Thoughts on taking a cruise with an Alzheimer's patient?

I’d check the insurance very carefully. This is a pre-existing condition. If something goes wrong (with either of you) you both may need to be taken off the cruise. If insurance doesn’t cover it, it could ruin you financially. It could work out fine, no worries, but find out if it’s a risk worth taking.

The incontinence and mobility issues would be a problem for me. It also means maybe an air flight which I would not put someone suffering from Dementia thru nor me. How are you going to change him? That airplane bathroom is not all that big. And, I don't want to be the person sitting near him if he has an accident. Then there is going thru security. If he does become a problem, you may not be allowed to board.

Two of the cruises we took went out of NYC ports so we drove and left the car in a secured lot. One was to Bermuda and only 5 days.

Your husband is probably OK in familiar surroundings but maybe not so much in strange places. My Mom was ready to go home after an hour of being out of the house.

No. You do not want to be in the middle of the cruise if he should have problems.

Those with dementia need routine in their daily lives.

Just you should go, enjoy yourself, find someone to come in to stay with him. It find an assisted living facility that will accept him on a respite basis.

I think I am as much in the dark on this one as YOU are. With your description I cannot think why this would not be appropriate, tho for first cruise I would keep it a short one. I would also speak to the managers of the cruise as you have to us.

Grammy, we have a poster that was diagnosed with early onset dementia and he and his wife travel. That is his desire until he can no longer manage.

He is not able to participate in all the activities she can though. They did a cruise and it was wonderful for them.

I would find out what happens if hubby has a complete meltdown, I would also make sure and have some meds to calm him down if he does, maybe comatose type meds.

Because the only certainty with Alzheimer's is the complete uncertainty.