Travel and Transporation Questions

1. How can I get transportation assistance?

   This question comes up often, as searching for transportation services can be needle-in--a-haystack-ish. But being able to get around is so important to quality of life. I'm going to direct you to an article I wrote on Alternatives to Driving, that lists various options. This should help...
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2. Is it safe to put an elderly person in a car with an airbag?...

   I think the importance of having an elderly loved one have continued access to health care outweighs the risk of airbag injuries. There are things you can do to minimize the risk of injury. If the elderly family member must sit in the front seat, push the seat back to a position that is farthest from the dashboard...
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3. Should we tell my mother-in-law with Alzheimer's that we are taking her on a trip?

   You sound very perceptive when you say "every time she is asked to go somewhere she refuses". Often, when you tell an Alzheimer patient about a future event or ask if they would like to go somewhere, they usually answer that way....or they suffer such anxiety that they keep asking, "Where are we going...
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4. How can I help my husband while traveling without telling out tour group about his Alzheimer's?

   I have a friend who, like you, cares for her husband with AD and, facing the same issues you mention, travels with him as much as possible...with one major exception. My friend wrote a note to fellow travelers explaining that hubby has AD and stated that "Bill loves to chat about the Boston Red Sox and was a former plumber who loves telling 'plumbing jokes'...
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5. My father with Alzheimer's is coming for a visit, what can I do to make his trip and visit as smooth as possible?

   If there’s still time, it would be wise to cancel this visit. There’s no question that your mother needs respite, but it’s time for your family to rethink how to give your mom a break. Many assisted living facilities and Alzheimer’s homes offer “respite care.” If this option is not realistic, you mastic...
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6. Where can I find transportation information for my dad?

   This is a great question, because as our parents stop driving they still want and need to get around. Once they learn about transportation alternatives and start using them, it can take the sting out of the loss of independence from giving up driving.
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7. Which Medicare Advantage plans cover the 48 states and Puerto Rico?

   All Medicare Part C "Medicare Advantage" managed care plans cover emergency medical care while you're traveling anywhere within the U.S. or Puerto Rico. The problem is finding a plan that would cover you for regular, non-emergency care in more than one geographic area.
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8. What are some tips for transferring my mother from her motorized chair to the bed or bathroom?

   I would like to suggest that you get a consultation from a physical therapist or a geriatric care manager. She might be able to learn strengthening excercises so that she can can do the transfer from the motorized care herself. A professional could help evaluate your dear mother's motivation and ability to adjust...
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9. Will VA medical care still cover me if I get sick in another country?

   According to the [VA web site] (http://www1.va.gov/health/), urgent and limited emergency care services are available to enrolled veterans at VA health care facilities or non-VA health care facilities at which VA has a sharing agreement or contract...
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10. Is travel okay for someone with dementia?

    Yes, it's possible for someone with dementia to travel safely. Let common sense be your guide, along with some simple travel strategies.
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11. Where can I find resources for transportation services in the Bay Area?

    I'm going to assume you're looking for senior transportation services or paratransit. You can contact your local public transportation company or senior center and ask for referrals. But there are two handy on-line tools that may help you, as well...
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12. How do we deal with my father who has heart failure who wants to travel and expects only family to care for him?

    Boy, are you in a pickle. I sympathize. You're trying your hardest to protect your dad, but dealing with contradictory medical advice. Not to mention your dad's stubbornness about getting outside help. There are different ways of looking at this. One is to let your dad do as he chooses as it's his life...
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13. Is there a resource to find a nurse who will travel to rural areas?

    Finding visiting nurses in rural areas is tough wherever you live, so I understand your challenge. You didn't mention what town the patient lives in, or near, but I suggest starting by asking at the nearest hospital or medical clinic. Explain your situation and see if they have services that can help...
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14. How can I find transportation for my mom to get to church and the market?

    This is a tough situation for you. Give yourself lots of credit for getting the ball rolling on finding help. My gut reaction is to suggest you start by asking at your mom's church if there's anyone willing or interesting in driving her on a few errands, either as a volunteer or for a small fee, whatever you can afford...
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15. Medicare and Travel Outside the U.S.

    Neither Medicare Part A nor Part B covers any medical care -- even in an emergency -- outside the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. If you're in the U.S. but a Canadian or Mexican hospital is closer, Medicare may cover emergency treatment there.
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16. When can you travel after broken hip surgery?

    Hi:
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17. How can I get him to a dental visit?

    Contact the area agency on aging in your county to see if there are low cost transportation services for the elderly in your area. In the absence of that, may need to privately hire (non medical in home care company) someone to transport. Call a local dentist (the family dentist...
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18. Why does body transportation cost so much?

    Most funeral homes charge a set amount to transport a body within a designated area, then tack on an additional amount per mile for lengthier journeys. The $2,000 price you were quoted does sound expensive. But you may have some less costly options.
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19. Can a person with dementia travel abroad alone?

    While the term "dementia" has a very specific clinical definition, some physicians use it casually to describe a varying degree of impairment due to numerous medical conditions. Whether or not your father can travel alone depends on how impaired he is, what is causing the impairment, and what realms of his mental capacity are most diminished...
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20. How soon after a stroke would it be okay to fly?

    I'm glad you asked. The question of flying after a stroke comes up frequently in my practice, and I'm not sure why.
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