We have just returned from taking a Caribbean cruise since receiving diagnosis for my husband 18 months ago. This was a holiday my husband always enjoyed and did still enjoy this time.
The stress levels I experienced were much greater than I had anticipated. Fortunately he does not remember any incidents that occurred. I did lose him once for an hour on board the ship when the lift doors closed before he could get out!! That was a harrowing 1 hour spent searching lifts and decks for him as I knew he could not find his way back to the cabin. I eventually asked for assistance and members of the crew were provided with description and picture of him and found him wandering on one of the decks. I think I aged 5 years in that hour as we have not been apart from each other since I retired to be at home with him 18 months ago. He has no recollection of the incident and in fact wandered why I was so hyper about holding his hand each time we got in any lift following that incident.
I learnt many things during this break. My husband no longer enjoys beaches or being in the sea and requires much encouragement to dance, and he found the formal setting of black tie evenings very difficult, something he had always enjoyed in the past, so we did not attend the last two evenings as I realised he had so much difficulty coping with the formality and bustle. It was lovely to see him dressed so smartly appearing like the person he used to be and he enjoyed the praise given at his appearance.
The "sundowner" syndrome he sometimes suffers became a routine daily occurrence and some agitation and repeated behaviour occurred often. I think this was due to tiredness and general fatigue but once I realised what was happening we managed it by resting in the cabin and having a sweet treat ( pastries or chocolate).
This holiday was enjoyed, but I became very aware I cannot leave my husband alone or trust that he will remember where he left me, even when just popping to the toilet or seating ourselves in dining areas.
I also became aware of just how many other people travel and care for loved ones with similar conditions. It is much harder and the onus of all responsibility is suddenly completely on you.
The safe and familiar routines we have at home faded away and the new environment provided new challenges for both of us. I also realised that it would be easier to have friends with us another time to help maintain his where abouts and safety.
We did laugh, and even dance and enjoy trips etc. I miss the person he used to be but still love the person he is.
I will go away again , though not sure if it will be for the same length of time.
Still, this life we have together is a constant learning curve for both of us and we will continue to make the best of it as long as we can.
The stress levels I experienced were much greater than I had anticipated. Fortunately he does not remember any incidents that occurred. I did lose him once for an hour on board the ship when the lift doors closed before he could get out!! That was a harrowing 1 hour spent searching lifts and decks for him as I knew he could not find his way back to the cabin. I eventually asked for assistance and members of the crew were provided with description and picture of him and found him wandering on one of the decks. I think I aged 5 years in that hour as we have not been apart from each other since I retired to be at home with him 18 months ago. He has no recollection of the incident and in fact wandered why I was so hyper about holding his hand each time we got in any lift following that incident.
I learnt many things during this break. My husband no longer enjoys beaches or being in the sea and requires much encouragement to dance, and he found the formal setting of black tie evenings very difficult, something he had always enjoyed in the past, so we did not attend the last two evenings as I realised he had so much difficulty coping with the formality and bustle. It was lovely to see him dressed so smartly appearing like the person he used to be and he enjoyed the praise given at his appearance.
The "sundowner" syndrome he sometimes suffers became a routine daily occurrence and some agitation and repeated behaviour occurred often. I think this was due to tiredness and general fatigue but once I realised what was happening we managed it by resting in the cabin and having a sweet treat ( pastries or chocolate).
This holiday was enjoyed, but I became very aware I cannot leave my husband alone or trust that he will remember where he left me, even when just popping to the toilet or seating ourselves in dining areas.
I also became aware of just how many other people travel and care for loved ones with similar conditions. It is much harder and the onus of all responsibility is suddenly completely on you.
The safe and familiar routines we have at home faded away and the new environment provided new challenges for both of us. I also realised that it would be easier to have friends with us another time to help maintain his where abouts and safety.
We did laugh, and even dance and enjoy trips etc. I miss the person he used to be but still love the person he is.
I will go away again , though not sure if it will be for the same length of time.
Still, this life we have together is a constant learning curve for both of us and we will continue to make the best of it as long as we can.