Bringing grandmother (98) on vacation. Should I just forget the whole thing or is this doable?

Consider renting her a scooter so she can keep up and have more fun!

What a wonderful idea bringing a paid caregiver on the trip to help with your Grandmother. That way, when Mom is tired but the rest of the family want to sight-see, the caregiver can stay in the hotel with Mom :)

That's a very thoughtful suggestion, not only to take GM but to bring the caregiver.

Another reason for frequent stops is to exercise everyone's legs, and help to avoid too much of an edema problem from hours of sitting.

You might want to find special places to visit that are a few hours apart - it's a good opportunity not only to get out and stretch everyone's legs but also to do some sightseeing so that the drive to and from isn't just a lot of blurred scenery, but leaves everyone with special memories of the trip.

I wondered what she would do in the Smokies, because she can't hike. If you wanted to go hiking, would you be able to leave her somewhere? If you're in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, how would she get about? She would get mighty tired on a walker.

Sometimes our elders can say they want to do something, but they really don't. They like the idea of doing it, but aren't thinking of the technicalities. If you feel she really wants to do this and you are willing to be happy with your activities being curtailed, then it is doable. Hope you have fun.

If she has no cognitive issues and is a earthy 98, I say go for it but be ready for frequent potty and leg stretch stops. You are very kind to be willing to share your vacay with her, I would probably want time away

You sound so very generous with your time and self. Make sure to get a friendly hotel with walk in shower, connecting rooms, extra pillows for legs, neck pillow for car....and any information that will tell you about wheelchair friendly sights. Might get you through some things a bit faster too. Have a great time and drive safe.

Sounds like a great idea. Some things 2 consider...agree with other posters stop to walk around a bit every 2hrs. It will aslo help avoid blood clots in the leg. Realize that may tack on another 4hrs 2 your trip especially if she gets in alot of pain. May want to split the trp up and stay overnigt in a motel. Resesrcing venues for handicap accessibility, get accessible room with wslkin shower and shower seat. Several companies are very easy to rent scooters so she can zip around ejoying herself. The scooters pack down nicely in the car. Is she incontinent? If yes plan to bring waterproof mattress cover and chuks pads..a bag to cart wet clothing back home. The cheap lightweight bags for runners work nicely on outing to store wipes diapers change of pants or s8cks while on an outing. Planning ahead is the key and hav7ng opportunities where she can go back to hotel and rest or a selection of restful actvits like the spa, sitting around campfire, telling stories.

Plan on pit stops every two hours.

I suspect if you can pull it off, you will make some wonderful memories.

It amazes me, in a good way, that she actually WANTS to go!
Mom, 90.5 yrs old loved to travel.......... not now! No desire whatsoever.
Took her to Yosemite National Park and all she would say is: are we going home soon?
Are we ready to go back to the B & B?
That was 2 yrs ago.
Now, she has no desire to travel anywhere.............
Take her, make great memories, play her favorite music, take pictures of all, enjoy the benefits of being able to get away, and no regrets and "we should haves".
M88