Follow
Share

My Mom's in assisted living - dementia, incontinent, and cannot walk.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
I agree with all of the above. If you are flying, please please please contact the airline. They can and will be your best friend when in the airport(s). But they have to know in advance. Even to the point of hopefully having a stewardess/steward that has a nursing background on the flite; or be able to provide special foods if needed. My 80++ yr old mother, elderly but in full control of her mind, had a weak heart and COPD and on an oxygen tank, but flew from Florida to Chicago and back again for a family wedding. My SIL, who was traveling with her, did all the background work and she said had she not contacted the airline in advance all sorts of problems would have been incurred -- like having the oxygen tank pre-approved for airflite. They moved her in and out of the planes and through O'Hare like butter, wheeled transport was waiting for her when the plane landed, got her connections to everything she needed, even a ladies room stop. It was amazing! I was the Chicago connection and almost had to run to keep up. Mom, who was a seasoned traveler, later said that had she known this earlier, she would have been an invalid earlier!
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

If the plane trip would not be long, and your Mom has a trusted caregiver, one she recognizes, you might be able to fly her there along with the caregiver (you pay for all of the caregiver's expenses plus her salary). Go straight from the airport to her room at the new ALF and have the caregiver help her get settled in her new location. If no caregiver she knows is available you still need someone to assist you with her during the trip. If she would not recognize any of her personal items, then you have less of a hassle as you can have the new room made up and decorated with new items.

You'll need to make a lot of arrangements in advance. My cousins moved their mother from Southern California to an ALF in Virginia near her youngest son (family agreed, and the new facility was much less expensive) and did just what I suggested above. Talk to the current ALF and her Dr.; consider every part of the trip and what accommodations and assistance you will need; talk to the insurance company about what they have available for her in the new location. Lots of details here, but it can be done.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

You start by talking to the ALF. In many cases they have nearby facilities at the new location and can make the arrangements to move her. NOW the tricky part: how does she pay? If it is a Medicaid payment, not all states support ALF with Medicaid. FINALLY the transportation-- and this is the worst part-- you pay to have an ambulance move her and this can get incredibly expensive. Don't even think about her flying there. Her MD would have to approve the transport and probably write sedation for the trip.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter