
Any suggestions or resources? It will be a long travel day with an often negative, self-centered parent. Then we move into the ALF. Is this too much? If so, what's the best way to break it down into smaller steps? My sister or I will be traveling with her, packing, coordinating everything.
Mom is physically in good shape and regularly walks 5,000 steps a day, but this will be tiring for her.
When my daughter flew with her infant, she brought treats, snacks and earplugs for the nearby passengers.
Book the highest class you can stretch to afford.
You have a lot to figure out.
Choose flights strategically. Nonstop is worth paying extra for if possible.
If a layover is unavoidable, aim for 90 minutes to 2 hours, not (too short) 45 minutes and not too long (4+ hours).
Fly in the morning to avoid sundowning behaviors. Avoid the last flight of the day if possible. Delays become disorienting to her and therefore more problematic.
If available, at the airport use the curbside check-in. Hint: be prepared to tip your check-in person.
As suggested, use the wheelchair to and from the gate (and sometimes they will take her all the way into the plane seat but not sure this is necessary). Hint: be prepared to tip the wheelchair attendants.
Bring headphones or earbuds so she can watch a movie or play a game on their media. Limit drinks to limit bathroom issues. See if meds would be appropriate for her (in general). Don't do this right before the trip! This needs to happen at least 2 weeks in advance to see how she reacts to/tolerates the meds.
Her PoA needs to travel with all those legal documents easily accessible (do not put them in checked bags just in case your luggage gets temporarily lost.
If you had to drive her to the final destination, gas, lodging, food, etc. for 3 people may equal the cost of a direct flight ticket.
You say it will be tiring for her. Of course it will ! It would be tiring for anyone.
That's ok. It's only one day. Maybe mom can get some sleep on the flight.
Bring one of those neck pillows for her, and a small throw blanket so she can be comfortable.
In the airport, ask if you can get a wheelchair, and push her so she doesn't have to get tired out by a lot of walking. Plan on buying overpriced snacks and drinks.
Don't try to carry everything with you! It is so burdensome trying to manage carry-on luggage and purses and totes with snacks and sweaters.
Try and be as hands-free as you can. Check all your bags.
You should just have your tickets, ID, Money, a phone, maybe a lip balm, and that's it!
If you can get mom to wear incontinence underwear, that might help when it's difficult to get to a restroom quickly. Bring a spare or two, they fold up pretty small, so she can change.
If her dementia behaviors are troublesome, bring a pill that calms her or helps her to sleep. You can wait until you have boarded the plane to give it to her. This is not the time to try a new medication! Use something that you already know to be effective.
Bring your patience and a good attitude! Remember to smile at her even when she is sour! If you reflect a bad mood back to her, it will only escalate her negative attitude!
I don't know how you would break this down into smaller steps. It sounds like you just need to make the push to get all this done in one day, then everyone can rest!
Previously, children 12 and under and passengers 75 and older were exempt from the policy. Now, everyone can keep their shoes on, effective immediately, nationwide."
Upon arrival, hotel for the night, then ALF in the morning.
My sister will likely do the flight. I'll take the hotel. We'll both be there for ALF arrival. Or maybe just me. Then sister can go back to ALF at dinner time.