What do I do? I have to get my mother on an airplane to move her from her home in Phoenix to my brothers home in Florida to care for her in her advanced stages. She now refuses to get into a car for any reason. We tried a test run and she got violent. I don't know if I drug her, if there are professionals who could help, what do I do? The sister that is caring for her is suffering from Croans Disease and she can't handle the stress of caring for Mom.
Email me with your suggestions!
BScott@entercom.com

Dear Barb,

Thank you for writing to us and welcome to the online community. I hope we will be a continuing source of support and information for you. You may also call our 24-hour helpline @ 1-800-272-3900. Ask to speak to a Care Consultant.

It seems that the first leg of your journey, by car, won’t be any simpler than the flying portion of the trip. Check with her doctor about medications that can help. You may wish to consider transporting her to and from the airport by private ambulance. Of course, continue to speak to her in reassuring tones. Avoid over-explaining, convincing and reasoning, all of which will increase her agitation.

Traveling by airplane can be very challenging for a person with dementia as well as family members accompanying that person. Your mom may experience stressful reactions that may aggravate her dementia related symptoms. There are several factors for you to consider.

A carrier may not refuse to transport a passenger solely on the basis of a disability. However, the airlines may require that a companion accompany any individual who is unable to comprehend or respond appropriately to safety instructions. This decision is made at the discretion of the airline personnel. You don’t mention whether your mother will have a companion. I don’t think the trip should be attempted without a companion to care for her from the beginning of the trip to the destination.

If a person causes a disruption prior to or during a flight that causes a safety risk, they may be denied access or the flight may have to be diverted, and the passenger will not be allowed to reboard.

Before you go, call the airline’s customer service office prior to travel to find out how the airline handles situations that may arise when traveling with a person with dementia. Plan traveling at the time of day when your mother is typically at her best. Do not travel at peak hours and seasons if at all possible. Keep travel plans simple with as few layovers and flight changes as possible. Talk to the doctor about medications that may be helpful if unexpected agitation occurs while traveling. Carry documents from your mother’s physician that indicate her condition. Have a contingency plan if your mother becomes uncooperative or ill.

Have your mother wear an ID bracelet at all times. Register your mother with the Alzheimer’s Association MedicAlert + Safe Return program. If she is already registered in the program, notify Safe Return of your travel plans @ 1-888-572-8566. Inside your mother’s purse or pocket, place a card with family contact information.

In the carry-on luggage, be sure to have medications, insurance cards, physician’s names and phone numbers, the companion’s photo identification and your mother’s photo identification.

Do not require your mother to carry items unless she wants to. Bring your mother’s favorite items or foods to help her feel more secure. Dress her in clothes that are easy to put on and remove. Allow for extra time to get ready, and to pack last minute items.

Airports are busy, unpredictable places, and you will not be able to control certain factors. For example, you will not be able to control wait times, security check points and lines, delayed flights, other people, and excessive noise and stimulation. Your mother should not be alone at the airport for a moment. Escort her to the restroom. Ask for assistance from an airport employee as needed.

Please review the following links for additional information that may be helpful to you:

www.alz.org/national/documents...eet_travelsafety.pdf
www.alz.org/national/documents...eet_travelsafety.pdf

www.medicalert.org

Remember that we are always here. Again, keep our number during travel in case a situation arises that we can offer our assistance. Ask to speak to a Care Consultant when you call 1-800-272-3900.

Best wishes,
Kathleen