August Newsletter

Brilliance Dementia Support & Consulting

August

Newsletter

"When a flower doesn't bloom you change the environment in which it grows not the flower"

Traveling with someone living with dementia can be a deeply meaningful experience, offering moments of joy, connection, and shared discovery when planned with care and compassion.

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 Flying

Before the Trip: Plan Ahead

• Talk to your doctor: Make sure the person is medically stable and able to travel.

• Choose direct flights: Minimize stress, confusion, and transitions.

• Fly during their best time of day: If they’re more alert in the morning, schedule accordingly.

• Notify the airline: Let them know you're traveling with someone who has special needs — they can provide early boarding, wheelchair assistance, or help navigating.

• Get TSA Cares Assistance: You can call TSA Cares (72+ hours before your flight) for support through security screening. TSA Cares Website

At the Airport

• Arrive early but not too early: You want to avoid rushing but also minimize idle time in unfamiliar spaces.

• Use mobility assistance: Even if they don’t normally need it, a wheelchair can reduce fatigue and make navigation easier.

• Explain steps gently: Narrate what’s happening (security, boarding) in calm, reassuring tones.

• Avoid overstimulation: Airports can be noisy and overwhelming, noise-canceling headphones or a quiet corner can help. (See below)

During the Flight

• Stay calm and grounded: Keep routines as close to normal as possible.

• Provide the airline staff with a card that simply states "my companion has dementia and may need extra help. Please be patient with them." See the Alzheimer's association for ideas. companion cards

• Bring distractions: Simple games, soft music, or calming visuals can help pass time. Use headphones if the loved one tolerates this.

• Monitor anxiety or agitation: Be ready with soothing responses and familiar items.

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Booking your room

• Book an ADA compliant room. Request photos of the room, doors should clear 32 inches, grab bars must hold 250 lbs. and showers should have a bath seat or have roll in lips no higher than 1/2 inch.

•  Request a room near the elevator or ground floor.

• Choose a place with natural lighting, soft colors, and a homey feel, which can help with orientation.

• You may choose a room close to the lobby or restaurant for easier navigation.

• Avoid rooms with balconies or openable windows unless they’re secure.

• Bring familiar items from home: a photo, pillow, snacks or favorite blanket. This can make the room feel safe.

• If a care partner is staying too, suites or connected rooms offer space while keeping close supervision.

• Some hotels (especially in tourist areas or near hospitals) have staff trained in dementia or disability support, it never hurts to ask.

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General Tips for Travel:

• Try to recreate routines, like meals or bedtime habits, in the new space.

• Arriving before evening helps your loved one settle in during daylight, reducing confusion known as "sundowning" that often increases later in the day.

• Build in rest days: Don’t over-schedule travel plans; downtime is essential.

• Familiar destinations: Choose places they’ve been before or with predictable routines.

• Travel with support: If possible, bring a second caregiver or family member to share responsibilities.

• Consider a short test trip: Try a weekend away before a long journey to see how they handle travel.

Find quiet areas:

Airports, museums, train stations, bus terminals and cities can be overwhelming for people with sensory issues, due to large crowds, distracting noises and unforeseen situations. Sensory issues are common among people living with autism, dementia, PTSD and other conditions. Attempt to familiarize yourself with these spaces and be prepared to find a quiet area.

 THIS WILL:

• Help reduce anxiety or confusion caused by sensory overload.

• Provide a safe retreat for travelers living with dementia and their care partners to regroup and reorient.

• Improve inclusion and dignity, allowing smoother travel experiences for everyone.

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More Tips from the Alzheimers Association

Some airports have designated quiet spaces specifically designed for individuals who require a lower sensory environment.

Airports that offer quiet spaces:

Pheonix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX): Compassion Corner-Quiet area with puzzles, etc.

Seattle-Tacoma (SEA): Sensory Room-Quiet spaces within concourses.

Kansas City (MCI): Sensory Room & Stimulation Center-Practice airport steps in calm environment, simulated boarding.

Pittsburgh International: Sensory Room-Soundproof walls and calm decor/colors.

Salt Lake City Airport (SLC): Sensory Room-Designed by medical professionals and neurodivergent individuals.

San Francisco Airport (SFO): Sensory Room-Highly researched decor and calm sounds.

Dublin Airport: Sensory Room-Bookable quiet space.

Atlanta Airport (ATL): Multi-sensory room-Soothing, supportive environment.

 Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program:

Launched in 2016 by Gatwick Airport in London collaborated with its own special assistance provider (OCS, Outsourced Client Solutions), in partnership with charities like the Alzheimer's Society and the National Autistic Society. Its aim was to discreetly support passengers with dementia, autism, hearing loss, and other hidden conditions.

The lanyard features a light green background with a sunflower pattern, a symbol to indicate the wearer may need extra assistance or time. Passengers (or their carers) can collect a lanyard free of charge from any Special Assistance desk at Gatwick. OCS-trained staff recognize the lanyard and are ready to offer tailored assistance, such as repeating instructions, giving extra time during security screening, or helping navigate the airport calmly. Gatwick has embedded Dementia Friends training widely across its teams: front-line staff receive this training, and there are Dementia Friends Champions at the airport to support the initiative.

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“Collect moments rather than things. Moments get away.”

— Matthew Knisely

I hope you've enjoyed this newsletter but if you didn't and would like to be taken off of my email list please reply and let me know   This is NOT a replacement for healthcare.  This is not considered healthcare advice.  Please consult your loved one's healthcare providers for best practices and recommendations for your situation. 

Contact me

www.brilliancedementia.com

541-214-3213 brillliancedementiaconsulting@gmail.com