I am the caregiver for my 96-year-old mom, who has moderate dementia and is on hospice but stable at 75 pounds, uses a walker, still toilets herself with some help but I do all other ADLs. She still walks from bedroom to TV room and bathroom, but lies down ALL the time due to severe back issues from osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (10 of them, over time...she is shaped like a comma). She has not been in a car in months. Sweetly says every day, "not today."
How can I get her from Florida to Massachusetts? My daughter has physical and mental health problems and I want to be there... also we want to get out of Florida and also be closer to our son and his family in Philly. The only thing holding us back from this move is getting Mom there.
When she broke her hip four years ago, we thought this would not go on so long. We love her but are sick of putting our lives on hold, as we are not young (I know, everyone has this feeling!) Ideas for transportation?
1. Work on getting the Hospice to transfer to another Hospice where you will be moving to. That way things can be set up for when you arrive.
2. the move...
Other than a Medical Transfer and that would be very expensive I think the easiest way and most comfortable for your mom would be to rent an RV. Does not have to be a huge one. Something like a Sprinter Van. She would be able to ride in a more comfortable seat. She could also lay down.
I would premedicate her for the trip and keep her medicated so that she is not in pain.
And to make it easier at least 2 drivers to switch driving and do not stop at a hotel. (if you get her out of the vehicle you might not get her back in willingly)
It would be about a 24 hour drive.
While this sounds like a lot I think it would be easier than flying. As that would be a car to the airport, cart to the gate, flight, cart to the baggage area, car to the house. And you re dealing with all the confusion and crowds at the airport.
Another thing to consider would be renting an RV. She could lie in the bed while you drive and you’d have a clean and private restroom to help her use.
I only have experience driving my parents 7 hours in a rented mini van when they were both 90. I had to give my mom a dramamine for her car sickness. i thought it would help her sleep, but We stopped once, and that stop was quite difficult, finding a clean place that was easy to navigate to and from the bathroom, etc..
Try looking up "long distance medical transport services." They advertise comfortable vehicles and attentive nurses. Some of them have reviews.
I hope you find what works best for you.
I put my grandma up front with her seat laid back, pillows & blankets, traveled at night, drove straight thru with breaks to go to the rest room and avoid anyone getting a blood clot.
One uncomfortable challenge then it’s behind bc you’ll likely not take another long trip w/your mom going forward. I loved every second with mine and life wasn’t put on hold for her. I’d give anything to have her & my grandma back. I’ve been transporting people for the last four years and would do forever if the company I work for hadn’t ended transport division yesterday. If you haven’t already made the trip before getting your question answered, wishing very safe travels.
We moved to Florida and then back to California.
On the way over to Florida my mom was in a queen bed in the back of the RV. On the way back I was alone driving with her so I found an RV that had a couch that also folded down into a bed. She was closer to me and that made a difference. Lors of great conversations
My mom just turned 95 and she really seemed to enjoy the trip. She loved looking out the window and seeing all the beautiful scenery. She has advanced dementia and is non ambulatory. My mom was very used to camping and owned mulitiple trailers so she loved the adventure. It was difficult but I have no regrets and I now have even more lovely memories that only we shared together traveling which we both love to do.
Live your life and your mom can be there too. You won't regret it.
That will be a very difficult travel for her. She might be more comfortable remaining in Florida in a nursing home where she can lie down and have round-the-clock care.
I agree with the suggestions to rent a motor home so she can lie down the whole trip. I am concerned about how she will get in and out of a motorhome. Make sure you take a look at the accessibility.
You may be able to find a van outfitted with a lift and put a hospital type bed inside. Or some kind of light weight folding bed.
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