Vacations and Alzheimer's?

Our kids are grown up. We have our house in order. Nothing seems to be leaking or falling over. We have a few dollars saved up. The pandemic has abated. We have vacation time from work. We now have an opportunity to take a long awaited trip to anywhere warm or interesting.

But can we? We also care for my mother-in-law who has Alzheimer's. Now, what?

With all that is going on in the world, taking a vacation seems pretty trivial. But when you would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York, a vacation is what you need to survive mentally.

Vacating The Big Apple for a bit helps you deal with it when you get back. So, therein lies the dilemma, can we take a vacation and still care for our loved one?

What options are available?

We would never want to put my mother-in-law at risk or in a bad situation so any "iffy" options are off the table. Leaving her with family for any extended period would not be something that would work out. Sure a day or 2 may be doable, but more than that would be a stretch.

I understand that there are respite places that would take her on a short term basis, but that is not an option we would consider at this point.

Is there such thing as an Alzheimer's-friendly vacation?

I keep landing on the idea of bringing her with us, but where and how? How would the accommodations work? What about her activities of daily living? What about traveling by car or plane? Could we handle a cruise? Could we afford an added person? Is this how it is going to be as long as we are primary caregivers (which we plan to be)?

So many questions! I know that there are family friendly, child friendly, pet friendly places, but what about Alzheimer's friendly?

Are there vacation spots that cater to the need of our unique community and at a reasonable price, safe, and fun? I am not even sure what that kind of place would look like.

The search continues...

Here would be my ideal vacation spot, let me dream a little. I need somewhere warm and sunny with water and tropical trees and birds where our loved ones could enjoy nature without worry of getting lost or being in danger.

How about beautiful music being played everywhere? Could there be adjoining rooms for caregiving? A fenced perimeter for safety? Self-contained to limit travel? Equipped medical staff? Activities, walks, and live entertainment? Carefully selected cuisine for dietary needs?

If yes, then I want to go and take a lot of photos. I want to go for all of our sakes so that when we land at La Guardia Airport or cross the George Washington Bridge in our vehicle we are refreshed and ready to tackle each new stressful day. Does this place exist? Can anyone help me find such a vacation?

If you do, I will send you a cool post card.