Where to go with 84yo dad with Alzheimer's

[Jezzabelle]

My dad has always loved to travel but was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago. His wife now finds it too stressful to travel with him and organise everything. She would also like a break. He has asked me if I would like to go away with him and I am happy to. He is still aware, just very forgetful. I know it would be a partly caring role, although I plan to enjoy spending the time with him too and know it's probably the last time I can go away with him before his condition deteriorates. So, I'm looking for a city break for 6/7 nights. I'm thinking Europe. He has a nice house in London and he is planning to organise a house swap, (his wife will stay with her son). I just want recommendations of somewhere that feels safe with friendly locals! We love good food, good music and local history. If anyone has done similar with an elderly parent/relative, I'd love to hear your experience. Thank you!

Thank you, I have looked it up and it is stunning! I have suggested it to my dad

Where? Who are you answering?

His wife is also very old and has never been confident. I do get your point though.

Whose?

If you're considering anywhere closer to home I did love Dublin for their live music, basically all day/every day! Seaside towns had amazing seafood too.

It might be sensible for him not to let out his house when he is away just in case he needs to come back early.

Eurostar is a good idea, air travel is ridiculously stressful these days.

I absolutely wouldn't do a home swap. Asside from the stress of getting his own house ready for guests, it leaves you with no options if the trip goes wrong and you need to bring him back.

Just book an apartment or an Airbnb

I realise it is a big responsibility. He called up and asked me about going away as he is very keen. He travelled a huge amount in his life and still wants new experiences. His wife is old too and has never been very confident so won't go with him. So it's not just that she wants a break, it's that he is desperate to travel. He is not in the later stages of dementia, just very forgetful at the moment. I appreciate that some of you think it's a bad idea, but the wheels are in motion now. I loved the idea of Cadiz, but flights are tricky and not direct. He lived in Holland for some time in his 20's, and he suggested Amsterdam, which I think might be a good idea. He can speak Dutch and they can speak English! Thanks for all of your replies.

@Jezzabelle we've done lots of breaks with our FIL who is 84- he's not got dementia as such but is quite fixed in his ways- and it was all ok - we just had to constantly have a plan - a bit like a tour itinerary- we've been to Malta, Copenhagen, Florence Stockholm and Palma with him

@Jezzabelle and make sure you carry details of his travel insurance- it' not cheap - even on short trips. My FILseas around £250 even for a 6 day short break- you can't rely totally just on the EHC card post Brexit.

That sounds brilliant and just right for your dad - hope you both have a wonderful time.

The last holiday my dad went on was when he had very mild dementia. He went with my mum to a five star resort in Spain with beautiful gardens and a lovely pool. They did not leave the resort and he was fine there. But apparently the journey was a nightmare and my mum said she knew it was the last time he could go abroad.

Personally I would try out a short break in the UK and see how he copes. One that you can easily cut short if he can not cope.

My friend’s DM took her DH on a cruise and the plan was to not get off at the ports and they stick to the plan. He had Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, she did find it too much but I think she wanted to give him one last holiday.