For many couples, planning a holiday is something to look forward to. But when one person is living with dementia, travelling can begin to feel overwhelming. Questions about support, routines and confidence can make even the idea of a short break seem out of reach.
For David and Margaret, both 86 and married for 61 years, this had become their reality.
Living in Crail, Fife, they had enjoyed an active life together and been part of their local community for more than 25 years. As Margaret’s dementia progressed, David found that opportunities to take holidays together became increasingly difficult. After hearing about Dementia Adventure through a local newsletter, they decided to book a supported holiday close to home in Fife.
A holiday they could enjoy together
For David, one thing mattered above everything else – that they could continue to experience life together.
"It's extremely important that we're together in some of these things. The holiday gave us support, but we were still able to do it together."
Choosing a holiday closer to home suited them well. David only drives during daylight hours and prefers not to travel long distances, so the local setting removed much of the stress that can come with planning a break.
Each morning, a member of the Dementia Adventure team helped Margaret get ready for the day, giving both of them the opportunity to start each morning feeling relaxed and supported.
David remembers the care team fondly.
"Richard was brilliant. He looked after Margaret a lot, but he always had an eye on me too. Little things like that meant we really felt cared for."
Discovering new experiences together
Although the area was familiar, the holiday introduced David and Margaret to experiences they had never shared before.
Margaret held both a barn owl and a falcon during a visit to a falconry centre, walked a black alpaca at a local farm and enjoyed creative workshops during a visit to V&A Dundee.
"Everything that we did outside was within our bounds. It was good. It was really good."
One particularly memorable moment came during a visit to the beach. Although Margaret was initially unsure about using a beach mobility chair, she decided to give it a go and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Even when the weather didn’t cooperate, the adventure continued. Instead of letting the rain spoil the day, the group adapted their plans and visited St Andrews Museum, where they enjoyed lunch, crafts and a guided tour together.
It was a reminder that meaningful experiences aren’t about sticking rigidly to an itinerary – they’re about making the most of each moment together.
More than just a holiday
While the outings created wonderful memories, some of David’s favourite moments happened back at the accommodation.
Evenings were spent chatting, singing, playing games and getting to know the other guests, volunteers and carers.
"The evening things were the time when you really got to know each other and relax."
For Margaret, playing quoits with another guest became a particular highlight.
For David, the conversations with carers and volunteers offered something equally valuable – reassurance.
One conversation in particular helped ease the pressure he had been carrying as Margaret’s primary carer.
"It just brought the tension off my shoulders. It was really brilliant."
Supported holidays aren’t only about helping the person living with dementia. They also provide family carers with the opportunity to relax, connect with others and feel supported themselves.
Memories that last long after returning home
The impact of the holiday didn’t end when David and Margaret returned to Fife.
A photo book created from the trip has become an important part of daily life, helping David revisit memories with Margaret and spark conversations about the places they visited and the experiences they shared.
"This book is absolutely invaluable."
David has also noticed positive changes since the holiday, including Margaret recognising him more often and experiencing less anxiety.
"It has definitely opened her up to think about things."
It’s these lasting moments that make a Dementia Adventure holiday about so much more than simply getting away.
David’s advice to others
For anyone wondering whether a supported holiday is right for them, David has a simple message:
"Just go and enjoy it. Relax into it."
He encourages families to build anticipation gently and focus on the positives, saying things like:
"We're going on our holiday, and this is going to be really lovely."
For David and Margaret, their holiday offered more than a change of scenery. It provided the chance to spend meaningful time together, enjoy new experiences with the right support and create memories that continue to bring joy long after returning home.
If you’re caring for someone living with dementia and wondering whether a supported holiday could help you reconnect, relax and enjoy time together, our team would love to help you find the right adventure.
Considering joining us on a Supported Holiday to Scotland? Take a look at our breaks in the Scottish Highlands:
