?? Beyond Caregiving: Navigating Travel and Respite ??

Are you hoping to get away for a few days this summer? Is your loved one still able to travel with some modifications? Do you consider this entire thought to be ludicrous? This article is meant to change your mind by offering suggestions to make travel or respite easier for you.

Next week, the podcast episode is an update from Tony Copeland-Parker on his nomadic life with his partner Cat. When I first heard their story, I thought they were nuts—traveling worldwide, rarely staying in the same place for more than a few days. I couldn't imagine the confusion.

However, even with dementia, it's still possible to travel. If you feel like it's something you want to do with your loved one, here are the top five tips I've curated from my guests.

Honestly evaluate their symptoms before making travel plans. Even if someone is doing well in their familiar environment and daily routine, that doesn't necessarily mean travel will go smoothly. That's a fact for all of us, if we're honest.

Traveling may not be the best plan if your loved one is prone to wandering, wanting to "go home," and has a high risk of falls. If these are minor issues, here's what I would consider first.

• Where are you going, and how will you get there? Traveling by car might be your best option. It allows for more flexibility and familiarity. Car travel would enable you to maintain more of their daily routine and be easier for them to adapt to.
• What supportive resources will you have along the way or once you reach your destination? This vacation is also a time for you to enjoy new things; make sure you're not making things harder on yourself.
• Take something with you that you will enjoy—novels, simple arts & crafts, whatever will make this time away more enjoyable for you. Know what keeps your person occupied so you can enjoy some personal time.

Lastly, take photos and videos, and ask strangers to take pictures that include you in them. You won't regret it, I promise.

For those of you who need to get away without your loved one, here is my curated advice for getting some respite care.

The best option is sometimes 36-48 hours away at a local hotel or spa. You're pretty close if something occurs, and you spend less time getting there, which allows you more downtime. Even a full day away can refresh and recharge you. There is no right or wrong way to take care of yourself.

Finally, if leaving for a day or more at a time isn't an option, consider these tips for respite while at home. The idea is to get a break from your normal routine. If you still need to, create a space just for you. This space can be a place to read, relax, and participate in a hobby. Leave your project out so you can return to it when you have a few minutes.?

Do something different with your loved one. Have a picnic in the yard, maybe a charcuterie board on the porch with faux wine. If you can project a movie, use a flat white sheet hung tightly as a movie screen in the yard.

Changing our normal routine is necessary for good mental health. Additionally, if done right, it can add a lot of joy to your life.

Interested in Learning About Cutting-Edge Alzheimer's Treatments?
Treatments that go beyond amaliod-placque removal? 

Tune in to this weeks podcast episode.        

We received hopeful news last week with the full FDA approval of Lecembie, but what other treatment options are on the horizon??

Tune in to hear about InMuneBio’s approach to treating dementia. It’s refreshing to hear that there are multiple companies looking at novel ways to approach this disease.

In keeping with our travel theme, check outTony Copeland-Parker’s 
Original Episode.?Catch up before the update comes out next week.        

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