What is a Dementia-Friendly airport?
A dementia-friendly airport:
Accommodates the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners in a way that enables them to safely and comfortably navigate the procedures required to travel by plane by:
1. Enabling persons living with dementia and their care partners to make use of the amenities and resources of the airport (food, lavatories, waiting areas, shops, transportation to gates and terminals).
2. Having procedures (ie: check-in, baggage check, security) in place that help persons living with dementia and their care partners navigate the airport, board, and deplane in a timely and low-stress manner.
3. Having airport personnel, TSA staff, volunteers, vendor employees and airline employees who are trained and experienced in supporting the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners.
4. Being capable of managing emergencies in a competent and caring manner utilizing readily available staff that are trained in resolving dementia-related crises.
5. Encouraging airlines to accommodate the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners while on board.
Current Status of Dementia-Friendly Airports
Tulsa International Airport Set to be the First U.S. Dementia-Friendly Airport
March 11, 2021
Flying with dementia: Why We Need Dementia Friendly Airports
March 31, 2020
Heathrow commits to becoming world’s first dementia friendly airport
March 20, 2018
Australia’s first dementia-friendly airport
June, 2017
Brisbane Airport named Australia's first dementia-friendly airport at guide launch
June 22, 2017
Accommodates the needs of persons living with dementia and their care partners in a way that enables them to safely and comfortably navigate the procedures required to travel by plane by:
1. Enabling persons living with dementia and their care partners to make use of the amenities and resources of the airport (food, lavatories, waiting areas, shops, transportation to gates and terminals).
- Clear signage
- Minimizing visual and auditory stimulation
- Quiet areas (either dedicated rooms or seating away from the hustle and bustle)
- Readily accessible toilets
- Attention to floor surfaces and lighting where possible
2. Having procedures (ie: check-in, baggage check, security) in place that help persons living with dementia and their care partners navigate the airport, board, and deplane in a timely and low-stress manner.
3. Having airport personnel, TSA staff, volunteers, vendor employees and airline employees who are trained and experienced in supporting the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners.
4. Being capable of managing emergencies in a competent and caring manner utilizing readily available staff that are trained in resolving dementia-related crises.
5. Encouraging airlines to accommodate the needs of persons with dementia and their care partners while on board.
Current Status of Dementia-Friendly Airports
Tulsa International Airport Set to be the First U.S. Dementia-Friendly Airport
March 11, 2021
Flying with dementia: Why We Need Dementia Friendly Airports
March 31, 2020
Heathrow commits to becoming world’s first dementia friendly airport
March 20, 2018
Australia’s first dementia-friendly airport
June, 2017
Brisbane Airport named Australia's first dementia-friendly airport at guide launch
June 22, 2017