Arriving at Your Destination
1. If using a gate-checked wheelchair, wait to deplane until you know the chair is on the jetway. You may want to wait until all the other passengers are off first, if the person living with dementia is immobile and is not too anxious.
2. Ask the wheelchair attendant where the closest (hopefully, companion) restroom is right away. Afterwards, the attendant may be able to accompany you to the baggage claim and/or to where you are going for transportation. Keeping the attendant with you is useful. That person should know your arrival airport well. They can also take you on the train if needed in the big airports to get to your terminal, if you are making a connection. Tipping for their services is appropriate.
3. If the person living with dementia was not hydrating on the airplane, it's a good time to get a beverage before your destination ride.
4. If your baggage did not arrive, don't sweat it or get agitated. You can make a claim, and the airline will bring your luggage to you after it arrives (often on the next flight.) After all, you have luggage tags on everything, and you have medications and clothes enough for a day or two in your carry-on, right?
5. Be mindful of any time zone changes, especially when it comes to taking medications. To avoid jet lag, try to adapt to the new time while remembering that you have both have had a big day with more activity than normal. Do not expect to adapt right away, or be ready for big family meet ups.
6. Staying in one home or hotel room for the first couple of nights can help a great deal with acclimation.
7. To keep someone with dementia safe in a hotel room, consider using a baby monitor to listen in if you are not sharing the room; and a door alarm if that person is a possible elopement risk.
Adapted with permission from Carol Giuliani - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
2. Ask the wheelchair attendant where the closest (hopefully, companion) restroom is right away. Afterwards, the attendant may be able to accompany you to the baggage claim and/or to where you are going for transportation. Keeping the attendant with you is useful. That person should know your arrival airport well. They can also take you on the train if needed in the big airports to get to your terminal, if you are making a connection. Tipping for their services is appropriate.
3. If the person living with dementia was not hydrating on the airplane, it's a good time to get a beverage before your destination ride.
4. If your baggage did not arrive, don't sweat it or get agitated. You can make a claim, and the airline will bring your luggage to you after it arrives (often on the next flight.) After all, you have luggage tags on everything, and you have medications and clothes enough for a day or two in your carry-on, right?
5. Be mindful of any time zone changes, especially when it comes to taking medications. To avoid jet lag, try to adapt to the new time while remembering that you have both have had a big day with more activity than normal. Do not expect to adapt right away, or be ready for big family meet ups.
6. Staying in one home or hotel room for the first couple of nights can help a great deal with acclimation.
7. To keep someone with dementia safe in a hotel room, consider using a baby monitor to listen in if you are not sharing the room; and a door alarm if that person is a possible elopement risk.
Adapted with permission from Carol Giuliani - Senior Travel Companion Services, LLC
