Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Taking an elderly parent along for the ride
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 > Taking an elderly parent along for the ride

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dale662

Minnesota

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Posted: 01/21/12 12:57pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Mom is 93, pretty healthy overall, and loves to travel. I'm 69, male, ready to sell my house, buy an RV, and go on the road. I'm caregiver.
Have any of you cared for an elderly parent while on the road? I brought mom back from Calif. to Minn. in May. She was worried, but we came back in my big E350 van in easy stages, and she came through with flying colors.
Then, in July, we went to Ohio for a family reunion, and on the way back she asked brightly, "Where are we going next weekend?"
She's pretty sharp, and takes care of herself. Of course, that's subject to change, but live for today, correct?
What has been your experience? Thanks.


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sdianel

Tampa, FL

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Posted: 01/21/12 01:14pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

My mom loved to travel. I would not have hesitated to take her with me. Gives you both something to look forward to. I never got the chance. My mom passed away 3 years ago. Although I've never experienced it, I think a Class C or Class A would be better for an elderly person. She can take a nap whenever she wants. There are lifts if she needs help getting in and out. I would worry about falls.


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gbopp

The Keystone State

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Posted: 01/21/12 01:29pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Live for today is correct! We don't know what tomorrow will bring.
Take your mother and go....You'll both love it.

midnightsadie

ohio

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Posted: 01/21/12 01:32pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

my hats off to you, great thing your doing.

dturm

Munster, IN

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Posted: 01/21/12 01:51pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Took my mother to my nephew's wedding two years ago, she was 94 at the time. She was mostly wheelchair mobile and could transfer herself and do the steps in and out of the motorhome, but needed constant care/assist available. While all the wedding festivities were going on, she stayed in a hotel with my brothers, neices and nephews sharing the care.

It was a great, memorable event. She and my dad are the reason I was exposed to camping and the outdoors, so an easy payback for me.

Doug


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TexasShadow

Spring Branch, TX USA

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Posted: 01/21/12 01:53pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

whatever kind of rv you get, make sure that both of you can sleep comfortably.
and get one with a shower that's easy to get in and out of.
and enjoy each other while you can.


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siremike

Florida

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Posted: 01/21/12 02:30pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

While this sounds good typically most elderly have regularly scheduled appointments with their Doctor.

My mother inlaw drives around a 1000 miles to come down and stay with my wife and I.

She stays a few months and then due to an appointment or some health issue she drives back. (wears herself out in the process)

She has no intention to become established with a local Doctor. (not sure how it would work out with health insurance)

So I guess the question is what happens when your mom needs medical attention and you are a 1000 miles from home. Alot of drivng could be involved.

With all that said, enjoying each others company and making new memories is a good thing.

Just one thing to think about when deciding.

Mike

2oldman

Moses Lake

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Posted: 01/21/12 02:32pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I guess if you get along well enough. I can't imagine doing that.

ljr

Pennsylvania

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Posted: 01/21/12 02:49pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Several years ago my, since departed, father came along for a snowbird winter. He was 87 at the time but with no serious health problems beyond some arthritis. He didn't need much in the way of care.

He died at 91, by the way. On his last day he stacked 1/2 cord of firewood and grilled steaks for our dinner. If anybody had suggested I was his "caregiver" he probably would have decked them.


Larry

wannavolunteerFT

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Posted: 01/21/12 03:01pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Just this past Nov, took my parents on RV trip to visit Mom's family. We took their Class C, and hit the road. We made some reservations ahead, but only the first two nights. My dad had said he wouldn't go without me along.. he didn't think my mom could do everything and keep organized enough to manage and he didn't want to hassle with doing everything. He is 88 and has enough arthritis in his hands there is very little he can do without pain anymore. Made dinette into bed, and then he could sit with his legs extended and feet propped while we were riding, said it made the days we travelled a lot better.

Would I do it again? You bet! Would I continue to plan taking walks and getting out on my own a little during the trip? You bet on that one too. The MH did tend to get a little small, with 3 of us (plus a cat) in that very small Class C.

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