Jenna Hynek
As the Nebraska State Fair kicks-off, many Nebraskans are planning family trips to visit the fair, but they may be unsure about bringing a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Today, there are almost 36,000 Nebraskans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and large crowds, unfamiliar places and hot weather can be particularly stressful and overwhelming for them, especially in the mid to later stages.
The Alzheimer’s Association encourages families to consider the information and tips below before planning a visit to the Nebraska State Fair with their loved one living with dementia:
● Crowds can cause agitation. Generally, it’s best to avoid busy, unfamiliar places because they can be confusing and cause disorientation. If you think your loved one could still handle being in a crowded place well, be sure to assess their response to new places and people beforehand, consider the best time of day to go as most people with Alzheimer's function better during certain times, and don’t leave them alone during your trip.
● Wandering is a concern. Alzheimer’s disease causes people to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces. It’s common for a person living with dementia to wander or become lost or confused about their location, and it can happen at any stage of the disease.
● Plan ahead. If your loved one does come with you to the Nebraska State Fair, preparation is key. Talk to the person about travel plans in advance, but not too far ahead if traveling makes them feel anxious. Don’t plan to stay for too long or do too many activities, and plan rest periods. If they do well in the morning, plan a visit early when it is more likely to be less crowded. Be prepared to cut your visit short if necessary. Also, bring or request a wheelchair or walker to make mobility easier on the person with dementia.
● Bring important items. Bringing a few extra important items along can help make a visit to the fair much more comfortable and successful for caregivers and people living with dementia. A few suggestions of items to bring are an emergency contact list, a fully charged phone for the person living with dementia or making a life alert button in case they get lost and a change of clothes in case they get too hot or have an accident.
● Check the weather. Extreme heat can often be more agitating and overwhelming to someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Check the weather leading up to and the day of your trip, and if it looks like it will be hot, especially if there is a heat advisory, it’s best to postpone your visit or leave your loved one at home. If it is hot during your visit, be sure to bring extra water, take breaks in air-conditioned spaces and check-in with your loved one to make sure they aren’t getting overheated.
The Alzheimer's Association is here to help families take measures to prepare for and cope with activities like traveling, eating out and visiting new places with their loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Register for your local Walk to End Alzheimer’s today! Upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in Nebraska: Grand Island (September 8), Kearney (September 21), Norfolk (September 22), Hastings (September 27), Lincoln (October 6), Omaha (October 13).