Where to find long-distance transportation for frail elder?

Question

T

tiredintally Asked May 2014

Where to find long-distance transportation for frail elder?

I need to get my mother from Philadelphia to Tallahassee. She has limited mobility--she can walk about 120 feet in a walker, but is currently in a Phila. nursing home. She often uses a wheelchair, but is regaining the strength she recently lost.

Getting me, my mother, and my two-seater back to Tallahassee is going to be complicated. I can't just cramp her up in the car for a 16-hour drive. So I'm looking at possible combinations of helpers, SUV/van rental, flights, towing and/or auto transport. I'm stymied right now. My older niece is willing to help, but can't take off work, so anything involving her has to take place between a Friday evening and a Sunday evening. Help, please!

Driving

8 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First

Recent Questions

Related Questions

score 1 · Answer 1

FYI: Long distance transportation can be challenging especially for the elderly person who requires a higher level of medical care than a stretcher van and driver. There are services that provide a nurse for patients needing oxygen, suction, CPAP, BI-PAP, monitoring, on a pump or have a Port etc.
For a more comfortable ride some even provide a motorhome equipped with a hospital bed ! One such company MED Coach transports patients cross country.
Even if you just want some options and advice you can call them Always good to be informed.

Helpful Answer (1)

score 0 · Answer 2

Thanks to everyone who answered. I drove Mom back down, stopping for breaks and overnight hotel stays. It took several days, but we made it home safely. The discharge staff approved the plan before we left.

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 3

Good point answry, I'll make sure to specifically ask about transport instructions/tips when I ask about her discharge in a few minutes. Rent a Nurse sounds like something to research too. Thanks

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 4

I've never used such a service but have heard of such services - Rent A Nurse. May be available in that area. I hope that you have been advised medically of what will be needed for a safe transport.

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 5

This is for a move--long backstory, but the short version is that a family member wanted my mother with her, got her up to PA, then didn't care for her properly. I listed some of the details in my last thread--it's really a disheartening and complicated issue.

Actually, in renting the RV, I would be able to transport me, my mother, and my car, so it would be much easier to arrange. I could allow 4-5 days to travel, then return the RV on the weekend while I have someone at the house with Mom.

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 6

Agree. Consider a 5 hr max drive with frequent stops each day. Another option is a medical transport, which you can arrange at a hefty price. Kind of like an ambulance service but will be more comfortable and safe for mom.

Is this for a move or just a lengthy visit? If just a visit, then consider your route and make stops at full service hotels where you can get handicap room and meals easily in one place. Allow lots of time for someone who is frail and consider that each day will be exhausting for her.

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 7

My mother doesn't fly, so unfortunately a plane wouldn't be an option even if her mobility were to improve. Right now, I'm looking at renting an RV with a tow hitch (and of course, arranging stops along the way as often as needed). She was in much better health when she made the trip up north and was able to travel via car and train.

Helpful Answer (0)

score 0 · Answer 8

That's an awfully long trip for a frail, elderly woman to make. If she has limited mobility then I think a plane is out of the question.

The type of transportation she has isn't as concerning as the length of the trip. Most frail, elderly people with limited mobility can barely walk through the grocery store much less make a cross country road trip. I hope you plan on stopping frequently and making this trip over several days.

Helpful Answer (0)

Where to find long-distance transportation for frail elder?

8 Answers

Recent Questions

Popular Questions

Related Questions

Ask a Question