Is it possible to have a person moved from a nursing home in Texas to one in Massachusetts? Are there transportation options?

Brian, Medicare does NOT pay for a NH, it is health insurance.

Having VA could mean just about anything.

This doesn't cover who pays for the NH? Is he is a VA home? Is there one near you that he can move to, if yes?

Seriously, you need to find out about the financial end or you could end up with him in your house.

Transportation is a bit down the road, unless you don't mind becoming his 24/7 caregiver.

No doubt he is impatient but, this needs to be well planned if the intention is an actual facility to facility transfer. You can't just show up and get a bed.

I wouldn't take his word for ANYTHING, he has had a brain injury, he may think he is being honest and not even be on the same planet as reality. You must see paperwork and understand what is what to avoid any unintented situations.

Best of luck getting this sorted out.

My dad's bedridden aunt was moved from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon last summer. After a few weeks she decided she wanted to go home (big mistake, but you don't argue with her).

I don't know by what means she was moved, but I woundn't be surprised if it was a private plane because the total cost for that little round trip -- $60,000.

Thanks..I know it's going to be a Challenge..I just need a Starting Point. Yes he is On Medicare and a Veteran. Now I know where to Begin..the RV might be a Great Idea. For Transport..I myself am a Truck Driver..andcwe have Nurses in the Family..Thank You for Your Input..much Appreciated

There are medical transports that can be arranged.
You could also rent an RV or small camper and he can ride in that.
You would either need help with the trip either to take turns driving or doing what care needs to be done.
If he does well in a wheelchair a van or SUV would also work if it is comfortable enough. You would again need help getting him in and out of the vehicle.
If he is in a facility or hospital right now you can ask the Social Worker what type of arrangements can be made.

9 yrs ago when we looked into transporting MIL from central Florida to Atlanta the cost was going to be $2000. These transports were made for hours of riding. I was going to be the one to travel with her. I would have had a nice comfortable chair.

Does your brother need any special care? It was suggested before to rent an RV. Brother could be comfortable and you would have a bathroom. Maybe hire an aide to take care of him.

Here's an article on this topic from this website:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/long-distance-medical-transport-relocating-a-frail-senior-448195.htm

And here's a checklist plus options:

https://helpandwellness.com/best-way-to-transport-elderly

You need to get an estimate from a medical transport company. He will need to be taken by ambulance most likely and have a medically qualified person ride in the back with him. It is possible they will also require his PoA or guardian to follow behind in a car. This is not cheap. We had to do this for my MIL and she was only going to the next county.

Also, an ambulance is like riding in a truck -- not a comfortable ride. And it will take more than a day unless they drive continuously.

If he can't walk he won't be able to take a commercial airplane. Maybe renting a wheelchair van is possible? But then you have to navigate staying overnight in a hotel and attend to all his other personal hygiene and medical needs. He will need 2 strong people to move him during the trip.

If you do find a reasonable option, please come back and share it with the forum...you'r not the first person to ask this question. I wish you all the best as you look for a solution!

This can be done, there are some issues that can make it difficult though and it takes money and a coordinated effort to accomplish. The following is just a few of the 1st things to consider.

Is he private pay? If not, Medicaid doesn't cross state lines. So you would have to sort that out before you do anything else, because everything hinges on payment to the NH.

Have you found a place that you would transfer him too? Do you have a back up in case they don't have a bed? Do they take Medicaid? Will either one hold a bed for transport.

Are you able to visit, advocate and be helpful if he is moved? Because being at someone's beck and call gets old very fast, moving him closer will give him the idea that you and other family will be around, alot. Is everyone on board with what helping him will look like?

Medical transport is very costly, like in the tens of thousands of dollars for this distance of move. Does his physical and mental condition allow for say, a couple of family member to rent an RV and do the transport? Are any family willing or able to do this?

Does anyone have DPOA and DMCPOA for him? if not, does he have the capacity to assign them? Is anyone willing to take that responsibility?

Let us know and good luck!