1. Edie Mayhew & John Quinn
Travel & Dementia
Edie Mayhew & John Quinn
Australia

2. Positive aspects of Travel
friendships
new experiences
support from others
no reason to stop doing the things you enjoy
stimulating life.

3. 32 years of travel
China, Botswana, Vietnam, Alz Aust Consumer Summits & State, National and ADI Conferences
Challenges due to surgery: titanium
security: alarms
security: ‘pat-down’
security: water
doctor’s letter
Tedious; irritating
Used a Travel Agent
CPAP…..quality sleep
‘Wheelchair Assist’ from check-in through to destination
Confident to continue to travel.

4. Airport Assistance ‘Wheelchair Assist’ guarantees assistance.
Dementia Friendly Airports, 2016:
U.K. Heathrow, training staff
U.K. Gatwick, training & voluntary lanyards
Australia Brisbane, surveys, audits, training.
Familiarise yourself with the Airport, prior to the day.

5. Appreciative of support
Difficulty with planning & organising
Unpredictability
distorted thoughts
challenging
Companion: may have health issues
Allow time
Adapt
‘Wheelchair Assist’
Planning cruise with more friends.

6. New & Unfamiliar: Confusing and Confronting. Sensory Challenges:
Floor patterning;
Crowds, congestion and noise;
External stimuli & electronic travel boards: departure/arrival.
Is there a quiet space or Prayer Room?

7. Appreciative of support
Difficulty with planning & organising
Unpredictability
distorted thoughts
challenging
Companion: may have health issues
Allow time
Adapt
‘Wheelchair Assist’
Planning cruise with more friends.

8. TIPS: Plane Travel. Travel Agents are specialists in travel:
access to additional information
Does the Airport and Airline offer special assistance?
Taking certain medications into some countries may be illegal or require clearance by their Customs
Carry letter listing medications and medical needs.

9. Consider: Insurance Policy: basic not including dementia.
Take only what you really need.
minimise clothing and weight;
also consider what is in carry-on luggage.
Including a stop-over rather than travelling directly.
Some tour companies require letter for participation

10. What’s Available where you live?
Cards that provide some financial assistance within Australia. Please check for the criteria and usage of the following:
Companion card
Taxi Directive Card
Disability Parking Permit
Qantas Carer Concession Card Scheme

11. Resources:
O’Reilly, M. (PhD) and Sheperd, N. “Can people with dementia travel successfully by air?” QUT, Brisbane, Australia. December 15, 2015.
“Making air travel easier for people with dementia.”
August 4, 2016.
“Qantas Carer Concession Card.” Australia domestic only. Check eligibilty. Dementia is classified as a disability. BOOK:Ph

12. Also check the state where you reside for local criteria and benefits.
Resources:
Also check the state where you reside for local criteria and benefits.
Companion Card: free travel on public transport or entry into entertainment, movies, theatre, sporting events for a companion.
Taxi Directive Card/ Taxi subsidy: (Different States have different names) Half price fares.
Disabled Parking Permit: close, convenient parking.

13. Should there be a Universal symbol?
In an ideal world, people would treat everyone with respect and patience. There’d be no need for symbols and signs.
Some countries and cities already have symbols:
to identify people who have undertaken specific training.
businesses etc who have engaged in specific training.
not everyone with dementia wishes to be identified.
however, is it time to have a universal symbol to recognise inclusiveness of dementia?