It’s possible to fly with dementia, especially if they travel with a companion who helps them as they get through the airport, during the flight and after they reach their final destination. In many cases, that person is a spouse, family member or close friend.
Families also can hire a flight nurse to travel with their loved one, ensuring they have professional medical care throughout their journey. With the proper planning, professional care and attention to detail, it’s possible for someone to fly with dementia.
As The Alzheimer’s Association puts it: “Living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia does not mean it’s necessary to stop participating in meaningful activities such as travel. However, it does require planning to ensure safety, comfort and enjoyment for everyone.
People diagnosed with dementia must make changes in their lives. But those changes do not need to include withdrawing from daily life and never traveling again. As more is known about dementia, the approach to the condition has evolved into finding ways for people to live well with dementia. That includes the ability to travel.
Any decision-making process on a person’s ability to fly with dementia needs to start with the understanding that people experience dementia at different levels. Dementia is a progressive condition. Those in the beginning stages will have far fewer difficulties than those in the latter stages. Consultation with a physician is key in this process.
Even as dementia progresses, people may need to travel for weddings, family reunions, vacations or even to see a medical specialist. If you plan to fly with someone who has dementia, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Even if it costs more, create a flight plan that reduces or eliminates the need to change planes. Also, consider whether your loved one does better in the mornings, afternoons or evenings, and plan the flights accordingly.
Call Ahead For Information
Flight nurses make this a part of their job for every flight they take with a client. It’s especially beneficial for those who fly with dementia. Call airport officials ahead of time to find out if there are any special considerations for going through security if a person has dementia. A call to the airline also can provide information on support they offer for passengers with dementia (such as early seating).
Take The Documents You Need
Designate one carry-on bag to hold all the documents you need. This is especially important in case you become separated. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends the following:
Name and contact information for doctor
A list of all medications and dosages
Contact information for police, fire, hospitals and poison control for your destination area
A list of food allergies
Contact information for friends and family in case of emergency
A flight nurse always reviews a patient’s condition and becomes familiar with the details. If you decide to fly with someone with dementia, you should do the same. Know the warning signs that indicate your loved one is becoming anxious or agitated and have strategies to reduce that agitation. Never overload them with too much information.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important ahead of time to set realistic goals for each day of the trip, keeping things as simple and calm as possible. If you are traveling to a family reunion or vacation, know that your loved one may not be able to participate in some activities that take a long time or require complicated instructions. Know your loved ones’ limits – as well as your own.
If it seems like traveling alone with someone with dementia is overwhelming, consider hiring a flight nurse or caregiver to help you plan for the trip, navigate the airport and safely get through the flight. An additional person with professional training can give you great peace of mind for your trip. A dementia diagnosis, while life altering, does not have to result in your loved one no longer traveling. By planning ahead, setting goals and getting help if needed, it’s possible to safely fly with dementia.
Flight nurses travel with patients in both emergency and non-emergency situations. They have specialized skills in providing medical care at high altitudes and managing a patient’s medications. In the case of non-emergency flight nurses, they help patients plan their trips, navigate through the airport and deliver any medical care needed during the flight.
While most people associate flight nurses with emergency situations they have seen on movies and television shows, in real life most people come in contact with non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) flight nurses. People hire NEMT flight nurses through companies who have experienced nurses on staff to accompany clients on their journey.
People who use non-emergency transport include those with chronic illness, injuries, and debilitating conditions. Older flyers also use NEMT for support in trip planning and getting through the airport.
A day in the life of a flight nurse includes many different duties and responsibilities. Their work differs from that of emergency flight nurses who provide pre-hospital care to people who have suffered injuries due to an accident, natural disaster or other emergency.
A flight nurse’s work starts before the journey begins. NEMT flight nurses collaborate with flight coordinators, who are also nurses, to go over all the details of the patient’s flight. They go over airport procedures and also contact any airline or airport officials they need to speak with before the journey begins.
They also review the condition of the client, ensuring they are bringing all the medical equipment and medication required for the journey. They pack their own medical kit to prepare for any needs the client might experience during the trip.
Flight nurses are trained in flight physiology, as well as psychological distress patients may experience during a flight. They also track the times for giving clients their medication and make routine health checks.
After landing, NEMT flight nurses make sure the client disembarks from the plane safely and ensures they get to their ground transportation. In some cases, flight nurses may even travel with patients to their final destination.
NEMT companies employ flight nurses employ registered nurses with years of experience in emergency room nursing and with formal training in providing medical services during a flight. They work with commercial airlines, helping clear any obstacles patients might encounter during their trip. People in many different situations may want to travel with a flight nurse. They include those who:
Recently suffered an injury and want assistance while flying
Recently went through a medical procedure and require medical support during travel
Those with a chronic condition or illness that makes it difficult to travel alone
Families who want a nurse to travel with older family members when they relocate to a new home or travel for a family get-together
A flight nurse can provide important care for those who do not wish to travel alone and want the security of having a trained nurse as a flight companion. For those in such situations, a NEMT flight nurse provides the comfort of knowing they will get to their destination safely, with professional medical care throughout the journey.
Having to go to the hospital is a stressful experience. But while it’s a great relief when the doctor discharges you, it’s important to have a plan in place that ensures you have safe transportation from hospital to home.
Medical professionals put a great deal of importance on this step of the process. They create individualized plans to maximize a patient’s chances of improving their health once they return home. When planning hospital discharge transportation, there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Before you leave the hospital, medical staff develop a plan to make the transition from the hospital to home as smooth as possible. They evaluate a patient’s condition, refer the patient to needed healthcare and make arrangements for follow-up appointments.
About 18 percent of all Medicare patients end up returning to the hospital in 30 days. A good place to start in avoiding that outcome is arranging transportation home that will provide the care you need in transit. That applies whether you are getting driven home or must fly home from your current location.
Medical professionals give so much attention to a patient’s transition out of a hospital because data has shown this is a crucial time that will impact how well a patient recovers after receiving treatment.
Everyone – the patient, their caregivers and medical staff – focus on medical treatment when a person arrives at a hospital. It’s often only at the last minute that caregivers and the patient think about transportation from hospital to home. However, it’s important to give the issue thorough consideration.
Family Caregiver Alliance writes that how transportation from hospital to home is handled “is critical to the health and well-being of your loved one. Studies have found that improvements in hospital discharge planning can dramatically improve the outcome for patients as they move to the next level of care.”
This also applies if a patient is traveling from home to another medical care facility, such as a nursing home. Those who have limited physical abilities due to injury, illness or chronic condition also will need transportation to future medical appointments required by doctors.
If you’re discharged from a hospital but remain wheelchair-bound or otherwise physically incapacitated, then it’s important to have transportation arranged from the hospital through a non-emergency transportation (NEMT) company.
Transporting a patient home is a highly choreographed operation involving many parties. NEMT coordinators work with hospital Cases Managers or Social Workers, who interface with Doctors, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, on how to safely transition a patient from the hospital to home. Transitioning to home may also involve coordinating with a patient’s Care Manager who coordinates the needs of the patient once they are home. The goal is to not simply take a patient from one location to another but to make sure that the needs of the patient are met during the transport and that appropriate resources are in place when the patient gets home.
NEMT companies have experience traveling both in ground and air transit with patients who want a medical professional with them. They also frequently manage transportation from hospital to home and will know how to work with hospital medical staff to ensure they meet all of a patient’s needs.
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to fly with a concussion, the short answer is usually yes, as long as your symptoms have eased and a doctor has cleared you to travel. A concussion is a mild traumatic head injury, and while flying doesn’t make symptoms worse, it’s still important to give your body time to recover before getting on a plane.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury that happens when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move inside the skull. Common causes include sports injuries, car accidents, and falls.
Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or sound. Most people recover within a few days or weeks, but it’s best to rest and avoid strenuous activity while symptoms persist.
Can You Fly After a Concussion?
Flying after a concussion is generally considered safe once the initial symptoms have improved. A study by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the U.S. Department of Defense found no difference in recovery between athletes who flew shortly after a concussion and those who did not. That means air travel itself does not appear to worsen symptoms or slow recovery.
Even so, it’s best to wait until headaches, dizziness, and fatigue have eased before traveling. The change in cabin pressure, noise, and bright lighting can make mild symptoms feel more intense. Always talk with your healthcare provider before booking a flight to confirm that it’s safe for your specific situation.
What the Latest Research Says
A large study conducted between 2014 and 2018 examined more than 2,000 college athletes to see if flying after a concussion affected recovery. Researchers found no increase in symptom severity or recovery time for those who flew within 72 hours of the injury. In other words, air travel itself did not appear to make concussion symptoms worse or slow healing.
The study focused on young, healthy athletes, so the findings may not apply the same way to older adults or individuals with other health conditions. Some medical experts also recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before flying, even if symptoms seem mild, to give the brain time to stabilize.
Overall, current evidence suggests that flying after a mild concussion is safe once symptoms have improved and a healthcare provider has cleared you for travel.
Tips for Flying Safely After a Concussion
If you need to fly after a concussion, plan ahead and take steps to protect your comfort and recovery.
Get medical clearance before you travel.
Avoid bright screens and loud noises during the flight.
Bring sunglasses or a sleep mask if you’re sensitive to light.
Stay hydrated and try to rest as much as possible.
If you feel unwell, let the flight crew know.
Consider traveling with a companion or a flight nurse for additional support.
When to Avoid Flying After a Concussion
You should postpone flying if you are still experiencing severe symptoms such as:
Persistent headache or nausea
Confusion or disorientation
Dizziness or balance problems
Difficulty concentrating
Sensitivity to light or sound
If these symptoms continue, rest and follow-up care should take priority over travel.
You can safely fly with a concussion once your symptoms have improved and your doctor gives approval. Focus on rest, hydration, and minimizing stress during your trip. If possible, bring a companion or flight nurse for added comfort and peace of mind. With the right precautions and timing, air travel after a concussion can be done safely and without affecting your recovery.
An RN flight coordinator oversees all the planning and booking involved in assisted flight travel. They handle travel arrangements, special accommodations and all other issues involved with preparing to fly with a flight nurse.
RN flight coordinators are licensed nurses with advanced critical care knowledge and years of experience working in the assisted flight travel field. They are familiar with all the details of flying on commercial airlines with medical assistance, from how to get medical equipment through security to the best practices for having a safe and comfortable flight.
For most people who use Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), an RN flight coordinator is the first person they have contact with when inquiring about assisted flight travel.
NEMT involves providing medical care during travel and assistance with all trip arrangements. Flight nurses travel with clients on commercial flights, helping them through the airport and providing medical assistance as needed during the flight.
Flight coordinators manage all the arrangements for the trip and monitor it to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Like flight nurses, they have emergency and critical care experience. They also have special training in flight physiology.
When you contact an NEMT company, an RN flight coordinator will talk you through what they do to make your planned trip both convenient and safe. They oversee all the arrangements involved with assisted flight travel. This includes:
Arranging all reservations
Handling all travel-related paperwork
Arranging for special accommodations if needed
Anticipating any challenges for the trip and managing them efficiently
Quickly addressing any travel delays, flight changes and cancellations
RN flight coordinators work directly with flight nurses who travel with clients on commercial flights. They quickly provide any support that the flight nurse might need and handle any issues that might come during the trip, such as flight delays or cancellations.
Once the travel day arrives, flight nurses will have reviewed the travel plans with the RN flight coordinator. They also will review procedures for every airport involved with the trip and contact airport officials as needed to make special arrangements.
Working with flight coordinators, flight nurses ensure they meet all pre-planned points on the trip, such as checking in, navigating security and reaching the gate on schedule. Flight coordinators also line up any ground transportation clients need.
Flight nurses pack a medical kit, bringing all the medical equipment they may need as well as reviewing with the client what medications they need during the trip.
A wide variety of people use NEMT medical services, working with RN flight coordinators and flight nurses to make sure they arrive safely at their destination. They include people with medical conditions who are traveling to meet family or go on vacation.
In other cases, older travelers might be relocating for retirement or to move closer to family. Flight coordinators and nurses also work with people of all ages who have chronic medical conditions that require special accommodations during a flight, or those who have a debilitating injury. An RN flight coordinator works to make a client’s trip go as smoothly as possible. Along with a flight nurse, they take the stress and worry out of travel for those who need assistance for their upcoming trip.
For those concerned about how flying affects arthritis, it’s reassuring to know that many people do not experience much of a change in their symptoms. For those who do, asking the airline and flight attendants for support, as well as practicing some simple in-flight exercises and practices, will help them fly safely with inflammation.
You might feel concerned about how flying affects arthritis because you’ve heard stories about symptoms getting worse on flights because of changes in air pressure and having to sit in one position for an extended time. However, that does not happen to everyone. And even if it does become an issue for you, there are tips that can help you get through a flight comfortably.
One of the first things to know about how flying affects arthritis is to understand the role of stress. Feeling anxious and stressed out can make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worse. That makes it important to take steps that will reduce stress on your trip.
Most of the stress related to air travel involves concerns about being late or taking a wrong turn in the airport. Make sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs. That gives you a time cushion if you run into long lines and other delays. Also, if you are not familiar with an airport, look at maps so you can plan a route to reach your gate. It also helps to know where you can park and how to get there before you even leave the house.
For those with severe cases of arthritis that impacts their mobility, it’s important to contact the airline ahead of time and ask for support. That can include providing wheelchairs or special shuttles, giving you the chance to board the plane before other passengers, and allowing airline workers to carry luggage and store it in overhead bins for you. These services can make the difference between a comfortable and uncomfortable journey.
If you are looking for information on how to fly safely with inflammation, the following tips can help you manage pain and stiffness. A good place to start is by doing simple in-flight exercises. They include:
Lift and twirl your feet as if drawing circles with your toes. Continue for 15 seconds, then reverse direction.
Lift and lower your toes with your heels on the floor, then lift and lower your heels with the balls of your feet on the floor.
With both feet on the floor, bend forward and reach for your ankles, holding the position for 15 seconds before sitting back up
Raise your hands over your head. Grab the wrist of the opposite arm and gently pull to one side, holding for 15 seconds, then repeat with the other arm.
These other tips from Arthritis Health can help you keep comfortable during your flight.
A Preflight Workout
Don’t try anything new for this. However, if you do yoga or other exercises that help loosen your muscles, then about a half hour of that exercise before the flight can keep you from becoming too stiff in the plane seat.
Pack Light, Give Yourself Legroom
This is good advice for every traveler, but it’s especially important for those with arthritis. Pack lightweight, rolling luggage. Avoid lifting anything heavy. Also, even if it costs a bit extra, get the seats near the front of the plane that have more legroom. Even an extra inch or two will allow you to stretch out more and avoid stiffness.
A common mistake for travelers is to pack their medications in the bag they end up checking at the airport. Make sure to put your pain medication in your carry-on bag. That way, you can easily access it if needed during the flight. For relief from joint and back pain, you may also want to carry on handheld heat or cold packs that you can apply during the flight.
Many people prefer the aisle seat for two reasons: you can stretch out your legs and it’s easier to get up and walk around. Both of these are huge benefits for those with arthritis. If you can’t get a seat with extra legroom, try to at least get an aisle seat.
Support Your Back
There are two ways to provide yourself better back support. First, carry a back roll or pillow that you can place between the seat and your lower back, providing yourself extra support. Also, practice good posture. Sit with your hips and knees at 90 degree angles. Place something under your feet if needed (flight attendants may have something if you do not). You should not have to avoid taking a trip over concerns about how flying affects arthritis. By keeping these tips in mind, staying relaxed and asking for help when needed, it’s possible to enjoy your journey in safety and comfort.
