Managing a Routine While Traveling

As a person living with Alzheimer’s, it can sometimes be challenging to travel. I really need to consider the entire scope of what is involved and see if I can handle it.

Managing a travel routine with Alzheimer's

The best-case scenario is what I call a “tag-along”. Someone else does all the work, tells me what is going to happen, where we are going, and what we are going to do. But that also means lots of preparation for me and my traveling companions. They have to tell me what we are doing each day (and I prefer that it is written down like an itinerary because I won’t remember if they just tell me), so there are no surprises. They also have to include quiet or rest time for me each day, and they have to be flexible, as I may not be able to keep up. A change of plans might become necessary. Patience is needed for everyone involved.

Expectations vs. reality

Don’t expect me to go on tours where I need to retain a lot of information or do 10 different activities. My cognitive reserve is limited, and it is easy for me to get overwhelmed. When that happens, I shut down. I tune out everything because my brain can't process any more information. I basically give up, and I am through for the day.

Obviously, this can cause problems, but if you know the pitfalls and the capabilities of those you are traveling with, it can work. Don’t expect great things – just try to enjoy the time you have together. Quite often, I will encourage my travel partners to go to dinner without me or feel free to go on an excursion without me. I will be fine. I will be able to spend other quality time with you, if you can give me my downtime.

Blocking out the noise

My brain struggles to filter out noisy environments. When I travel, I always carry earplugs with me to help drown out the noise. As long as my travel partners know I am using my earplugs, it isn’t an issue. They sometimes struggle to understand that walking into a particular establishment can be overwhelming for me, but it doesn’t take long! I feel bad when this happens because I feel as if I am hampering them from having a good time at my expense.

Try to remember that when I am not traveling, my life revolves around a routine that is somewhat predictable. When traveling, routines are disrupted, which creates some uneasiness on our part.

Returning to my routine

Another thing I have to remember is that it is exhausting for me to travel. Part of that, I think, is due to not being in my routine and my brain trying to work that much harder to keep up with what is going on around me. I have to schedule several days of “downtime” at home whenever I return from a trip just to rest. I feel as if I can sleep for two days straight when I come home, but I eventually come out of it and get back to my same old routine.

Ultimately, managing a routine while traveling with Alzheimer's means being open and honest with your travel companions about your needs, expectations, and limitations.