Can I take my mom out of her assisted living facility for a vacation? If so, for how long?

cmphilemon: Pose your question to the director.

If your mom is in AL in Florida, and if you want to take her on a vacation, stay in Florida. There's plenty to do and see, and since there are a lot of elderly living there, some things are especially accessible for them.

Elders like the gardens with plants from tropical areas all over the world. The beach, even if it's just pushing her wheelchair along the adjacent walkway. A sightseeing cruise on a river or intracoastal. Dinner or lunch nearby at a waterway restaurant before or after the cruise. (Some cruises leave from a marina at the restaurant.) Deep-sea fishing on a charter boat. Overnight or three-day cruise to the Bahamas. Thrift shops. A plane sightseeing flight. Birdwatching. Hanging out where people are fishing and watching them pull in the big ones. Nightlife and restaurants. An airboat ride. Everglades National Park. Weekiwachie Springs and the mermaids. St. Augustine. Warm Mineral Springs, the only natural warm springs in Florida (good for arthritis). An alligator farm. A bird sanctuary. Key West.

It's not all Disney.

Stay out of the big cities - too much crime.

Yes, I cannot see a reason why you cannot do this. You will arrange with administration at facility that she will be gone, of course. And there won't likely be any lowering of her monthly costs unless in terms of the care levels.
What brings this to you as a concern? Is it your Mom's needs? Her medications? or is it her long term care policy? Do you fear there is some stipulation that she requires 24/7 nursing care or some such? Does she have a POA? If so, that person should agree to your plans and be included.

Had covid not hit when my bro was in ALF for some short time we would definitely have arranged a visit to me at the other end of the state. Wondering why you would question whether or not this is OK?

Good luck.

Nobody can honestly answer that question but her Dr. you, and the insurance company. No one ultimately knows the condition of your mother but her Dr. so he is who you should check with first. Then second no one knows your mom better than you so it should be your call if it’s ok with Dr. And insurance company. However I think discussing this with your mom and asking her what her wishes would be are a very important part of the equation in order to honor her as a person and your mother. Consider how you would feel if you were in her shoes. Happy Vaca if you go!

Does your mom have any type of dementia? If she doesn’t, and she is well enough to travel, go ahead and enjoy your trip with your mom.

I know several older people who thoroughly enjoy traveling because they don’t have any major health concerns.

Why did u move her so far away from CT. I think Mom may need more care than an AL can provide. Maybe better to bring her back to CT and place her in an AL or long-term care.

Since LTC insurances differ by company and the policy bought, there is no way we as layman can give u info on how your Moms works. You need to read her policy. I think transporting a frail woman to CT for just a vacation will not work. I live in NJ and our trips to MIL were 16 hrs staying overnight. I live in the South not far from the bay. Why don't u vacation there.

As long as the rent is paid, the AL doesn't care how long a resident is gone.

If insurance is paying the rent, you'd have to check with them about rules pertaining to vacations and taking the resident outside of the facility and for how long.

Real bad idea, routine is necessary for the elderly, she is in no condition to travel.

This is not a good idea. Taking her on vacation may make you feel better, but it will make her worse.

How can she handle a vacation being so frail? How will you handle a vacation that entails your 24/7 caregiving for a week.

Routine is vital when it comes to issues like dementia. Even an afternoon out is enough to disorient and upset them for days. Two hours to us is like two weeks to them.