If I asked you to name the mental health benefits of travel, you could probably make very good guesses without doing any research. For starters: Travel has the potential to instantly boost your mood, increase your daily step count, and exercise your brain with the help of new environments, people, and experiences. But do these benefits extend to people with cognitive disabilities, like dementia?
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New research argues that they do. In a scientific paper published online in Tourism Management, researchers explore the potential benefits of tourism for dementia patients, citing evidence that it could improve a patient’s symptoms and quality of life.
Why is this kind of research important? “Dementia … is a key cause of dependency among older adults and greatly affects patients’ and caregivers’ life quality,” the study authors write. With an estimated 46.8 million people worldwide suffering from the disease, finding new forms of treatment could benefit many patients and their families.
The Benefits of Travel for a Person With Dementia
If you’re wondering what your loved one might gain from travel, consider these benefits listed by the study authors:
- Social stimulation. Traveling to a new place can help your loved one engage with family and with people in new ways — say, chatting with an Italian waiter at a restaurant or asking for directions to The Louvre in Paris. These conversations can stimulate thoughts, knowledge, and recall.
- Emotional stimulation. Sightseeing and spending time in new environments can help your loved one experience an array of emotions, moods, and reactions, which helps stimulate brain function. Most people never forget the first time they saw the glorious expanse of the Grand Canyon, for example.
- Exercise. Boosting physical activity in dementia patients does wonders for cognitive health. As the authors explain, it increases heart health, sends more oxygen to the brain, improves blood sugar control, and may also ease depression. Travel opens up amazing opportunities for exercise, in part because it often doesn’t even feel like exercise — simply wandering around a foreign city can result in walking for miles.
- Music therapy. Music has long been used as a form of therapy to enhance memory and communication. While it isn’t directly related to tourism, seeking out musical experiences with your loved one could be a great way to plan a trip. New music may improve behavior, emotions, and cognition.
- Sensory stimulation. You might not think about it often, but traveling exposes you not just to new sights, but to new smells, sounds, tastes, and tangible experiences. The study authors note that aromatherapy, sensory gardens (gardens that appeal to all five senses), and massages are all linked to improved behavior in dementia patients. So, finding travel activities that appeal to different senses might be another good way to plan a trip.
- Reminiscence therapy. Don’t you love taking a trip down memory lane with your friends and family? Those conversations are amazing for loved ones with dementia, too. Helping a dementia patient relive a meaningful experience stimulates the brain and brings about a good mood. And travel provides many opportunities to create memories — so make sure you reminisce after your trip.
It’s clear, then, that tourism may be very beneficial for a dementia patient. But if you tried to actually plan a trip, how would it go?
How To Travel With a Dementia Patient
You might be thinking that travel with a dementia patient only sounds good in theory. And the truth is, traveling with a dementia patient is indeed no easy feat.
“People with dementia don’t always do very well when they are out of their comfort zone or in unfamiliar places,” says Krista Elkins, NRP, RN, and specialist at HealthCanal. “It may make them more confused and anxious. Changes in the environment often lead to a person with dementia wandering off.”
However, traveling with a dementia patient is certainly doable. Here’s what the experts recommend.
- Make a list of necessities. “Gather all of the things that might be useful during your travels, like snacks and water bottles,” says Amber Dixion, dietitian, geriatric nurse, and CEO of Elderly Assist Inc. “And make sure that everything is packed in advance. Don’t forget about things like medications or toothbrushes!”
- Plan ahead. “Make sure all the necessary arrangements are in place before you leave,” suggests Ketan Parmar, MBBS, DPM, psychiatrist for Clinic Spots Holistic Healthcare. “This will help minimize stress and anxiety during the trip.”
- Call ahead. “Consider calling ahead to airports, tour companies, hotels, or other destinations to alert them if your loved one has special needs, or gather information about the best time to visit,” says Laura Herman, certified nurse’s aid and senior dementia specialist at Safe Senior Care. “Check with TSA to see if there may be accommodations for screening if someone has dementia,” adds Sandra Petersen, DNP, APRN, and senior VP of health and wellness at Pegasus Senior Living.
- Bring your paperwork. “It is very important when traveling with a person with dementia to carry their identification card, a recent photo of them, medical records, and power of attorney paperwork,” says Elkins.
- Bring familiar items. “If possible, bring along some familiar items from home (like photos or blankets) so that the trip feels more comfortable for them,” says Dixon.
- Take extra help. “It may be necessary, especially for those with advanced disease, to have additional caregivers along,” advises Dr. Petersen. “Some of my patients plan ‘family vacations’ where they each take turns caring for the loved one with dementia.”
- Limit travel time. “Limit plane flights and layover times,” says Dr. Petersen. “Too much waiting or long flight times (more than four hours) can result in frustration for the person with dementia and their caregiver.”
- Choose a destination that is dementia-friendly. The definition of “dementia-friendly” will change from patient to patient, but for starters: “Avoid places with large crowds or loud noises, and opt for destinations with plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation,” says Dr. Parmar. It’s also helpful to select a place that is easily accessible, with good access to healthcare and pharmacies.
- Safety and comfort first. In order to have an enjoyable time, make sure your loved one can handle the activities you have planned. Don’t expect them to suddenly take a two-mile trek through the countryside if they haven’t hiked in 10 years. “Try to keep changes to daily routines to a minimum,” suggests Elkins.
- Plan out rest times. “[Dementia patients] may become more easily fatigued or confused than they do in familiar environments,” says Herman. “Be sure to schedule plenty of extra time to rest and avoid feeling rushed or stressed.” She also suggests using a wheelchair: “Riding in a wheelchair can help conserve their energy even if they typically don’t require one at home.”
Of course, speak with your loved one’s doctors about the possibility of a trip. And if you are still unsure, consider planning a short trip first. “A day trip to a local park, museum, or public garden can help you identify potential challenges before you strike out on a full fledged excursion,” says Dr. Petersen.
One last piece of advice? “Be flexible,” Dr. Parmar recommends. “Things may not always go as planned, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to enjoy your time together.”
“Your loved one with dementia is likely to pick up on your unspoken feelings,” adds Herman. “So have fun, expect hiccups, and decide to just go with the flow on this adventure.”
FAQs
Is it good for people with dementia to travel? ›
Living with Alzheimer's or another dementia does not mean it's necessary to stop participating in meaningful activities such as travel. However, it does require planning to ensure safety, comfort and enjoyment for everyone.
How does travel affect dementia? ›While many dementia patients do well in the familiar surroundings of home, they experience trouble with changes in location or the pace of the day. They may become overcome with fatigue when around large groups of people and loud noises. These situations can also lead to outbursts of confusion, anxiety and fear.
What is the best environment for dementia patients? ›People with dementia generally will be less likely to become agitated and distressed if they can have regular access to fresh air and exercise and a quiet space away from others as needed. The garden can be a safe and secure environment if designed properly.
Should you take a dementia patient on holiday? ›A well-planned holiday can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the person with dementia and those around them. Some of the benefits of going on holiday include: Stimulation through new experiences: A holiday offers the chance to have new and stimulating experiences.
What is the difference between traveling and travelling? ›Traveling or travelling depends on where is your audience. Traveling is the preferred spelling in the U.S. Travelling is the preferred spelling in the UK or in the Commonwealth. This American-British spelling difference carries for other forms: traveled or travelled and traveler or traveller.
How do you travel with an elderly person? ›- Talk to the doctor. ...
- Request and Reserve Special Services. ...
- Plan What to do with Medication. ...
- Understand that seniors are more sensitive to new areas. ...
- Be early & allow extra time. ...
- Dress Comfortably & Move Around.
Conclusion. Our research indicates that people with dementia can and do travel by air, including internationally. When we asked people with dementia and their companions what advice they would give to others who might be planning a trip they said: "Ask for help if you need it" and "Do it and enjoy it!"
Which is a strategy caregivers can use to discourage wandering? ›Which is a strategy caregivers can use to discourage wandering? Encourage activities like dancing or rocking. When communicating with a person in the early stages of dementia, which is an important and relevant consideration?
How do you make a dementia patient happy? ›- Give the person a hand massage with lotion.
- Brush his or her hair.
- Give the person a manicure.
- Take photos of the person and make a collage.
- Encourage the person to talk more about subjects they enjoy.
- Make a family tree posterboard.
It is closely associated with nature and is thought to evoke feelings of generosity and relaxation. Green is the easiest color on the eyes and can improve vision. Green is the last color dementia patients lose the ability to see; so green is a good color for caregivers to wear.
What is dementia friendly? ›
A dementia-friendly community is a city, town or village where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported. In a dementia-friendly community people will be aware of and understand dementia, so that people with dementia can continue to live in the way they want to and in the community they choose.
How do you motivate someone with dementia? ›Providing positive feedback and “rewards” for engaging in activities can often help to ensure sustainability of benefits. All these types of suggestions are readily accessible to caregivers from the Alzheimer's Society education and support groups. Medications may provide some benefits for apathy.
How do you calm someone with dementia? ›Use calming phrases such as: "You're safe here;" "I'm sorry that you are upset;" and "I will stay until you feel better." Let the person know you are there. Involve the person in activities. Try using art, music or other activities to help engage the person and divert attention away from the anxiety.
What should people with dementia not do? ›I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
What makes a good short break for an individual living with dementia? ›As well as enabling people to try new things, a holiday offers the chance to revisit familiar places. This can be beneficial for a person living with dementia as it can allow them to reminisce about past holidays or places they used to live.
Can a person with dementia travel abroad? ›Travelling with a person who has dementia
Trips can include overseas and interstate travel and can be for reminiscence, family gatherings, sightseeing, or relocation to a different care situation. However travelling with a person who has dementia can present a number of hazards and challenges.
Cruises can provide a beautiful and relaxing environment with scenic views that both caregivers and those with dementia can enjoy. However, taking your loved one with you will require special planning, patience, and flexibility. That's where a dementia-friendly cruise comes into play.
Why is it important to travel? ›Traveling fosters a medium to build human connections with one another by learning about culture, food, new sites, music, and the way people live their day to day lives in different parts of the world. It's the best on-site learning a person can get.
Why is traveling good for you? ›Travel relieves stress and boosts mental health
Traveling has the ability to take you out of our daily routine and into new surroundings and experiences and this can reset your body and mind. Even planning a trip can have a fantastic effect on the body – it boosts happiness and feels rewarding.
- Buy Travel Insurance. ...
- Buy Travel Insurance with Cancel For Any Reason. ...
- Select an Aisle Seat on Long Flights. ...
- Keep Medicines Handy. ...
- Print and Share Your Travel Documents. ...
- Know What to Expect on Your Trip. ...
- Get to the airport early. ...
- Skip the alcohol and drink lots of water.
Is 70 too old to travel? ›
There's no specific age to settle down. There's no age limit for international travel. I've met plenty of international backpackers who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. Non-travellers are often surprised.
How do you plan an elderly parent trip? ›- Make sure it's appropriate. ...
- Ask First. ...
- Plan for contingencies. ...
- Lists, Lists, and More Lists. ...
- Schedule According to your Elder's Needs. ...
- Recruit Family Help. ...
- Plan Extra Time. ...
- Take a Day Trip.
Altitude of residence might be associated with environmental, lifestyle, or health-related factors, which influence dementia rates. Oxygen levels might have direct long-term effects on brain physiology. Oxidative abnormalities have been long proposed to be central to the pathogenesis of dementia.
Can flying cause confusion? ›In fit people this can cause tachycardia, tachypnoea, headaches, dizziness, impaired coordination, fatigue and confusion. Reduced air pressure can also cause peripheral oedema and expansion of any air-filled spaces such as the bowel, sinuses and middle ear (Boyle's law). Air humidity is reduced at altitude.
Does dementia affect travel insurance? ›Dementia Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance tends to exclude cover for pre-existing medical conditions, and this can include dementia. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, you will need to disclose it when applying for travel insurance to ensure that you are covered for your trip.
- Install Door Locks for Dementia Patients. ...
- Install Anti-Wandering Alarms. ...
- Disguise Entrances and Exits. ...
- Provide a Safe Space for Wandering. ...
- Use Visual Cues for Reorientation. ...
- Look for Patterns in Dementia Behaviors. ...
- Hide Car Keys and House Keys. ...
- Warn Neighbors and Authorities.
To prevent unsafe wandering, identify the times of day that wandering might occur. Plan meaningful activities to keep the person with dementia better engaged. If the person is searching for a spouse or wants to "go home," avoid correcting him or her. Instead, consider ways to validate and explore the person's feelings.
How do you keep someone with dementia at home? ›Place a latch or deadbolt either above or below eye level on all doors. Remove locks on interior doors to prevent the person living with dementia from locking themselves in. Keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door for easy access. Keep walkways and rooms well-lit.
Can a person with dementia travel abroad? ›Travelling with a person who has dementia
Trips can include overseas and interstate travel and can be for reminiscence, family gatherings, sightseeing, or relocation to a different care situation. However travelling with a person who has dementia can present a number of hazards and challenges.
Conclusion. Our research indicates that people with dementia can and do travel by air, including internationally. When we asked people with dementia and their companions what advice they would give to others who might be planning a trip they said: "Ask for help if you need it" and "Do it and enjoy it!"
Can a person with dementia fly alone? ›
Never expect the person with dementia to travel alone. Do not expect travel employees (flight attendants, gate personnel) to care for or supervise your loved one. Always have the care receiver carry identification. Expect your loved one to become more confused, agitated, or behaviorally difficult during the trip.
Can people with dementia go on a cruise? ›While it may not seem worth it to take your aging loved one with dementia on a cruise, it can actually be a great source of joy and excitement for them. Cruises can provide a beautiful and relaxing environment with scenic views that both caregivers and those with dementia can enjoy.
How do you travel with an elderly person? ›- Talk to the doctor. ...
- Request and Reserve Special Services. ...
- Plan What to do with Medication. ...
- Understand that seniors are more sensitive to new areas. ...
- Be early & allow extra time. ...
- Dress Comfortably & Move Around.
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
Does dementia affect travel insurance? ›Dementia Travel Insurance
Standard travel insurance tends to exclude cover for pre-existing medical conditions, and this can include dementia. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, you will need to disclose it when applying for travel insurance to ensure that you are covered for your trip.
Altitude of residence might be associated with environmental, lifestyle, or health-related factors, which influence dementia rates. Oxygen levels might have direct long-term effects on brain physiology. Oxidative abnormalities have been long proposed to be central to the pathogenesis of dementia.
Can flying cause confusion? ›In fit people this can cause tachycardia, tachypnoea, headaches, dizziness, impaired coordination, fatigue and confusion. Reduced air pressure can also cause peripheral oedema and expansion of any air-filled spaces such as the bowel, sinuses and middle ear (Boyle's law). Air humidity is reduced at altitude.
Does flying affect your brain? ›Anxiety is not the only aspect of mood that can be affected by flying. A number of studies has shown spending time at altitude can increase negative emotions like tension, make people less friendly, decrease their energy levels and affect their ability to deal with stress.
What is past reality in dementia? ›This is partly because the person's memory and ways of seeing things have been altered by dementia. Memory about current or recent events tends to become damaged, while memory about the past remains relatively intact – so the past can seem more real than the present to the person with dementia.
Which of the following is important to remember when communicating with an individual with dementia? ›speak clearly and slowly, using short sentences. make eye contact with the person when they're talking or asking questions. give them time to respond, because they may feel pressured if you try to speed up their answers. encourage them to join in conversations with others, where possible.
Which is a strategy caregivers can use to discourage wandering? ›
Which is a strategy caregivers can use to discourage wandering? Encourage activities like dancing or rocking. When communicating with a person in the early stages of dementia, which is an important and relevant consideration?
What are the stages of dementia? ›- Stage 1: No Memory Deficit.
- Stage 2: Slight Cognitive Decline.
- Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment.
- Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline.
- Stage 5: Moderate Dementia.
- Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline.
- Stage 7: Severe Dementia.
Comfortable, convenient and extremely cost-effective, cruises are a safe and stylish way for seniors to see the world with like-minded travelers and be pampered along the way. Whatever your mobility level, a cruise provides the perfect balance of full independence and accessible support while venturing out on your own.
Do I have to tell the cruise line I am pregnant? ›Do you have to tell the cruise line you are pregnant? Most cruise lines require that you bring a doctor's letter which states your estimated due date and that you are fit to travel. However, you're unlikely to be asked to show the letter unless your bump is obvious.