My brother was supposed to be here next week for 2 weeks and my husband and I were going to take some time off together. We booked a hotel (the first night non-refundable) in Los Angeles and were just going to do cheap, touristy stuff. Graumann's Chinese Theater, Museum's, etc.. Nothing spectacular, but just the two of us. Unfortunately, my brother, who is on disability, and has had 17 previous back surgeries, has had a serious set back, and now needs another surgery. His neurosurgeon got him in next week, so the trip is off. Damn, I was really looking forward to that time away.
It sounds like you are making the best of the situation. Day trips can be wonderful for elders. They suffer from cabin fever, too, and a change of scenery can be very therapeutic. And looking forward to the event can be therapeutic too! A bonus would be if it encourages her to accept the wheelchair when appropriate.
This will not be all fun and games for you and your husband and it won't be the carefree get-away you were looking forward to. But that will come later. And this will be special in its own way. I recommend taking lots of pictures (if the museum allows it -- if not, then pictures of the building etc.). Then Mom has the pleasure of looking forward to the trip, the trip itself, and visual memories after the trip.
Have a nice visit to the museum!
I'm not ready to put Mom in a nursing home for respite care. My brother will come down after he's well enough to travel in a couple of months. I managed to get a partial credit on his non-refundable airfare. I wouldn't go up and visit him - he has plenty of people up there to keep him company, and I'm 1100 miles away
Thanks for the suggestions and support. It feels good to know there is a place I can come just to express my disappointments, rants, raves and cheers.
Have you contacted your local Office of the Aging. There are times when they offer respite care for caregivers where you can place your loved one temporarily in a nursing home type setting for a week or so...this way you can get away.
It is not available in all areas but this may be something that you have the ability to access. I wish you luck.