How to alleviate airport stress when travelling with someone with dementia

The holidays can be a stressful time. You may be traveling far distances, and dealing with traffic or a busy airport. If you’re caring for someone who has dementia, those typical travel anxieties can be even more taxing.

One way to alleviate stress now is to set realistic expectations about what’s possible for your holiday, and plan ahead with these four airport tips.

1. Pack an emergency bag.

This bag should include medications and current medical information like dosages, insurance information, a list of emergency contacts, a list of allergies, photocopies of important legal documents, and your travel itinerary. If you’re traveling by air, make this bag your carry-on and also include an extra set of clothing, snacks, and activities.

2. Keep a list of important contact information.

Have doctors’ names and contact information, as well as the names and contact information of friends and family members to call in case of an emergency.

4. Request a wheelchair.

Air travel can be confusing for someone with dementia. You’re going to want as little stress as possible! You might consider requesting a wheelchair (even if mobility is not an issue) so that an attendant can help you navigate the airport.

5. Look for a companion restroom.

Airports are crowded and distracting. A companion restroom ensures you do not have to leave the person unattended, and can make it easier to assist if they need help using the restroom.

Overall, when it comes to traveling with someone with dementia, the best rule of thumb is to go with the option that will cause the least amount of stress or anxiety (for you and them).

Happy holidays!

Have you taken a trip with someone with dementia? Share your advice for safe travel in the comments.

When finances are tight, neighbors turn to you for help

Your dollars ensure that Iona social workers like Randy Smith (pictured) can tap into our Emergency Fund. Thanks to you, he’s purchased toilet paper, paper towels, shaving cream, and more for your neighbors.

As you know, Washington, DC is an expensive city. For many of our neighbors with limited resources, that means cutting costs and making sacrifices on items they might need. When finances are tight, home items we take for granted are first to go.

Fortunately, your donations ensure that Iona’s social workers can meet these basic needs. Thanks to your support, along with generous funding from the Jack R. Anderson Foundation, Iona keeps a special Emergency Fund for our social workers to tap into whenever needed.

Your generosity has helped to purchase clean clothing and toiletries. You’ve funded vital deep-cleaning home services. Your donations have even helped to provide emergency money for rent, medical co-payments, and other bills. Truly, your impact is immeasurable.

Just ask Iona social worker Randy Smith. Randy frequents the Emergency Fund often. He’s purchased everything from paper towels to shaving cream for his clients, who otherwise can’t afford these basic necessities.

In addition to home essentials, the Emergency Fund can also help cover bills. This summer, for example, Randy tapped into the Fund to cover the costs of a client’s cable and phone bill. The $175 back payments the client owed was preventing him from getting services installed in a new apartment.

“He deserves to have a phone,” says Randy. “It’s his connection to the world. But, the cable company wouldn’t install anything until he paid the $175. He just doesn’t have that kind of money.” Fortunately, because of your gift, Randy could step in.

Your support is more critical than ever as people live longer and face more complex challenges every day. Thankfully, because of you, when a client needs new sheets or cash to pay for a late utility bill, they know they can lean upon Iona. And, in turn, Iona knows we can lean upon you. Thank you for your caring.

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