Episode 25

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Published on:

15th Jul 2022

Dementia Road Trips & Tips

Have you ever worried about taking a road trip with a loved one suffering from dementia?  If so, this show is for you!

You don’t have to restrict outings with them just to doctor visits.  Always staying in can be tough on you and even more so for those you’re caring for. 

Trust me on this one! 

This episode’s tips come from one of our listeners: Polly.  She shares her stories about how she takes her husband, who’s suffering from Leukodystrophy (a rare form of dementia) on special road trips.  Although he’s lost some basic functions, he still seems to understand what’s going on around him.

Listen in and learn what Polly’s been doing to help her husband, and herself, through both good and tough days. You’ll also hear my story about how my own dad and I used to take long day trips together and get lost together in the Florida swamps.

In the meantime, here are some items that may make things easier and safer while you enjoy your own trips:

  • Auto Door Assist Handle Grips: These are easy to use on any car.
  • Car Grab Handles (over door): A bit less stable but they are great for extra stability when you need someone to twist and turn before sitting.
  • Lift Support Handle: Wow, these are great when your passenger has some strength in their grip and simply needs a little extra pull to get up.
  • Transfer Support Sling: Simply slip this behind the back of your passenger and give a tug. Viola, they're standing! Make sure they place their hands on your shoulders for added support.
  • Adjustable side walker (for those who are more mobile): This is a side walker vs. one that's positioned in front of a person. It gives just enough support for added stability and more than a walking cane. Here's a better video on how this item works.

Host:  Nancy May, Author How to Survive 911 Medical Emergencies, Step-by-Step Before, During, After!  is an acknowledged expert in managing the path of step-by-step caring for aging parents, even from over 1200 miles away. For a free, fillable File-of-Life go to www.howtosurvive911.com. Nancy is also the Co-Founder of CareManity LLC, and the private FaceBook group, Eldercare Success.

Disclaimer: The views, perspectives, and opinions expressed in this show are those of the show guests and not directly those of the companies they serve or that of the host or the producer CareManity, LLC. The information discussed should not be taken as medical, legal, or financial advice. Please seek the advice of your own personal medical, legal or financial advisors as each person’s situation is different. (c) Copyright 2022 CareManity, LLC all rights reserved.

CareManity is a trademark of CareManity, LLC.



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About the Podcast

Eldercare Success
Doing It Best with Eldercare Success
Join us in Doing it Best with Eldercare Success where we explore ways to relieve the stress, exhaustion and overwhelm that we all face in caring for an aging parent, frail spouse, or partner. Fear, frustration, emotional and financial strain do not have to be your MO! In this show, we dive into unraveling the tricks, traps, and gotchas that create more questions than answers while caring for those we love.
Join Nancy May, and her guests as she helps relieve the pressures and delivers solid ways to find more joy and freedom as we care for those with those we love. Here you’ll learn how to find the ground under your feet again. Hang tight there’s a better road ahead.
keeping our feet on solid ground. Hang tight there’s a better road ahead.

About your host

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Nancy May

Nancy May is a corporate leader, business advisor, author, speaker, and nationally recognized podcast host. She has spent her career working with CEOs, Boards of Directors, and senior leaders in the public and private corporate sectors. These experiences gave her the strength and foundation to step in and provide her parents with guidance and support, both as their POA and Trustee, and diehard advocate as they aged. Nancy credits her father an entrepreneur, innovator of innovative eyewear design, and her mom for encouraging and preparing her to acquire the many skills needed to start, build, and lead several successful businesses. She has transitioned these competencies and life lessons to into her new business, CareManity, LLC, which focuses on providing family caregivers structured ways to obtain practical knowledge, resources, and access much-needed support.