Tips for traveling with senior? New to this issue

[JennKach]

We're looking at planning a family cruise and have a member newly diagnosed with dementia.  Along with that they are struggling a bit with controlling certain bodily functions at night.  Does NCL provide waterproof covers for the mattress in case the primary protection method fails?  Should we bring our own cover?  I guess it's similar to having a child that might need it, but we started cruising after our kids were past that stage so I have no idea if that's something NCL has. 

[GeezerCouple]

19 minutes ago, JennKach said:

We're looking at planning a family cruise and have a member newly diagnosed with dementia.  Along with that they are struggling a bit with controlling certain bodily functions at night.  Does NCL provide waterproof covers for the mattress in case the primary protection method fails?  Should we bring our own cover?  I guess it's similar to having a child that might need it, but we started cruising after our kids were past that stage so I have no idea if that's something NCL has. 

 

You might want to ask about this on the Disabled Travel section of CC:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/

 

Do a search for "dementia"; it's been discussed several times.

I don't remember the answer to your specific question, but I'd bring my own supplies for that, just in case.  (Even if they have something for you to use, there might be a delay getting it from some supply stash.)

 

You could also contact Special Needs, and ask how they typically help with passengers who are starting to fail like this.

 

Good luck!

 

GC

[Oakman58]

There is underwear for adults that have issues with incontinence.

[GeezerCouple]

1 minute ago, Oakman58 said:

There is underwear for adults that have issues with incontinence.

 

I assumed that was what was meant by "primary protection method".

 

GC

[don't-use-real-name]

The question is directed to bedding (mattress) protection for the ships bedding sheets padding etc.

If NCL does not provide - then the guest would be requesting the bedding size to bring their own

water moisture proof cover.

Laundry of the bedding materials would not be a problem - just a bit of extra work for the cabin attendant.

I am sure it is an issue that has happened before and NCL has an answer - contact NCL.

 

I searched the LINK provided in post #2 and did not find an answer. 

[GeezerCouple]

5 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

The question is directed to bedding (mattress) protection for the ships bedding sheets padding etc.

If NCL does not provide - then the guest would be requesting the bedding size to bring their own

water moisture proof cover.

Laundry of the bedding materials would not be a problem - just a bit of extra work for the cabin attendant.

I am sure it is an issue that has happened before and NCL has an answer - contact NCL.

 

I searched the LINK provided in post #2 and did not find an answer. 

 

It doesn't appear that OP has *asked* there, in addition to sometimes tricky searches on CC.

 

That will get the attention of others on many cruise lines, who may have handy ideas.  It's sometime wonderfully surprising and helpful what suggestions (and links to products/services/etc., at times) get posted.

It's free to post there, and easy enough to copy and paste original question, without making it NCL specific only.

 

GC

[Markanddonna]

Just some FYIs as a person whose mother had Alzheimers.

 

* If the person is experiencing issues with anxiety due to new surroundings and experiences, you need to be especially diligent that the person ALWAYS has a known loved one at their side. No running down to the buffet for 15 minutes. I was on a 22-day cruise where a man kept his mother in the cabin but left her for a while. She was roaming the hallway hysterical that a person inside had died and had locked herself out of the room. My medical trained friends discovered her and called security but stayed with her (that's standard protocol.) Seems her sister in Australia had died and she was a bit delusional.  Poor thing. Her son was furious with everyone- probably that his carelessness was found out. So, the moral of the story is: be vigilant. There came a point with my mom that she couldn't handle anything new, even a Christmas visit to her children's homes.

 

* Dementia can take a rapid decline in a few months. The march of Alzheimer's doesn't stop for anyone. The hysteria and upset experienced by the person can really set them back.

[Homosassa]

Please carefully consider the idea of cruising with a passenger with dementia. 

 

If it is obvious at the time of boarding that a passenger may be a risk to themselves due to disorientation, that passenger may be removed from the ship before sailing.

 

I have seen this happen as one time we were "upgraded" to an ocean view cabin that was across from the medical center. Our cabin door was open as security escorted an obviously confused and angry passenger to the center. After a medical evaluation, it was decided that the passenger was unfit to cruise and was removed from the ship (with a family member in attendance). 

[PTC DAWG]

23 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

Please carefully consider the idea of cruising with a passenger with dementia. 

 

If it is obvious at the time of boarding that a passenger may be a risk to themselves due to disorientation, that passenger may be removed from the ship before sailing.

 

I have seen this happen as one time we were "upgraded" to an ocean view cabin that was across from the medical center. Our cabin door was open as security escorted an obviously confused and angry passenger to the center. After a medical evaluation, it was decided that the passenger was unfit to cruise and was removed from the ship (with a family member in attendance). 

Sage advice. 

[GeezerCouple]

9 hours ago, don't-use-real-name said:

The question is directed to bedding (mattress) protection for the ships bedding sheets padding etc.

If NCL does not provide - then the guest would be requesting the bedding size to bring their own

water moisture proof cover.

Laundry of the bedding materials would not be a problem - just a bit of extra work for the cabin attendant.

I am sure it is an issue that has happened before and NCL has an answer - contact NCL.

 

I searched the LINK provided in post #2 and did not find an answer. 

 

This confused me, as I definitely remember reading others discussing this problem, and figured *some* of it would be in the "Disabled Travel" section.

 

I just did the search, and got 81 results.

 

ETA:  And that was without also searching for Alzheimers (with and without apostrophe, etc.) or other terms.

 

I would strongly encourage OP to browse there.

 

GC

Edited March 22, 2019 by GeezerCouple

[JennKach]

Thanks everyone!  I will check the other section.  The family member is in the early stages and doesn't really have issues with disorientation, but will definitely not be left alone due to memory issues.  We want to travel soon while she's still able to enjoy it.

[Cruiser_1977]

@JennKach I am sorry for the diagnosis. Dementia, whether related to Alzheimer's or not, is a cruel beast. 

 

I encourage the use of a lanyard to be worn around the neck. In addition to being able to hold the S&S card, I would make a tag with name, picture and the names of the rest of your party with cabin #s. I would contact the special needs desk in advance. They will note the account with the information. If she does become separated but has her ID (as suggested above) any computer will have the note.

 

I hope you have a wonderful, event free cruise. 🙂

[mking8288]

Incontience products aren't expensive and widely available, locally and on Amazon, Walmart, CVS/Walgreen, etc. and possibly covered by one's health plans - bring them along yourself to a cruise, obviously not ideal but still wise to consider, depending on her/his condition.  

 

Pose the questions as above AND also to immediate contact NCL Special Needs and see what they can do, and, alert the ship of your particulars.  Pack a few underpads and lead-proof liners or underpants shouldn't (out of the retail boxes) take up that much luggage space - while in transit (to/from Michigan & port.)  

 

Here's a link to products available online - (click to open)