Getting out and seeing the world is one of those pleasures that almost everyone enjoys. Whether it’s heading off to delightful far off places or taking in vistas nearby, travel can lift the heart and stimulate the mind. But with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, all that changes. But does it need to?
“Travel with Dementia – Yes or No?” will explore possibilities and offer practical resources and solutions to people who still want to discover new horizons. Travel advisor David Westin will share his experiences of travelling with his wife who was living with dementia, the arrangements they made, the obstacles they met, the answers they found and the joys they discovered together.
As with any form of travel, the better the preparation the better the experience. The presentation will take a realistic look at travel starting with an honest appraisal of whether adventuring out is even a good idea. Other topics include the benefits of travel, selecting destinations, itinerary planning, finding accommodations, disability-friendly tours, preparing legal and medical documents, personal hygiene and preparing for the worst.
“Travel with Dementia – Why Not?” will be held three times:
- Nov. 12 – 10 to 11 a.m. (Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma)
- Nov. 14 – 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. (Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma)
- Nov. 15 – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community, 1301 N. Highlands Parkway in Tacoma)
“Keeping the mind active is so very important,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources manager. “A diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean an end to life. When appropriate, travel can be a wonderful way of adding quality to life and engaging in new and stimulating experiences that help both the care giver and the care receiver.”
This free informational presentation is sponsored by Pierce County’s Aging & Disability Resource Center in collaboration with Lutheran Community Services Northwest, and is open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Riler, Community Connections
(253) 798-7384
[email protected]