The National Trust Essential Companion Card is for the person who has a diagnosis. It admits their carer(s)/companion(s) free. Find out more here.

If going out for a meal or drink, think about what time you are at your best. This is often lunchtime.

Enjoy trips to galleries and museums. (Listen to Mhari McLintock’s Dementia Diary here).

You may be able to get a CEA (Cinema Exhibitors Association) pass which gives you and a care partner free cinema seats. This has a nominal charge for
the administration. Some cinemas offer relaxed screenings (lights left on, breaks, quieter music and no adverts before the film). Enquire at your
local cinema.

Take familiar things with you on holiday if you can… blanket, clock, diary.  There was no clock in the villa, so I had no idea of time or date.

It’s helpful to have a time schedule on holiday. Plan your day and make sure it is written down. I found the not knowing what I was doing and the complete change of routine was a nightmare after a few days, so became very anxious and unsettled.