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.
When someone asks a question like that, they're asking for opinions. I don't believe it's your place to tell others they are forcing anything on any one person. Nobody is forcing their opinions on anyone. We are offering our experiences, not opinions. I would never take my mom on a cruise. She'd be so confused, I wouldn't have a good time and neither would she. Not only that, but her executive functions have diminished. She literally doesn't know when to stop eating, or how to pace herself when eating. She'd have a blast at the buffet! Others not so much. Where would I leave her while I got her food? I'd be feeding her, not enjoying the cruise. What would be the point?
Dementia and Alzheimer's are diseases that have pretty much the same dynamics, i.e., confusion, agitation, sundowning, etc., etc. Yes, people experience these dynamics in many different ways, but for the most part, they are pretty well established.
Also, there are many, many caregivers who believe their loved ones can't live without them. I believe it's the caregiver who thinks they are indispensable, not the person being cared for.
That's my 'opinion'. Nobody HAS to take it. But a person who has an open mind can take all opinions into consideration and make up their own minds. For the most part, nobody slams others on these boards for their opinions. In fact, you're the first I've read.
anyway it's all good now!
If I were you, I would put hubby in temporary care facility, and enjoy the trip yourself along with the friends who will be joining you on the trip.
These may be good friends, but have you considered how they may feel restricted with extra care dad needs, special needs, inability to go on some longer excursions, your distraction with hubby's care?
I think you have right intentions, and if it's early ALZ and husband is functioning well, then by all means go and have fun. But if his limitations are greater, consider your own needs and fun and do your husband and friends a favor and leave hubby in the comfort of his home with care or respite care. Create a celebration after the trip and share pictures and a small dinner party with your friends and husband upon your return so he'll feel like he was there.
Let each individual take the advice bit' s and pieces that apply to their situation and not decide what is best for someone we don't even know!
It was a change of scenery for me, but never really a vacation. It is A LOT of work travelling with someone with special needs. But it was building memories together, and he enjoyed looking forward to it, doing it, and looking at the pictures afterward.
Each situation is very different, of course. Sheilaallison1 you have done this before and you have some idea of what to expect. I assume the people traveling with you fully understand the situation and will be supportive. This is strictly your decision.