Travel and holidays - people with dementia travelling alone

Information for people with dementia who are considering travelling alone and for carers of people with dementia.

It covers practical information about how to cope with travelling if you have dementia, and what to consider if you are a carer.

We have not included any specific holidays or establishments since these are subject to change. The organisations listed under Useful addresses and specialist holidays can help you source a holiday or break that fits your needs.

People with dementia travelling alone

Travelling alone can be difficult even for people with early stage dementia, who may be worried about getting lost in unfamiliar places, or coping if there is a problem such as a cancelled train or plane. However, many people with dementia do travel alone successfully.

People who are used to the routine of travelling may be able to cope with travelling alone for longer, especially if they have help.  This might be help with getting to the station or airport and being met at the other end. Other people may feel safer with an escort.

Letting people know you need help

If you are planning on staying with family or friends, you should be as frank as possible about any help you might need, for example with dressing, eating or going to the toilet. Remember you will be out of your usual routine and in unfamiliar surroundings, so you may need a little more help than you would at home. People are generally very willing to help if they know what to expect.

Helpcard

Alzheimer Scotland has a card for people with dementia to use to help people who serve the public to understand their special needs.  You can show this to transport staff as well as in shops, etc.  Call the Dementia Helpline 0808 808 3000 or see Helpcard to get a free Helpcard.

Air travel

Planning ahead

It is very important that you let the airline know what help you will need well in advance of your flight. According to the airlines, most people who travel with a 'permanent or stable condition' will not require medical clearance, but you should check and make sure at the time of booking what, if any, medical information is required.  Remember – even for flights within the UK and to the Republic of Ireland some form of identification which has your photograph on it must be shown. Check with individual airlines first, but acceptable identification generally includes:

• a current UK passport or an expired passport (can be used on domestic flights for up to two years after expiry)
• a valid photographic driving licence
• a CitizenCard
• a valid Government-issued identity card
• a SMART card
• a National Entitlement Card.

Depending on the extent to which you are affected by dementia, some airlines may not let you fly alone if it is possible you may become distressed while in the air. Airline staff do not have the necessary training to be able to assist a passenger who has nursing requirements or other medical needs and the airline would insist that a person who might require this type of help had an escort for the flight.

To help you get the assistance you need at the airport and on the plane, you may need to complete a form called an Incapacitated Passengers Handling Advice (INCAD). Check with your travel agent or the airline if this will be necessary. British Airways advises that you contact their Passenger Medical Clearances Unit (PMCU) before booking, as they would be able to advise whether they would allow a person with dementia on the flight.

The PMCU offers a free advisory service to doctors, other healthcare professionals and passengers in relation to flying on all British Airways mainline, franchise and alliance flights. Final clearance can often be provided over the phone but if further information is needed, your doctor will be asked to complete a "Medif" form, available through your travel agent, British Airways reservations or the PMCU. Tel: 020 8738 5444, fax: 020 8738 9644.

The Medif form can also be downloaded from:
British Airways - MEDIF form

At the airport

Always let the airline know if you will need help at the airport, such as with getting from the car park, railway station or taxi stand to the terminal. If the airline cannot do this, contact Airport Information and ask what assistance they can provide.

Most airports publish a booklet with information about facilities at the airport including information for those with special needs. Additional services which may be available include assistance with:

• registration to check-in
• proceeding to the gate
• boarding and disembarking
• stowing baggage.

Accessibility on individual airlines

Most airlines offer a "meet and assist" service, however there are many airlines and the amount of extra support varies. There is a list called "The All Go Here Airline Directory" at: www.allgohere.com/airindex.htm which, although aimed at passengers with physical disabilities, contains information on the policies, restrictions and additional services of individual airlines.

On the plane

When you are on the plane you will need to be able to manage by yourself or have a companion/escort with you. The airline cabin staff cannot offer special medical, feeding or continence assistance. British Airways can provide an escort for someone travelling alone, however the person travelling would have to pay for the escort's fare.

Heathrow Travel Care (an airport-based charity) can be contacted on0208 745 7495. They offer advice on travel arrangements. There is also a Travel Care service at Gatwick Airport, Gatwick Travel Care - 01293 504283.

Rail travel

All rail companies provide assistance for passengers. Contact the company in advance and they will make sure that you are met at the departure station and escorted onto the appropriate train. If you need to change trains they will also take you to the connecting train.

Telephone National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 to arrange assistance from the appropriate rail company. If you need assistance from different rail companies to complete your journey, this is also possible.

National Rail Enquiries have a website with contact and accessibility details for train operators and stations throughout the UK: National Rail - Disabled Passengers

Make sure you contact the rail companies at least two days in advance of your journey to organise the help you will need, and always confirm the day before that this is in place properly. Also ensure that you have organised the assistance you will need for the return journey.

Eurostar provides a complimentary assistance service for passengers with special needs who are travelling to continental Europe. Assistance is arranged in person on the day of departure at the assistance desk and is subject to availability.

If you think you might need help getting to or from the train, please arrive as early as you can (preferably at least 1 hour prior to departure).  Assistance can also be provided at any Eurostar terminal. Please remember that you need a valid UK passport for travelling abroad.

Disabled Person's Railcard

You should be entitled to this if you:

• are registered as visually impaired
• are registered deaf
• have epilepsy and are disabled by recurrent attacks in spite of drug treatment
• receive Attendance Allowance
• receive Disability Living Allowance (higher rate for help getting around or higher/middle rates for help with personal care)
• receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• receive a War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
• are the driver of a vehicle provided under the pre 1976 Invalid Vehicle Scheme.

Meeting any of the above criteria enables you to buy a Disabled Person's Railcard (£18). The railcard entitles you and an accompanying adult to travel at reduced rates (eg a third off) on certain rail journeys. Contact the Disabled Person's Railcard office in Laurencekirk 0845 605 0525 for a leaflet and application form or download an application form from: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/information-downloads

Ferry or cruise ship travel

You will need to let the ferry or cruise ship operator know what assistance you will need for the journey. They will then be able to advise you if you will have to have a companion/escort and whether you will need medical clearance for the journey.

Coach travel

If you need help getting on and off the coach or any other help, let the coach company know when you book your ticket. You will be responsible for seeing your luggage on and off the bus; however the driver should assist with actually putting the baggage onto the bus. Take all valuables, tickets and medication onto the bus with you for security.

If you need wheelchair access there are a number of specialist companies who offer UK and European coach holidays with fully accessible vehicles. Travel agents might have this information but, if not, contact Tourism for All UK for information on these companies (See Useful addresses section).

Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme

If you are over 60 or disabled you can now apply for a Scottish Citizen's National Entitlement Card which will allow you to travel on any local bus service or scheduled long distance coach service anywhere in Scotland, free of charge.

The card also allows people who live in the area covered by Strathclyde's Concessionary Travel Scheme to get cheaper fares on First ScotRail trains and the Glasgow Subway within the area covered by the Strathclyde Scheme. This applies throughout the day, including the morning rush hour.  The scheme is operated by Transport Scotland.  For more information, contact your local council or Transport Scotland: 0141 272 7100, Email: info@transportscotland.gsi.gov.uk

Going abroad

See the checklist for travelling abroad at the end of this information sheet.

Passports

For travelling outside the UK you will need a valid passport. Forms are available at Post Offices.  Alternatively you may phone the application request line on 0300 222 0000 to be sent one by post (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week). Calls to this number are charged at your network provider's national rate.

You can also apply online and have the partially completed form returned to you for checking and inclusion of the supporting documents, photos and fees, at:  Direct Gov - Passports

If you need to obtain or renew a passport, it might be worth using the Check and Send service.  This service is provided by selected Post Office branches. For a handling charge they will:

• check that your application form has been filled in correctly
• check that you have included all the supporting documents and the correct fee, and
• forward all the relevant paperwork plus your payment.

Passport applications sent via the Check and Send service are usually processed more quickly than standard postal applications (you can expect your new passport in around two weeks rather than three) and are much less likely to be returned and/or delayed because of queries.  You can also get advice and guidance on filling in passport forms directly from the UK passport office call centre 0300 222 0000 which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.