to complete the process entirely before you leave. If a situation arises while you are there, have a plan in place and don't hesitate to contact the local authorities.

3. Keep comfort in mind when traveling.

Have comfort items such as pillows, snacks and water readily available when you travel. This includes any kind of transportation including bus, train, car or airplane. If you decide to fly, schedule flights early in the day, and choose to fly non-stop if you can. Put medications in your carry-on bag, along with any other necessities you might need in case your flight is delayed. And  consider bringing a puzzle book or something similar for your loved one to hold on to.

3. During your trip, maintain a daily routine as much as possible.

Even in a new environment, having a regular routine will lessen the confusion for your loved one. Plan on waking up at the same time every morning and going to bed at the same time in the evenings. Also eat meals at the same time during the day. Create a plan for your days, organizing the days with structured and pleasant activities that you both can enjoy. Plan to see places and incorporate activities you know they enjoy, and make sure to allow for flexibility within your daily routine for spontaneous activities.

4. Consider respite care while you travel.

If you feel that traveling with your loved one would be too difficult or too disruptive to them, consider hiring a temporary respite caregiver to come to their home. This will allow you the chance to take a break from your caregiving responsibilities, which can be crucial for your own health and happiness, and it will give your loved one a chance to  experience quality care and meaningful activities, making their "staycation" fun and safe as well.

Whitsyms offers Respite Care and special Alzheimer's Care services, ensuring your loved one will be in the best hands, and will always be safe and happy. We offer free, no obligation consultations and assessments. Contact us today at 1-800-952-3881!

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Our referred caregivers not only provide services to people in their homes but they also provide one on one care for residents at:

• Independent Living Facilities (ILF)
• Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)
• Nursing Homes (SNF)

Whitsyms loves seniors and this is our way of giving back. There's no obligation on your part. There is no charge to you for this service.

Please give us a call at 1-800-325-6272 or fill out the form.

What's the difference between independent living facilities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes?

There's often confusion about what each type of facility provides in order to meet the needs of seniors. You might want to think of them as part of a continuum of services. So for example you may start at an independent living facility and then when you need more care, transition to an assisted living facility. When more intensive care is required then you would transition to a nursing home on a permanent or temporary basis.

Independent Living Facility (ILF)

Simply put, it’s a community for active, healthy seniors who are able to live on their own. It does not necessarily resemble a facility. You can live in a home, townhouse, condo, and even a mobile home or motor home. You can own or rent or live as part of a cooperative. Normally these communities have age restrictions—usually over 55—and many offer amenities like clubhouses, gyms, yard maintenance, housekeeping and security.

Independent living communities also typically offer transportation, laundry service, group meals, social and cultural activities.

As the effects of aging take place residents frequently need more care and may obtain private care workers in their existing facility or they may transition to an assisted living facility.

Assisted Living Facility (ALF)

Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are residential care facilities that provide housing, meals, personal care and supportive services to older persons and disabled adults who are unable to live independently. ALFs are intended to be a less costly alternative to more restrictive, institutional settings for individuals who do not require 24-hour nursing supervision. ALFs are regulated by the state.

As the aging process continues injuries or sickness requiring more intensive care may occur. At this point you may need to be hospitalized and then transition to a nursing home on a temporary or permanent basis. You may obtain care workers while in the hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility.

Nursing Home (SNF - Skilled Nursing Facility)

Nursing homes are residential facilities where a person lives or where a person can stay temporarily. A temporary stay may be for respite care or recuperation after being in a hospital.

Nursing Home Services include:
Nursing care 24-hours a day
Case management and health monitoring
Personal care (help with bathing, dressing, eating, walking, or physical transfer)
Nutritional meals and special diets
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy may be provided
Social activities
Respite care (temporary supervision of an adult, giving relief to the primary caregiver)
The need and options for long-term care should be discussed with many trusted people including one’s primary care physician. A doctor must authorize a nursing home admission and sign the care plan.

Some institutions may have multiple levels of care including ILFs, ALFs and Nursing Homes.
The patient enters a contract based on their individual needs.

The post Need help choosing the right Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home? Whitsyms can help! appeared first on Whitsyms In-Home Care.