Quick question about elderly adult with dimentia

[ld4483]

I am the primary caregiver for my husband who has an ostomy bag and is in the moderate stage of Early Onset Alzheimers(diagnosed in 2014). We have been lucky enough to go to Disney World 3 times since 2017. We take the Magical Express to/from the airport, and use Disney transportation. We've not had any issues so far, but I've done as much pre-planning as possible. We watched videos online of arrivals and departures at MCO to become familiar with that, he wears a medical bracelet which he's never attempted to remove(he understands whats going on and is scared of getting lost), and we always use the family restrooms in the parks. He does walk, talk and eat a lot slower these days,so down time is planned accordingly. He doesn't remember everything we have done but I do and it's totally worth it to have those memories with him! It was always our dream to go to Disney every year when he retired, so now it just happening a little sooner than later! As always, everyone goes through this awful disease a little differently so only you know what's best for your family. I say if at all possible to go and make as many good memories as you can. And take lots of pictures!

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

I'm the primary caregiver for my 92 yr old Grandmother with (now) stage 7 dementia. I am just posting this for people who may be reading this and wondering about "what happens next" if you plan the trip when they are able to handle it, but they take a downward turn, suddenly. Hospice provides respite care for 5 days where you can still leave town and have your loved one cared in your absence. When she was first diagnosed, I could bring her with and she LOVED the Flower and Garden festival and the Land pavilion, but then she was always a gardener .

 

[mamabunny]

I'm the primary caregiver for my 92 yr old Grandmother with (now) stage 7 dementia. I am just posting this for people who may be reading this and wondering about "what happens next" if you plan the trip when they are able to handle it, but they take a downward turn, suddenly. Hospice provides respite care for 5 days where you can still leave town and have your loved one cared in your absence. When she was first diagnosed, I could bring her with and she LOVED the Flower and Garden festival and the Land pavilion, but then she was always a gardener .

Respite is so important for caregivers - had I not gotten respite when I did, (thanks to our eagle-eyed Hospice coordinator) I am not sure I would have made it to the end with my Mom.

It is worth noting that (in the past) you couldn't just turn up for Hospice with your loved one, and then say "Hey, BTW, I need some respite - see you in 5 days". Typically your patient had to be established in their system; my Mom's Hospice initially gave me 3 days of "emergency" respite, and then about 90 days later I was eligible for a full 5 day respite leave.

Despite the fact that I knew Hospice would be there every day, aside from my respite days I was with Mom every.single.day when she would have to be placed into the hospital or rehab facility. Even during my respite, I had family members who would visit every day to make sure that she was being well cared for, and wanted for nothing.

I wish sunny, peaceful days for your grandmother - and a good nights sleep for you

 

[persimmondeb]

We took my Dad To Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom in 2015 when his dementia was still moderate as part of a longer trip. There were a few moments (we took the Auto Train and he was very, very disoriented by that, particularly when we drove north to take him to Savannah and he told us we were going the wrong way for 200 miles) but it was a lovely trip for the most part and he had a good time. We didn't try to take him into any of the other parks, but he had always loved zoos, and he really enjoyed Animal Kingdom. Fortunately, while he would get confused by his whereabouts, at that time he didn't wander, and his usual reaction was just to bellow "Daughter!" until one turned up to sort things out, tell him where he was, find some cookies, etc.

It wasn't the easiest trip I've ever taken to Disney World, but we were glad we made the effort.

 

[krd315]

We took my mom Christmas 2017 for her 1st trip with mild dementia and had a great time. We are going again this August and the dementia has progressed a lot. As another poster said she may not remember 10 minutes later but is happy. Luckily she travels well and loves the attention from the characters (we have done six flags and great wolfe lodge recently without any major issues). She uses a walker at home but does use a wheelchair for longer distances. She loves riding and people watching. We also have myself, dh, dd and 2 teen grands who take turns pushing and sitting with her if it's something she can't ride. I have bathroom duty with her as she needs some assistance and for safety reasons. I love that Disney has so many slower moving accessible rides that she can still enjoy. Her favorite is the carousel. We keep our plans flexible, hydrate and take afternoon breaks. I have noted several great tips on this thread and will be using a room alarm and contact info on her clothes and wheelchair for this trip just in case!