Wondering if a cruise is ok. We really haven't done any travel except for auto travel to art museums returning the same day. But overnight? H'mmm just the thought of it makes my heart go faster.
But a 2 week trip to Hawaii like we did 2 years ago...I think I know no one can give me an answer.
You are always so helpful just hearing your experiences, good or bad is heartwarming. I'm not alone. Thanks
Last summer, before Robert was started on the alz meds, we went to Cincinnati over the July 4th holiday. I was really worried about it. Robert smokes, and I was concerned about him getting lost in the hotel coming back from the smoking area. We stayed at the Wolfe Lodge right next to King's Island. I had the kids distract their dad while we checked in. I told the people at the front desk that my husband had AD and I was concerned about him getting lost in the hotel. They were really nice about it. As it turns out, we had a balcony off our room where Robert could go out and smoke. The water park was indoors and so I didn't have to worry about losing Robert inside the park.
We went to King's Island the night of July 3rd and practically walked on every ride there - no waiting. We went back the next day and rode some more - that was a little more trying because of the crowds and the heat. But Robert did pretty well for the most part. The only problem the whole trip was when we spent the night at Robert's sister's house. He got up in the middle of the night and couldn't find a bathroom. He ended up wetting his pants. I think at that time being around family stressed him more than being around strangers.
All in all, we had a good time. I don't have an answer for you, but just thought I would share my experience.
That seems like a good idea...letting the front desk know. I'm sure that if we do any kind of family vacation in a hotel, I will need to follow your example.
Welcome to my website. Look on the left side of the website, scroll down to Travel, and click on that. There is information about the Alzheimer cruise we took in January.
Cruises are good because you can do as little or as much as you want, and there's no packing and unpacking like there is on land travel tours.
I also wrote a blog on traveling with an AD spouse - Click on Previous Blogs on the left side of the website, and scroll down to #41 and #104. I think you will find them helpful.
Also, if you look at the top of the message boards, click on "search". Write in "travel" next to "topic", and click search. Our discussions on travel should come up.
We have taken three cruises and they were great! I would never leave my wife alone but she follows along with me happily and has a good time. I have to help her select the foods she likes and order for her but she goes along with the program. Last Fall, we took a Mexican cruise and she specifically chose the swimming with the dolphins tour at one of the stops. It was the highlight of the trip for both of us. One thing she does not like is guided tours. With her severe aphasia, the guide's narrative is just gibberish to her.
A couple of months ago she had surgery and the pain meds pushed her into what must have been full blown fronto-temoral. She became fearful, oppositional and began wandering. I was afraid that our traveling days were over because I could never have handled those behaviors away from home.
Now that she is back to her pleasant, loving self, we have booked a tour of Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon for May. I am hoping that it will work out. I'll let you know.
Joan mentioned the Caregiver Stress Management cruise. I checked with the company and they are willing to put together any type cruise we want if there are enough. I specifically asked about having the cruise leave from Boston, since I can get there either by car, bus, or airplane with no changes. Is anyone else interested? If so, let Joan know and she can get us in touch with each other.
Hi everyone, Haven't written in a while but read all the time. I'm taking my Mom on the Caregiver's Cruise in April/May. She stays with DH while I'm at work. Thought this would be a nice get away for Mom and I. Is anyone else going?
A year ago, for our 50th anniversary, out daughters sent us on a cruise, and they went along (just the 4 of them and us).
My wife is mid stage Alz and it was a wonderful experience. We kept her with one of us always, and it worked out well. We did have one melt down, and it took a bit of doing to get it untangled, but even with that it was good.
The girls offered us the trip and then asked who I wanted to go with us. I think they expected to name one of the four of them, but instead I said I wanted all of the to go with us. Amazingly they all did and we spent 8 days just the original 6 together and it was the highlight for a LONG time.
I am so glad you are going on the Caregiver Cruise. What a terrific way to thank your Mom for her help. You will have a great time. Do take advantage of the seminars that Patrick presents on board. He is such a kind, caring person. And funny - he has a great sense of humor.
Dave,
Yes, I agree - cruising is the way to go with a spouse with Alzheimer's Disease. There are activities they may enjoy; you can always take them back to the cabin if they are upset or overstimulated; and you both can do nothing but relax on deck if you choose. You can take a short excursion or just a walk around the port of call. If you plan it properly, you're never more than a walk away from the ship and a quiet room if you need it.
Haven't tried anything as extensive as a two-week cruise to Hawaii (boy, that sounds nice!), but have taken my DH on a long weekend to Monterey, his favorite place in the world. He was a little anxious in the airport (well... so was I.) And we got lost, a lot -- he was the one who was familiar with the place, and he was never good at maps, even before AD, so not much use as a navigator. But he loved every minute of it. It was restful, not much to do but walk for miles along the ocean or climb around Point Lobos, visit the aquarium, and eat and sleep and eat and sleep. He wants to go again, and I'm trying to figure out when we can.
A cruise sounds similar -- restful, not a lot of running through airports, beautiful scenery. If he's healthy enough, go for it.
As I wrote before, another way to go is with a senior's group. We had a wonderful time last year- there were 38 people in the group from all over Canada. We hope to do it again this fall even though things have gone a bit downhill since last year. The long flight and mastering the workings of the washroom doors were the worst part of the trip but it was all worth it. Some of our fellow travelers helped me keep track of my husband and were very understanding. All in all it wasn't as stressful for me as I had anticipated.
We just returned from a trip to San Diego (we live in Michigan). We combined work with pleasure. While I worked at the convention, our three adult children stayed with their dad in a beach house we rented. It was the first time in 30 years that my DH didn't go to this convention. We have been adjusting our vacations to keep things as simple as possible. No more ski trips. I am finding that renting a house on a beach is a good way to go. I have no desire to go anywhere without my children however. That way there is always someone to go for a walk with him or make him something to eat. On our way home yesterday we had a two hour drive from the airport and I was very hungry but I didn't want to stop at a restaurant alone with my DH. It just about made me cry thinking about how nice it would have been before to stop for a nice dinner just the two of us. I am always more depressed after a trip since it brings out the confusion in him.
We just returned from an 11 day cruise to the Carib with 3 other couples. i wouldn't go alone. On the 5th day, DH came down with a cold. We had to go to the doctor on board twice before he began to feel better. he basically spent 5 days in the cabin with me either bringing food in or ordering room service. The last 2 nights he came to dinner. Did not get off the ship after the first 2 ports. and now that we are home (have been since last Wednesday, he has been in bed. I dragged him to our grandson's recital on Saturday, and he was ok during it, but had no idea where we were, and when we got back to our son's home he slept.... inf act that's what he does, sleep, since we got home. I don't know if he's still recovering from the cold he got, or from the fact that we were away from home. The most scary thing was on the cruise when he didn't know we were on a ship, and I had to constantly make sure the balcony door was locked when he was alone in the room, although all he did was sleep anyway. We have a cruise scheduled for August with our Daughter's family.... I just don't know about it. I guess I'll decide when the time is closer.
Ladies, this is my first entry. I found Joan's website last week, and have been reading her blogs and your comments ever since! I'm so glad I've found you! My husband was diagnosed a year ago in February, though I was aware a year earlier, it took me that long to convince his doctor to test him, get an MRI, and an appointment with a neurologist. She tested him and ordered a PET scan, which confirmed that he had had a mild stroke the year before and that he had Alzheimer's. I immediately headed to the cell phone stores, because my concern was that he might get lost (he was still driving then - the doctor told me he could). We found that Verizon had a chaperone phone - so that should he leave the house, my phone would signal me. My phone has a system so that I can pull up a map that will show me where he is. I've used it several times and am very grateful for that invention! The one time we really needed it was coming back from visiting our younger daughter in England. Our older daughter traveled with us, and for two weeks, we visited London and Scotland. Our phones are NOT international so we didn't take them with us. We lost him twice (with three grown women watching him!) but once he had just gone to the restroom, and we found him when he came out. The other time he had gone five rooms ahead while we were touring a castle, but we found him in 10 minutes. Our flight from England to Dallas went well, but he also has Restless Leg Syndrome, and has to get up and stretch his legs several times. We arrived in Dallas at 1:30 p.m. and had a flight scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Without going into a lot of detail, our flight was constantly delayed and at 7 p.m. (which was 1 a.m. in England-and we had been up for 19 hours) he had had enough and wanted to lay down in a hotel room. I was waiting for the airlines to give us a hotel voucher and he took off. Diane couldn't get him to come back to our gate. She came back to guard our things and I went after him. I couldn't find him. For five hours he was missing. I didn't have my cell phone with all my numbers in it; I couldn't leave our carry-ons; I was still trying to get us a flight out the next morning (along with five other plane-loads of passengers); and the airport police couldn't find him with all their cameras! I told them he would be on the road to the hotels - several times. And that is where they finally found him! At the same time I got our tickets for the next morning! He greeted me in the security office where they brought him with a big smile and a hug. I asked him if he was ready to go to the hotel, and he said "oh, yes!" - as if no time had passed. I pretended it had only been a few minutes, because I knew it wouldn't do any good to tell him how worried I had been. I do love the idea of a cruise with you and the caregivers group. I am hoping we can go next January! Yes, I have concerns, but we love to travel. I will be upgrading my phones to international and taking them with us. Dave does not take his off unless he is in bed or in the bathtub. He seems to remember that it is his lifeline. He is already to the point where he can rarely put a four word sentence together, most of the time using one or two words and pointing. He does love to put together model ships, so we keep hitting Hobby Lobby and getting him another one. He's starting his fourth one now. It keeps him home, using his mind, and keeps him from being bored. I look forward to getting to know you all better and learning more from you. We have been married 47 years, and he was my best friend. He is a teenaged boy now, who loves chocolate covered doughnuts, and watches DVDs all day long while Diane and I are at work. She is living with me to help me with him. It's great having someone you can get to come take over when you are ready to pull your hair out! (We got the doctor to tell him he couldn't drive any more last July.) Well, this is enough for my first entry!
Comment AuthorJ oanne Kinney CommentTime 3 days ago edited Things have changed in 6 weeks. RK has had an amazing reaction to aricept and namenda. He's back to sorting out the 13,000 book collection we have. Reading the NYTimes, WSJ and the locAL RAG daily. Some actions are still there...but it is a slow down on what was a slippery slope. I FEEL JOY AND A TINY BIT OF TREPIDATION, BUT THE NEUROLOGIST IS so pleased. Maybe the cruise is on the list again and trip tp New Orleans with 4 sons, wives and our grandkids in Late June.
How wonderful. My DH was diagnosed with moderate AD in 2005, and put on namenda. Three months later, he went in for a routine checkup, and did so well on the MMSE, the neurologist called it a miracle. She insisted it couldn't have been the med. Well, who knows? And what else would it be? A while later, we also got him into a clinical trial with huperzine A, which is a cholinesterase inhibitor, same category of drug as aricept. We went to Monterey I think six or eight months after that, and it was great. And my DH is still doing reasonably well, certainly well enough that I'd consider another trip when/if I can find the time and money.
So yes, it'll be a roller coaster for you, and the trepidation is well-founded ... but ... maybe RK will do as well as, or even better than, my DH. Maybe the two of you can travel for years to come.
Comment Author Joanne Kinney CommentTime 20 hours ago Well, a trip is in the works....son and grandson will travel with us, by air, to southern California to visit family. RK is happy a trip has been planned. Also pleased that VC, our son, who lives near us in our city will rent the car, drive the car to La Jolla, Legoland, and other places around San Diego area. Our 8 year old grandson is coming too, loves RK. Too good to be true...because the ups and downs of ALZ makes planning anything difficult. But RK has been there many times so he says his 'comfort zone' is high. RK uses the cz words alot. Hope there are tons of comfort zones in his life. Hard to believe five years ago, we were in Rome for a month painting in a huge studio and apartment. We had both been accepted to the American Academy of Rome. Memories so sweet for both of us. I'm sure I'll be writing again...he's as unsure as I am ....let the good times roll, meantime/
Thank you all for your support and advice....hugs to all Joe anne
San Diego! That ought to help RK if nothing else does! (Says she who has lived in SD for 20 years and absolutely adores it.) Hope your trip here is marvelous. I'll work on the weather for you. :-)
My husband was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment 6/2003 and then mild Alzheimer's the following December. In April, 2006 our house closed escrow and we now live fulltime in our motorhome. This is MUCH better than having the responsibility for a home and yard. My husband usually can't remember how to turn on the lights, and of course, I do all the driving and backing up in to these RV sites when I can't get a pull through one. My husband makes our bed, opens the blinds, walks and feeds our dog. So far he doesn't wander, but Escapees (a national organization for people who live as we do) has an Alzheimer's facility in Texas that we can use if necessary. We haven't gone as far or as many places as we might under other circumstances, but we both enjoy the places where we stay. We can visit our children and friends this way. I check the Alzheimer's Organization for support groups from time to time. Since Hank 'shadows' I can't always find my own space, but he also sleeps more now, so I take advantage of that. I know this wouldn't be for everyone, but it feels like the very best we can do under the circumstances and I'm so glad to be living this way. Right now we spending a month in the small town of Ajo, AZ where 'summer spends the winter'. We are in a 37 site Park. It is easy to take short walks. We can walk across the street to the IGA and Hank and our dog sit on the bench there while I get a few groceries. I even found a Scrabble group that meets on Monday night. I can play Scrabble while Hank chats with those spouses who don't play. They know he has Alzheimer's and are very understanding. So, life is good!
Another thought on travel. Of course, we travel all the time, since we live in our RV, but after going to Norway to see the polar bears in July, 2006 I realized that sort of travel was over. My DH didn't want to get off the ship and in to the zodiacs to get close and personal with wildlife there. He was confused about night and day because it was light almost all the time and several times I was crying over how this wonderful trip had gone. Still, when I look back on that now, I have wonderful lifetime memories (unless I come down with AD, of course) - BUT, I would not do it again. Last October we took the train across country and splurged on the GrandLuxe (fancy train AKA American Orient Express) for the portion from Denver back to California. Unfortunately, there was a mix up and they overbooked. To make up, they are allowing us a 10 day trip of National Parks of the West for what we paid for the overnight trip and even upgraded our accomodation. Naturally, I have been looking forward to going and that trip is just a month away. I HOPE this works out. Even though PD was recently diagnosed, those hand tremors are making it more difficult to eat. I wonder - maybe I should just bring his own soup spoon, since he eats more with that here, but I don't know if he would be willing to use it. More and more I find myself trying to jump in to the conversation to avoid those awkward questions he asks. It seems like a sympathy gig if I say, "he can't see well enough to read the menu (since I read things to him); it's hard to carry on a conversation because he has AD; it's hard to eat because he has PD." I know we can have room service and eat in our room, though of course, I would enjoy interacting with the other people.
That trip sounds wonderful! Based on your last trip I'm wondering if there is someone else who might travel with you and who would appreciate the experience more than your DH. I also wonder if the two of you do decide to travel together if some of those little cards that inform people about his AD might not smooth out some of the rough spots. I used to love to travel but I've been so embarrassed and stressed by some of my husband's behaviors which get way worse with even small stresses/adjustments in traveling that we haven't done any prolonged trips for over a year.
JustThinking...No, that wouldn't work. Thanks for trying to come up with something, however. I know about those cards, but it is just as easy to say something - but now, this seems like too many things to bring up --oh well...
Our best friends and my husband and I have made annual trips to Jamaica together to a resort that is all-inclusive. I made the decision for us not to join them these last two years due to my husband's AD. However, he wants to go this next year, and our friends are willing to help me with him for the trip (10 days). I know that this year would be the last time he will physically be able to go, but I'm still uncertain as to whether I could deal with possible confusions he might face during the nights. Once we get off the plane, we are driven directly to the resort, and the resort is policed 24/7, but am I asking for more difficulties by taking him? I would appreciate your input.
Mary - I have been thinking about your situation, but it is hard to know what will work for you. Do you have the Alzheimer's Safe Return bracelets? I've not seen that discussed in this group, and I'm also not sure how that would work out of the country. You don't mention if you are worried about wandering, but of course, you could alert the staff there. You are lucky your friends are willing to help you go - that is a treasure. Also, it sounds as if your DH wants to go. If I were in your shoes and I really wanted to go I would probably do it, though I might think differently if our train trip is a disaster!
I made mine on my computer using Avery Business Card stock. They say: "My wife has Alzheimer's Disease. Please be patient. Thanks". I have only used it once, when she was having a special medical test and the technician asked me to wait in the waiting room. As soon as I gave him the card he asked me to stay with her during the test, which lasted for one hour and required that she lie still.
What a wonderful idea those cards are. i never thought of that. I got a safe return bracelet, but then I ordered from someplace else an id bracelet and a pendant both of which say his name, address, phone number, my name, cell phone number and memory impaired. was afraid that he would be insulted and wouldn't wear them, but he was thrilled and wears them all the time. He even shows them to people, proudly, like, see how much my wife loves me, she doesn't want to lose me. I must check with verizon on that cell phone. I got him a pay as you go cell phone years ago, and although he doesn't remember how to use it, I have it programmed with my phone number and our home number, at least if he gets misplaced and I call him, I can hear it ring (like if we are in a store) and find him. The one time it came in handy, we still had two cars, and I had it in the car, We were driving home fro getting one of the cars repaired and he was following me. For some unknown reason, he lost me (maybe someone got inbetween) Anyway, we were only a block from home. I got home and expected him to follow me right in. He didn't, and waited few minutes then called the cell phone. Miracle.... he answered it. I was able to find where he was by his description of the stores and got him home. I don't know what I would have done otherwise. that was a while ago. since then we've gotten rid of one car, and he drives very little, only when he insists. and fights me over it. The other day he was in the passenger seat and couldn't remember how to open the windows. Last night he locked the bathroom and extra room doors from the inside, so I had to get an awl to push into the little hole. these things seem to be happening more each day.
We have the Family Locater system with Sprint. My DH takes his phone with him when he goes on his walks and I can track him via the cell phone either on my computer or on my phone. Of course this only work if he has his phone and it is on. It is extremely helpful for us. It amazes me that he can still find his way on his walks (he has been lost a few times) but is confused inside our house. Doesn't remember where to go to brush his teeth for instance.
Well, wish us luck! Our bags are packed and I have answered the same questions over and over (no, we can't pack the razor until after you shave tomorrow morning). We parked our rig in Albuquerque since that is where we meet our train tour tomorrow morning. You won't hear from me for a while since no internet connection on the train. I can't believe how much I am looking forward to gourmet meals, enjoying many National Parks, and relaxing.
My LO has MCI. We have been on three cruises - but he kept getting lost and I had to be with him all the time. Then we took a few car trips a few hours away from home to a resort on the beach. There are lots of activities to participate in and room service is very good. He usually just sits on the balconey and reads or sleeps. But the last time, I was driving and he got in one of his moods and wanted me to stop the car so he could get out, was going to jump out, acted up when we were there in front of staff - they looked worried. So, we will stay home and sit in the back yard. It is easier.
We are leaving Sunday for Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. I had the neurologist sign a travel letter that I prepared from one I saw in our support group. It basically says that she is under professional care and that she may not be able to express herself or understand or follow spoken instructions. She will be in my company and since she relies on me for guidance, we should not be separated. We had a bad experience a couple of years ago when TSA selected her for a full search (they are doing a great job of picking out terrorists aren't they) and wouldn't let me go with her. Fortunately I explained things to another agent who was able to bring her back to me and let us go on our way.
Southwest Airlaines has open seating and I don't want to get into a crowd pushing for a particular seat, so i plan to request pre-boarding based upon her disability.
I've given up travelling. This year we won't even take our annual visit to the Saratoga Jazz Festival. Can't get up there easily and frankly I don't think he could handle a two day picnic and music festival. I realize now that although I could convince him to do some day trips last year, he wouldn't stay anywhere overnight (except for Saratoga). So pretty much, that is that with travelling.
We traveled alot during the mid stages. ski trips,europe,vegas,cruising. just yesterday i commented to my friend i am soo happy we did all that while we could manage and i am still paying on those trips with a special travel credit card:)but it was the best idea to go ahead and have fun while we could. i will cherish those memories a lifetime as he can no longer travel. go for it if you think you can manage! divvi
Baltobob, could you e-mail that letter to Joan, for her to e-mail to me? We're traveling in June, and I think you have a wonderful solution to handle the separation issue. I have been concerned about how to proceed, but this is a great way to keep us together!
Divvi, we traveled a lot over the last few years, but after the disaster last July, have stayed at home. We're getting ready to attempt a direct flight to Houston to waiting children, so hopefully it will be successful. If it is, then we're going to attempt the caregiver cruise next February! I'm taking my adult daughter along, so she can help me if need be.
yes if you have someone who can travel with you and lend a hand this is the way to go. we traveled with husbands brother and my sisinlaw and they were super help and gave me some time to myself which was so nice. also in the airports i found telling the checkpoints that husband was AD and i needed to accompany h im for his titanium knee implant to be wanded -was never an issue. they were obliging and i guess ran into this alot now. having a dr letter may be beneficial too. i worried about an outburst while ON the airplane as you neve rknow how they could react with the pressures and people etc. i think having a mild sedative on hand,is a good idea just in case i would have benedryl to give in those instances to help sleep on the flight if he got restless. wishing you the best on your travels! divvi
Baltobob - It would be wonderful if that letter could be made available to all of us. What a good idea. Well, time to turn off the computer - everything is in the car and we are ready to go. The train is a lot better for us than air travel. Thanks, everyone. I, too, am considering the AD cruise - but we will have to see how this goes.
Our last trip was 1½ years ago, to northern Italy. My main concerns have been going through security (she goes right through and I have to be checked for 2 artificial knees and 1 artificial shoulder) and her going to the ladies room without me. One time she turned the wrong way coming out and walked to the far end of the terminal before coming back. We are planning a 4 day bus trip in Sept, starting from our home town, so that part should be easy. Also we have two friends (female) going who will help with the ladies room issues. I just hope she isn't appreciably worse by then. I know she won't remember anything about the trip, but it will give me a chance to be with others.
A suggestion for the airport - request a wheelchair for your AD spouse. Because of his diabetic neuropathy, Sid is unable to walk any distances at all, so walking in aiports is out of the question. AD as a disability would certainly qualify for a wheelchair. With a wheelchair comes a personal escort - they take you through a special section - no waiting in long lines, and the well spouse goes right along with them. While I am putting my stuff on the conveyer belt, and going through the metal detector, Sid is usually attended by 3 people - two TSA's and the wheelchair attendant. I never have to worry where he is. One time, he started arguing with TSA about something; I took the guy aside, told him about the AD, and they didn't give us a hard time.The attendant and I make sure he has everything after it comes off of the conveyor belt, and he's wheeled right up to the gate, where he stays until it's time to board.
Between the wheelchair and a letter like baltobob has, the airport should be a breeze. Also, don't forget the "Safe Return" bracelet.
Baltobob, thank you SO MUCH for sharing your letter! I have made the changes to fit our situation and names, and e-mailed the "revised and clean" version (taking off all references to JH and signature, etc.) to my husband's neurologist. We have an appointment Wednesday, so I can pick up an orginal on her letterhead before our Memorial Day trip. It's only a 5 hour drive, but if something should happen to me, they will know why he can't talk! He has a card in his wallet that states his name, address, phone number, my name & cell phone number in case of an emergency, and that he has Alzheimer's. Between the two, I hope I've covered him for contingencies.
I can't wait until the plane trip to Houston in July (hopefully he won't go further downhill before then). I following your and Joan's advice there. Thank you both!
I took my DH to Las Vegas last week to see CHER. The wheelchair assist at the airport is great. He was still confused at the TSA but they were very professional. Also get a seat at the front of the plane even if there is an extra charge. You have one attendant and there are only 2 seats so no one is climbing over him. Take lots of magazines, color books, etc. I wish I had remembered my portable dvd. But if there is a next time, I will have it and an extra battery with me. Also when I bought the tickets to the concert I called the ticket masters and talked to a person instead of the online booking. I explained the situation and we were seated in a box. It was private with easy access to the bathroom and refreshments and no one was around us to distrub him. There was no extra costs involved.
I was always afraid if i was driving and hubby in backseat with childlock. if i had an accident i could just see an officer allowing my DH to drive! i dont know if they would check the safe return bl on his wrist??? so i made a laminated card saying he was a dementia patient and his contact numbers hanging right in front on the mirror. i feel better thinking someone would see this easier! we just have to cover all the bases , huh? scary. Divvi
I did just as SHELLSEEKER50 mentioned on a recent trip-we upgraded to first class on the plane trip. More attention from the flight attendant, more room at seat (easier to negotiate seat), plus a rest room reserved for the first class, so less traffic and close to the seating. Also, priority boarding and you are near the plane door to get off. In general, it was less hectic and reduced my DH's anxiety. Even he said to pay whatever it took to arrange that.
As for the driving, I found a Seat Belt Medical Alert on various sites (just google). It is a nylon type envelope that attaches to the seatbelt with velco .It is red with a medical alert symbol and can hold medical or other info for the person in that seat (also could be attached to purse or bag). Since the seat belt is designed to be intact after an accident (more so than other parts of car) and directly connected to a specific passenger, it would be helpful for anyone with specific medical conditions, but especially for those with dementia.
I just placed my order for one through "Top of the Line" which I found by Googling Seat Belt Medical Alert. It was $7.95. I'll let you know how it works after it arrives.
Hello - We are driving back to Albuquerque from Jackson Hole, WY where our GrandLuxe train trip ended on Saturday. I have mixed feelings about this trip and am not sure I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't already slept overnight on a train. We did ok, my DH is very quiet since it is too hard to add to conversation these days. One advantage was having tables for two or four so we chose the table for 2 each time. That cut out my extroversion, but it was still better than Hank trying to participate in conversation. The problem isn't so much the trip as that one still remains in the caregiver/attentive role. Now we have a rental car for a week and are visiting friends/family en route. So far, so good. We needed to replace shoes that are so worn at the heels because of the AD/PD shuffle. I see I am lucky to have one new pair. My DH says no one has ever insisted he buy new shoes before, so I am just glad we got this far! By the way, did you know our current President Bush created all these interstates while in office? Pretty good, eh? I tried a couple of times to remind him we've traveled these roads many times before, but finally turned on the radio and gave up. So, I'm wondering how Baltobob and spouse did on their trip?