Free presentations in November at three Pierce County locations will offer information on resources and solutions for traveling for people who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“Travel with Dementia – Yes or No?” will explore the possibilities for people who still want to explore new horizons.  Travel advisor David Westin will share his experiences of travelling with his wife, who was living with dementia, the arrangements they made and the obstacles they dealt with.

“Keeping the mind active is so very important,” said said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources, a co-sponsor of the one-hour presentations.  “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.”

“Travel with Dementia – Why Not?” will be held in Tacoma on:

• Nov 12, at 10 a.m. at the Sound View Building, 3602 Pacific Ave.
• Nov. 14 at 12:10 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S. 35th St.
• And Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community, 1301 N. Highlands Parkway.

As with any form of travel, the better the preparation the better the experience, experts say. The presentations will take a realistic look at travel, starting with an honest appraisal of whether venturing out is even a good idea. Other topics will 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.

This informational sessions are sponsored by Aging and Disability Resource Center in collaboration with Lutheran Community Services Northwest, an agency with programs for Alzheimer’s.  Additional information on the presentations is available at 253-798-4600.