On The Road Again

Dear Friends,

At hour 24 of travel /:

I am home. Finally. Only 17 hours after our scheduled arrival. Last night at 2 a.m. listening to the United Airlines hold music, I didn't think I would ever make it here. But, the trip to be a part of my sister's wedding made all of the headaches worth it. This is the time of year for travel, to visit friends and family, to celebrate the holidays with those you love. But getting there can often be overwhelming, unpredictable, exhausting, disorienting and infuriating.

However, just because your loved one has Alzheimer's or dementia does not mean they can't travel, it just means you need to do additional planning and make additional arrangements. Visit our Caregiver Center for a full list of travel tips. But here are a few to get you started:

1. To travel or not to travel. Travel can be very overwhelming, a few things to take into consideration: disease progression, complexity of the trip, and mode of transportation. Know that is o.k. to decide not to go, if you need help explaining why to your friends and family, call us - we can help. 
2. Be safe. Even in the early stages of the disease, your loved one is at risk of wandering. Programs like MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association SafeReturn, ComfortZone and Project Lifesaver are necessary precautions when traveling. Click here for more information.
3. Knowledge is power. Educate your family and friends you are visiting and your travel companions about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. And, how they can help you with your care responsibilities. Check our Facebook page for printable business cards that explain an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis to strangers you may encounter. 

Travel can be extremely stressful under any circumstances. But, often the moments of joy at the end of a travel rainbow can be worth the stress. We are here to all through your entire journey, 24/7. (800.272.3900)

AlzNews

• West Virginia Advocacy Days Announced! Join us at the West Virginia State House on, January 23, February 5 and February 18 to add your VOICE for individuals and families facing Alzheimer's and dementia in West Virginia. For more information or to RSVP, call 800.272.3900 or email wvinfo@alz.org. 
• December 17, Caring Through the Holidays workshop at Charleston office at noon. Lunch will be served! RSVP, 304.343.2717 or wvinfo@alz.org. 
• December 18, Conversations About Dementia workshop in Morgantown office at 10:30. Call 800.272.3900 for more information. 

Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
The best meal ever is the first meal you eat when you come home from a trip! After eating out every meal, every day it is nice to have a home cooked meal. Except, that usually you don't have any food in the house! Lettuce wraps are a fun and easy finger food that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. And, the peanut sauce adds an extra layer of yum!

Peanut Sauce
Whisk together: 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 2 tbs. of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbs. of rice wine vinegar or lime juice, 1 tbs. of minced ginger, 1 tbs. of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of water (more or less depending on your desired consistency). And that is IT!

Lettuce Wraps
For the two of us, I cut two chicken breasts into bite size pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper then dropped into a pan over medium-high heat. You can garnish your lettuce wraps with just about anything in the fridge, bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, celery. Tonight, I just had carrots and green onions. Quarter a head of lettuce. Peal off a layer of lettuce and build your wrap just like a taco!

Enjoy!

Until next week,
Laurel K.
lkirksey@alz.org