I am planning a cruise for 6 days in November. I have six close friends going with us. My issue is as you know Alz people can get upset in unfamiliar situations. How do I keep him calm and hopefully enjoy himself. My doctor said to keep the Ativan handy and make sure he does not get overhausted. I have also gotten us a larger room so he does not feel closed in. On previous cruises he has been confused and kept saying I want to go home after about two days. I cannot go without him as he is very attached to me and I know he feels safe when I am around.
I cannot imagine taking him on a cruise! If he was uncomfortable two years ago it is likely to be worse now. In my Mom's case tge last time she wasnout of town and it was just one night in a condo shared with other family. Nobody got any rest that night as Mom kept wandering and wanting to go home.
I would find a facility for him to stay so you can enjoy the cruise, and have some respite for yourself.
Traveling requires everyone must understand the individual has Alzheimer's Disease, be aware of the danger because of the Alzheimer's, Confabulation is common. The person will say things to people containing information that is blatantly false, tell of actions that inaccurately describe history, background and present situations. The added danger is the answers are coherent, internally consistent, and appear relatively normal.
Nothing worse than encountering others on a cruise untrained to care for person with Alzheimer's. A serious danger posed by Alzheimer's disease is when the individual turns around, the place they expect to see is gone and they find themselves standing helplessly confused what they see is different and totally unfamiliar to them.
Think of the position you will put the cruise operators in if he gets worse
Welcome to our special place in h*ll.
Your thinking is faulty. While you may not want to see others in public places with this dreadful illness, thankfully, the majority of others don't care. I've had people come up to me and actually huge me, stating how much they care and how they've been through this, and good luck, etc. I've never had anyone say to me "Get that woman out of here, she disgusts me!"....
You need to lighten up. I think you need to take a deep breathe and ask yourself where your hate for the infirmed being in public places comes from.
Think about that and I'd think twice before posting such hateful comments. That is not the way to get help for your own questions.
You're planning a trip that the husband you used to know would have enjoyed. This husband needs routine and security. A cruise is exactly the opposite of that.
As others have advised...call a local AL community and reserve a respite stay for him. Book a few days longer than the cruise so you have a day or so to settle him in there and a day to regroup when you get back. Rather than discuss it (argue) with him, have the doctor 'prescribe' a brief stay for 'rehab'.
Think of your friends who are accompanying you and the other cruise passengers. Your husband is better off at home. You need a break, too. You CAN go without him. He will be fine.
Though I understand what you are saying, hubby does not belong on this cruise. It would be hard on everybody. Which brings up another question.
Sheila, do you need to board a plane to travel to the departure location? I cannot imagine the frightening possibilities on a plane!
And another of your posts you mention you are awaiting determination on a Medicaid application. Something is not right here.
I have traveled with my elderly parents, and even cruised with my friend's Very elderly dad, because she could not leave him.....but they did not have AD.
Sorry I think you were trying to hold onto some sense of normalcy in your life. I just do not think this will work out well for you. At the very minimum make sure you have ship health insurance.... You never know what can present.
Best of luck.
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