Any insight or suggestions for flying with my DH? We may have to travel from Georgia to California for a family emergency and I have no one to help care for him so he'll have to go with me. This feels very overwhelming and scary. I'm running several different scenarios through my head about what could happen and how I can handle it. Anyone had an experience with this? I need some helpful tips!
Log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com. Look on the left side where all the resources are. Scroll down to the picture with the airplane - "Travel Tips". Everything you could possibly need is in that section. I would suggest "refreshing" the page when you get to it, because when we were updating the pages, the pictures on that one got messed up. They are fixed now, but as I said, the page may need refreshing.
Patt, Let them know when you check in that dh needs extra help and they will board you first. Also if he will need a wheel chair let them know and they will have one ready and waiting for him when you arrive at your destination.
I had the same worry. In addition to the AD is heart trouble causing shortness of breath as well as neuropathy from diabetes a well as maybe some issues with gait due to AD..my big worry was going up the steps onto the puddle jumper plane. That was a worry as well as having to use the loo..who would look after him in the airport. For that problem I thought using the wheel chair and the attendant that comes with it to help with that part. We were to go east to VA from CA for his birthday..instead kids are coming here but that does not solve your problem. On board the airplane, see if you can get seats closer to the bathroom if that is an issue too. Otherwise Joan's site for travel is helpful. Good luck.
I had to travel with my husband when he was in stage 5 on an airplane. In addition to what has been already listed on this site, I checked in at the area where you get additional help. If none is available, I suggest get in the first class line regardless of your ticket. You can have a printed card or talk to the people there about the Alzheimer's. In my case, they put a notification on file so that folks would have more patience. I also boarded early. Good luck.
Boarding early is a really good idea. We are flying from Amsterdam to Newark and back in May and I'm concerned about his using the bathroom on board because lately he has been refusing to use restrooms in some places we've been. At the airport will be no problem, since we'll use the big handicapped restrooms and go in together.
DH already using depends and I figured we'd use the handicap restrooms @ airport, my concern is while we're on the plane. If he needs changing (cannot do by self), those bathrooms are VERY LITTLE. Don't think two of us can fit in. And if we could, can't you just hear the noise and squabbling coming out of there as we enter with our bag of "supplies" " and try to undress, clean up, and redress all within that tiny space! I can just imagine the looks we'll get as we exit!
Patt. make sure to take him before the flight, and again as soon as you land....and very little to drink on the flight itself. Then you won't have to change him on the flight. If you would feel more comfortable, add a super absorbent pad in the Depend for extra collection. And pack another pair of slacks if you need them after departing the plane. If he has a sports jacket or something similar to take to slip on him while deplaning if necessary, take it with you. I wouldn't try to get two people in the bathroom on the plane for any amount of money!!!
Try to get a non-stop, at least there will not be changing at the airports. And others have said, call ahead and arrange for early boarding and going thru security separate from the others if possible.