There are over five million Americans struggling with dementia, and the number is expected to increase as the population ages. PHOENIX – Navigating an airport can be overwhelming for any traveler and a scary experience for a person with dementia. “I think it would start with confusion and find that he was confused. He would probably forget why he was here. Wherever he went. Where someone he knew was. Why is he alone “, said Lisa Britt about her father. Britt’s 77-year-old father, James, has Alzheimer’s disease. He never travels alone, but one challenge is maintaining his dignity and not paying undue attention to his illness. “My father was busy emptying his pockets. I leaned forward [to TSA personnel] and whispered very quickly, ‘My father has Alzheimer’s and we cannot be separated,’ ”Britt explained. “The guy immediately got into a walkie-talkie and radioed someone to walk us to a separate screening area together.” The TSA at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport discreetly took you out of an area that can be stressful for travelers trying to move quickly while keeping the security process in mind. Britt was grateful for that. RELATED: 9/11 Air Travel Changed: A Look At Increased Security and Less Privacy “My father didn’t feel uncomfortable with this. My dad didn’t even know they were doing that, ”Britt explained. Sky Harbor is now “Dementia Friendly”, which aims to make traveling even easier for people with dementia. “This is our compassionate corner,” said Misty Cisneros-Contreras, Sky Harbor’s customer service director. The Compassion Corner is located on the third floor of Terminal 4 next to the elevators. The chapel and the sensory room are located here. People with dementia and their carers can access resources at the Compassion Corner and pick up a green cactus-printed lanyard. The lanyard helps identify the person with an invisible disability. “Our employees will see this and know that they need to be patient and perhaps give other instructions.” Visitors can pick one up at the Compassion Corner office or in advance at https://www.skyharbor.com/ShopsFoodServices/services / compassion-corner register Numbers are expected to increase ”, explained Dr. Anna Burke. She is the director of the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders program at the Barrow Neurological Institute. Burke said with these changing conditions, it was important to maintain their quality of life. “People can get more confused. You can get more anxious. In some cases, they can get more excited in such situations, ”said Dr. Burke. “We need to create experiences for them so they can be successful and get on with their lives.” The Barrow Neurological Institute has tips for traveling with a loved one with dementia Britt and her father will soon be traveling and planning to launch the Dementia Friendly initiative Use Sky Harbor. “Nobody has to worry about saying anything and keep my father’s dignity and sense of independence,” said Britt. RELATED: TSA Extends Passenger Mask Rule Through January Up to Speed Check out the latest news and stories on YouTube Channel 12 News. Subscribe today.
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