My dad needs to be on a stretcher and I want him to come down to Atlanta. I'm trying to get recommends from a solid transport company that doesn't charge a fortune.
There was someone in another thread who suggested renting an RV. That was Dad would have a bed. Another person could travel in comfort and the driver. A kitchen if needed. You can do 10 hours in a day. My husband has done it.
But my worry would be Dads condition. The travel may effect his health drastically. Don't you think placing him in a LTC facility, on Medicaid, in DC would be more feasible. All his needs would be met. His wife would not need to do anything but visit. She could become the Community Spouse. If Dad owns a home, she would be able to stay in it and have a car and have money for the house upkeep. If you don't trust her to do that, then sell the house and give her what she is entitled to.
I do think you need a lawyer to advise you. Lots to consider.
Take a look at Eastern Royal Medical Transport (https://www.long-distance-medical-transport.com). I contacted them for a quote a couple of years ago, and they emailed me one quite promptly. I ended up not using the service, as the planned move fell through, but they quoted me $4,050 for a 766-mile, 12-hour continuous nonstop trip.
The emailed quote was quite comprehensive, and there was no high-pressure sales talk involved whatsoever. I'd copy and paste the quote here, but it's over 12,000 characters (which gives you an idea of how thorough it was).
Kammy, distance transport is likely going to be expensive, by any means or method. I did a lot of research on this issue when my parents were Winter Texans, and learned a lot.
First, I haven't read earlier threads you've posted, but I do echo concerns of others regarding (a) whether this is for a visit, or permanent residency (b) whether you have legal authority to do this, apparently since there's a wife involved.
Second, and again w/o reading old posts, do you have the space, support and accommodations in your home to properly, and ideally, provide care for him?
Third, have you identified a medical team to treat him once he returns, as he will need scripts for diabetes medicine, although you could ask his current doctor to write a script for a few months until you assemble a new medical team.
Fourth, there are medical transports that minimize the traveling time; there are land transports that are cheaper but involve longer traveling time. First choice would be land or air.
These are hits from a search on "distance transport", which could offer insight into your options.
Fifth, given the dementia, inability to walk or sit, and having type 2 diabetes, I honestly believe you need the best medical transport available for complex conditions, and that would probably be an air transport option. Research "medi-flights" or "medical flights" - I just did and got some hits for companies that I remember researching, Angel Flight being one.
I make no recommendations as my research was limited. Eventually I just had to fly down and bring my parents back via an outstanding American Airlines crew who stepped up to help. But they were both mobile, and neither had dementia. Both make an incredible distance in the safety of an elder to travel over distances.
Sixth, if you do opt for a air transfer, you'll also need to address transportation to and from the airport, an additional cost.
I wish you the best of luck, but I would seriously consider visiting him where he is (assuming this is possible w/i the existing family framework) and avoid what could be a very anxious and confusing event for your father.
My BIL lives in Atlanta. He arranged transportation from the Ocala area in Fla to Atlanta in 2013 and the cost as 2k. Very nice transport. Room enough for someone to comfortably travel with MIL. You should have no problem finding a service in Atlanta.
Now Dad suffers from a Dementia, he cannot change the POA. Since his wife shares it, you cannot just overrule her because you think she is abusing Dad. I would think that would need to be proven by an agency like APS. Then, as said, Medicaid does not go over state lines. You would need to find out what Atlanta Medicaid requires for residency.
I realize you are his daughter but she is his wife. You can't leave her stranded. I agree, I would see a lawyer before I considered what you plan on doing.
Also remember you will have to reapply for Medicaid in GA. And his wife can request spousal support if she has no income. Please consult attorney before you make this move.
Just reading the back history, from your concerns posted in April.
Kammy, what is the plan? Here you are arranging transport, but what's next? What are you going to do once your father arrives in Atlanta? How far have you got with the actual care plan, and what are you expecting from your father's wife when all this happens?
With transport as with everything you generally get what you pay for. I don't know what you mean by a fortune, but what I'd suggest as a rule of thumb is that you get three quotations from three reputable service providers and go with the one that seems best value for money. I can't imagine you can do this both safely and on the cheap. Will you be accompanying your father? Will he be able to understand what is happening?
Besides putting him in the backseat of your car and doing it yourself ( or some type of little miss sunshine setup), there’s really no cheap way to get it done. What is the purpose of this transfer? Is this one way permanently?
I’d explore any other option. Is the move mandatory? If so, what about a medical flight? Any method is likely expensive, but the flight would be shorter. There are likely charity organizations that offer assistance to those who qualify.
But my worry would be Dads condition. The travel may effect his health drastically. Don't you think placing him in a LTC facility, on Medicaid, in
DC would be more feasible. All his needs would be met. His wife would not need to do anything but visit. She could become the Community Spouse. If Dad owns a home, she would be able to stay in it and have a car and have money for the house upkeep. If you don't trust her to do that, then sell the house and give her what she is entitled to.
I do think you need a lawyer to advise you. Lots to consider.
The emailed quote was quite comprehensive, and there was no high-pressure sales talk involved whatsoever. I'd copy and paste the quote here, but it's over 12,000 characters (which gives you an idea of how thorough it was).
First, I haven't read earlier threads you've posted, but I do echo concerns of others regarding (a) whether this is for a visit, or permanent residency (b) whether you have legal authority to do this, apparently since there's a wife involved.
Second, and again w/o reading old posts, do you have the space, support and accommodations in your home to properly, and ideally, provide care for him?
Third, have you identified a medical team to treat him once he returns, as he will need scripts for diabetes medicine, although you could ask his current doctor to write a script for a few months until you assemble a new medical team.
Fourth, there are medical transports that minimize the traveling time; there are land transports that are cheaper but involve longer traveling time. First choice would be land or air.
These are hits from a search on "distance transport", which could offer insight into your options.
https://www.agingcare.com/search?term=distance+transport
Fifth, given the dementia, inability to walk or sit, and having type 2 diabetes, I honestly believe you need the best medical transport available for complex conditions, and that would probably be an air transport option. Research "medi-flights" or "medical flights" - I just did and got some hits for companies that I remember researching, Angel Flight being one.
I make no recommendations as my research was limited. Eventually I just had to fly down and bring my parents back via an outstanding American Airlines crew who stepped up to help. But they were both mobile, and neither had dementia. Both make an incredible distance in the safety of an elder to travel over distances.
Sixth, if you do opt for a air transfer, you'll also need to address transportation to and from the airport, an additional cost.
I wish you the best of luck, but I would seriously consider visiting him where he is (assuming this is possible w/i the existing family framework) and avoid what could be a very anxious and confusing event for your father.
Now Dad suffers from a Dementia, he cannot change the POA. Since his wife shares it, you cannot just overrule her because you think she is abusing Dad. I would think that would need to be proven by an agency like APS. Then, as said, Medicaid does not go over state lines. You would need to find out what Atlanta Medicaid requires for residency.
I realize you are his daughter but she is his wife. You can't leave her stranded. I agree, I would see a lawyer before I considered what you plan on doing.
Kammy, what is the plan? Here you are arranging transport, but what's next? What are you going to do once your father arrives in Atlanta? How far have you got with the actual care plan, and what are you expecting from your father's wife when all this happens?
With transport as with everything you generally get what you pay for. I don't know what you mean by a fortune, but what I'd suggest as a rule of thumb is that you get three quotations from three reputable service providers and go with the one that seems best value for money. I can't imagine you can do this both safely and on the cheap. Will you be accompanying your father? Will he be able to understand what is happening?
What is the purpose of this transfer? Is this one way permanently?