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Medsister Asked July 2018

Need advice on a trip for blind, diabetic, walker bound 92 year old female?

Lady is blind, diabetic type 2, needs walker or wheelchair for mobility, has afib, is incontinent and financially dependent for travel expense. What is safest and best way to travel 1200 mile round trip in very hot weather to attend family reunion that is planned outside. Need advice for both lady needing care and her 70 year old caregiver.

GardenArtist Jul 2018
This is the post I was thinking about. It's not the same situation, but some of the same issues of flying hazards are addressed, especially the incontinence issue.

https://www.agingcare.com/questions/my-daughter-is-having-an-out-of-state-wedding-grandmother-needs-247-care-is-incontinent-and-in-al-440322.htm

I now recall another post in which someone wanted to bring an older person out of state, and the issue of various places for her/him to stay was a factor. I doubt if I can find that one though; I don't remember enough of the details other than the logistics of bringing a walker, wheelchair, going back and forth from a motel or hotel to the site of the activity...those kinds of issues were addressed.

JoAnn29 Jul 2018
Garden, yes its similar. The other one involved an overweight lady flying and took water pills. Tried to find the post. Really would like to see if OP came back to tell us what happened.

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GardenArtist Jul 2018
This question sounds so familiar, but perhaps it was the question asked by someone who wanted to take an elderly woman to a wedding.

I think you recognize the hazards inherent in traveling in hot weather, for anyone, let alone an older person. The answer to your question is that there is NO safe way to make this kind of trip.

I'm not clear though what you meant by your statement that she's "financially dependent for travel expense."

Instead of putting anyone through the torture inherent in traveling not only in hot weather, but with mobility and vision impairments, why can't the family or some of them visit her, or the family members can call and speak to her perhaps over a period of time to spread out the benefit of family interaction.

There are some really good answers on the similar post. I'll see if I can find it for you.

wally003 Jul 2018
she sounds frail. plus her age alone and travel plus, ...very hot weather and an outside event? idk. if it was my mother or grandmother. I would probably just say I cant make it.
sorry I don't have any helpful advice. also I know at some events older people get lost in the crowd. and end up getting ignored. we take my mom out shes pretty mobile and not incontinent - but sooner or later she cant keep up with the conversation or contribute to conversation. I feel bad I do try to include her but....

JoAnn29 Jul 2018
I wouldn't do it. There is a thread somewhere on site about this same thing. First talk to her doctor. I doubt if he will say she can fly with all her health problems. Another reason is her incontinence. How are you going to toilet her in those tiny bathrooms. And what about the smell if she doesn't get there in time. Thats not fair to the other passengers. The weather is another factor. The elderly dehydrate easily. And there is the expense, who is going to pay. It would take u approximately 20 hrs drive time. Thats 2 and half days with a woman who is incontinent. I am 69 and there is no way I would do it. You will not even enjoy the trip.

I think you may just be looking for validation on a decision you have already made. Just tell the person it is not feasible. U don't say she has Dementia so she should understand her limitations and yours. But Dr. first. Him saying no should satisfy everyone. Others will chime in.

Countrymouse Jul 2018
Financially dependent on whom for the cost of this trip?

It's ambitious, I expect you realise? What relation are the lady and her caregiver to you?

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