Often a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia will prefer the comfort, familiarity, and safety of his or her own home. Going outside of the home can bring fears that may not be easily understood for the loved ones caring for the person with dementia. Indeed, an unfamiliar place (such as the airport or a stranger's home)can trigger wandering as the person searches for something that looks familiar.
Leaving the home does not have to be a scary situation for anyone. The key is to thoughtfully consider comfort, familiarity, and safety. Ask yourself, What will make my parent feel most comfortable? How can I make sure he/she feels safe and secure on this trip?
Careful planning will help make trips to the store or to the doctor or to another family member's house much easier. The following tips might be the right answers for you:
- Build in structure and routine with every trip. It's important to the well-being of a person with dementia. Choose the same day each week to go to the grocery store. Try to go to familiar places as much as possible, for example, the same grocery, the same library, the same family member's house, the same church, etc.
- Provide a medical alert bracelet and enroll the person with dementia in the Safe Return Program through the Alzheimer's Association. Both will provide added assistance if the parties become separated.
- If the person with dementia appears to be more alert in the morning, schedule outings and trips during that time. Try not to schedule outings during times that seem to be more taxing on the person with dementia.
- Take along a bag of personal items that might be needed away from the home. Remember to include a change of clothes, medications, a favorite snack, water, and activities. You might also consider taking their favorite hand lotion or other comfort item. Remember, doctor visits may take longer than expected due to waiting time or you may experience heavier traffic than what you were expecting.
- One day before the appointment, remind key people at the doctor's office (or salon or barber, or wherever) that your parent has dementia so that they will be prepared if something strange is said or done and also so that they will remember not to leave her/him alone if you're not in the room.
- Let a friend or family member know where you will be in case you are late arriving back from the outing. Carry a cell phone whenever possible in case you need help quickly.
- If problems have arisen during past outings, have another familiar and trusted family member or friend go along as well.
- Allow plenty of time for resting. Don't over-do it. Often the person with dementia will not realize he is tired or will not be able to vocalize the need to rest.
- If the person with dementia becomes agitated, do not engage in a battle of wills. You will not be able to rationalize with him/her. Instead, validate his/her feelings and concerns, and be reassuring. Put feelings into your words.
With a plan for the outing, both the caregiver and the family member with dementia can be safe and happy enjoying trips outside of the home.
