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/security 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.
6. Participate in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide discrete assistance to people who self-identify as someone living with a hidden disability.
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 and wayfinding
- Minimizing visual and auditory stimulation
- Quiet areas (either dedicated rooms or seating away from the hustle and bustle)
- Readily accessible toilets and adult changing tables
- 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/security 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.
6. Participate in the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide discrete assistance to people who self-identify as someone living with a hidden disability.
