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My grandma has been desperate to get to the Statue of Liberty before she passes away. She doesn't have any dementia but is on oxygen, incontinent and doesn't walk much anymore. I'm trying to make it happen but I don't know how to make it as easy as possible. I'm not worried about the actual Statue of Liberty because I know that it's accessible but it's the getting there that I'm finding challenging. I live about 40 miles from NYC but she might be tired after the drive so I think it's better to get a hotel and go in the morning. Has anyone ever been there with someone like this? She wants to come now but I said late September or early October is better since it is cooler. I tried googling but I just get statue info. I don't know how I can get her to and on the ferry without drama. I don't think that the tourist cruise that goes past the statue is enough because she wants Ellis Island, too.

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I also would suggest the departures from Jersey City. typically, they are less crowded than the NYC locations. And, the set up allows you to get closer to the departure point. There is a great deal of info on lline. If you google hotels 07302 (JC zip for that area) you can see the hotel choices and the stature departure point. Definitely bring another adult. BUT call first to describe the challenges and see hwat they recommend. They may have pre-boarding and a special waiting area.
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I'd be dropped off and picked up at the hotel so parking isn't an issue. I'm not worried about the hotel price difference, I go to NYC a lot and get Hilton and Omni for $120-175/night. I might spring for the Ritz for my grandma! Thanks for the tip, though! I'm going to look into hiring a nurse or lpn for the day to lessen my anxiety
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Hannah, also think about parking at the hotels, Battery Park vs Jersey City. At the lower Manhattan hoels I'm familiar with, parking is off site and an additional 35_40$ per day. Meaning you'd have to leave grandma while you parked/ retrieved the car.
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I think that they are the same boats ( neither has handicap accessible bathroom). Just thought Jersey City hotels might be much less expensive.
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@givingitmyall I wasn't insulted about the travel agent at all, I would definitely look into it if I didn't know NYC! :) The change of clothes is a good idea!
@babalou what's the difference between Battery Park and Jersey City ferry as far as ease/comfort? I know of some hotels down in BP and it might be easier to get a cab without being rushed if I'm down on the weekend cuz that area is dead then. The cabs have an uber type app these days and I was thinking that the concierge might be able to assist me?
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Consider staying in Jersey City and taking the ferry from there..
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The reason I suggested a travel agent was mainly to pick their brain about the accessibilities of the sites. I realize you said you live there and you know where things are located. The tickets need to be bought in advance and the agent could help with that too. Wasn't trying to insult you at all. There might be taxi-vans that can be arranged to carry her in her chair so that you don't have to transfer her or push her a very long distance. I didn't even think about that before. If you have time, and if it's something that you could do, I would think about breaking up the trip into two days. You are right that she might get tired and need a break. I'm excited for you! I think it's just great that you are even considering all this. The advance planning will be worth it though. Just be sure that you pack a backpack like you would a diaper bag. With changes of clothes, snacks, wipes, water bottles, meds, sweater, clothing protector (bib), anything special that she uses when eating...like straws, cups, whatever. In your mind run through every mishap that could happen. That will make your day go so much smoother. I think if you need a nurse, then that's a good idea. I just think it's always a good idea to have another female along with you for help. If someone needs to stand in line, or assist with toileting or help transfer. Things like that. Be sure you are acquainted with the oxygen tank and how it operates beforehand, too.
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Thanks, she has oxygen and the ferry is a people one. I've been there a few times but I don't think much about having a disabled person. I'm going to look for a hotel in battery park and see if I could wheel her there instead of relying on a taxi. I'm going to have to try to figure out the timing of the outing cuz if she started feeling bad, we are on the island, it's not like I'm still in Manhattan. I don't need an agent, I know how to get around but not sure of the easiest way for her, but maybe I could look for agents/ tours that specialize in elderly or disabled. I wonder if I could hire a nurse or lpn to go with me on the day.
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This website has a lot of information regarding the handicap accessibility of the ferries. Hopefully, they will leave the URL, but if they don't, search for statuecruises website and click on the picture of the wheelchair.

Absolutely drive the day before and begin the touring early on the next day. They say to allow at least 5 hours to tour both sites. Also, you might just rest there that night and go home on the next day. Elderly get so tired, so easily. Take your own wheelchair and don't count on being able to rent one when you get there, there might not be one available.
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I think it's very admirable that you are so willing to help your grandmother achieve her "bucket list" item. The only thing I can think of is to contact a travel agency and see if they can line up transportation and tickets and whatever else you need. I would definitely go with at least one other adult to assist you. There will be a need to carry changes of clothing, along with disposable underwear and wet wipes. You'll need the small, portable oxygen tank that rides on the wheelchair. You may need a prescription for that, so you'll want to check on that early on. Since I've never been there before, are you talking about a passenger ferry or a car ferry. I would think that a passenger ferry would be handicapped accessible, and the agent could probably help you with that information as well. The time period you are aiming for will be better in that the crowds will be thinner as well, I would imagine. Good luck and be sure to let us know how the plans are progressing.
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