Questions About Senior Travel

1. Where can we find transportation assistance for Mom's chemotherapy?

   Question - My mother has cancer, is on a limited income, and she is receiving treatment at UCI Medical in Orange, CA. The problem is, is that she lives in Murrieta. Her primary physician has his office in Temecula. She is able to drive to her primary physician and to the lab for blood tests and scans, however, the 60 miles to UCI is too far for her to drive...

2. Can I travel while undergoing chemo?

   Question - Many people ask if they should limit activities or travel while receiving chemotherapy. The answer depends how well you are tolerating the therapy and how healthy you feel.
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3. Are accidents in a foreign country covered by Medicare?

   Question - Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover any medical care in Europe, but a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap supplemental insurance policy might.
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4. How do I handle my elderly mother who doesn't want me to travel at all?

   Question - Being an effective and compassionate caretaker for your mom requires you to also take care of yourself. If you're going to be an effective caregiver over the long haul, you need to have compassion for yourself as well. I imagine your mother doesn't want to get in the way of you advancing your career or having fun...
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5. Does Medicare pay anything for emergency air flights?

   Question - In some limited circumstances, it can. Medicare Part B can cover most of the cost of an ambulance -- including an air ambulance in very limited circumstances -- if you have a medical emergency that puts your health in serious danger and that needs immediate medical attention...
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6. How can I find transportation for my mom to get to church and the market?

   Question - 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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7. Do home health care aides commonly charge for travel expenses?

   Question - Home health aides are paid by the hour or by the visit. When a patient or client lives a distance away from the agency, or from a major metropolitan area where there is adequate public transportation, it is common to charge either a set fee for travel within a certain radius or to charge actual mileage, which is based on the IRS reimbursed rate of $...
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8. Will VA medical care still cover me if I get sick in another country?

   Question - 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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9. Where can I find transportation information for my dad?

   Question - 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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10. Would it be safe for my mother to travel by plane to come live with me?

    Question - Sounds like you or your brother should accompany her on her flight to B'mgham. She sounds too fragile to fly alone.
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11. Do I have coverage from Medicare when traveling to Canada?

    Question - Medicare doesn't normally cover regular or emergency medical care in Canada, whether you're living or vacationing there. Medicare can cover medical care in Canada in a few very limited circumstances. They are: (1) If you're in the U.S. when an emergency arises but a Canadian emergency room is closer than any in the U...
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12. How can I get transportation assistance?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

13. Which Medicare Advantage plans cover the 48 states and Puerto Rico?

    Question - 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.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

14. Does Medicare cover wheelchairs and transport chairs?

    Question - Medicare Part B covers what is called durable medical equipment, which includes wheelchairs and walkers, if prescribed by a doctor. For wheelchairs, Medicare pays to rent the chair for up to 13 months. By that time, you will own the wheelchair outright, but Medicare will continue to pay for the chair's maintenance and repair...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

15. If my grandmother should die while visiting me in another state, can I transport her home in my own personal vehicle?

    Question - Yes and no. If she is cremated, you can transport her cremains in your car anywhere. If not, look for a tangle of paperwork about shipping her with someone licensed and bonded, (at least thats how it is here)
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16. Is there a resource to find a nurse who will travel to rural areas?

    Question - 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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17. How do I make sure my mother's personal information travels with her?

    Question - It's important that you and her other caregivers know where copies of your mother's important personal documents are located -- in both states. This includes her durable power of attorney and her healthcare directive.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

18. What 's the best way to travel with dementia?

    Question - Getting from place to place with a person who is pleasant but cognitively impaired is difficult enough but traveling with an abusive dementia patient has an abundance of added difficulties. The most immediate question would be "When is it no longer a viable option to spend winter months in FL...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

19. Is it safe to put an elderly person in a car with an airbag?...

    Question - 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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20. Should we allow my mom, who has moderate dementia, travel with only a teenage companion?

    Question - My 92 yr. old mom moved in with one of her daughters 3 yrs. ago. as her family felt she should not be living alone which she had very actively done for more than 20 yrs. There were signs of aging such as memory loss, but her general physical health was fairly good then...

21. Can a person with dementia fly on an airplane?

    Question - Many people in very early stages of dementia can fly on an airplane, though I find that careful planning may be necessary to keep the flight as calm and organized as possible.
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22. Can a dementia patient travel?

    Question - Whether a dementia patient can travel would depend a great deal on the type of dementia they have, the stage of their dementia they’re in and the mode of transportation you want to take. I’ve known people who’ve traveled by private car well into their dementia, whereas plans to travel by air may neeay need to be abandoned early on...
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23. Can Medicaid still be used even if she lives outside the US?

    Question - If your sister goes to live with her daughter outside the US, she will have two different types of problem with her Medicaid medical coverage. The first is that neither Medicaid nor Medicare covers any medical treatment outside the United States and its territories...
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24. Travel insurance demands Medicaid direct claim denial, how do I receive proof?

    Question - Neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers medical care received outside the United States (except for some rare exceptions on the border). The travel insurance companies know this perfectly well, but it is typical of insurance companies to make a claim difficult, knowing that some people will not follow...
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25. Is there financial assistance for travel for surgery?

    Question - Where can I find financial for travel to my neurosurgeon in another state? I am scheduled for a cerebral transplant and he is the nearest qualified surgeon.

26. How can become a transportation provider for Medicare and Medcaid patients?

    Question - Good afternoon my name is Winda I am inquiring for my daughter Clarine as well as myself. I would like to get information on how to be a transportation provider for Medicaid and Medicare recipients. What do I need to be a provider? Is there any particiular training or licences I need? Where do I apply for the Indianapolis, IN...

27. Can a person with dementia travel abroad alone?

    Question - 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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28. My mom has Alzheimer and her doctor says, it's critical...

    Question - ALZHEIMER’S TRAVEL
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29. My father with Alzheimer's is coming for a visit, what can I do to make his trip and visit as smooth as possible?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

30. How can I help my husband while traveling without telling out tour group about his Alzheimer's?

    Question - 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'...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

31. What is the law regarding the transportation of a deceased body from New York to New Hampshire?

    Question - My grandmother who is 97 years old lives in New Hampshire. I would like her to come out to NY for a 2 week visit. My mother is worried that she may pass away while she is here. What is the law regarding the transportation of a deceased body from NY to NH?

32. Should we tell my mother-in-law with Alzheimer's that we are taking her on a trip?

    Question - 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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33. Are there transportation services in Folsom, Louisiana to bring mom to/from the nursing home?

    Question - Hi, Sorry to hear about your mom's health, and challenge getting to her mom's nursing home.
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34. How do we get Medicare to continue paying for his transportation?

    Question - Medicare Part B can pay for ambulance transportation to and from a patient's home only in very limited circumstances. Normally, Medicare Part B does not cover routine transportation for a patient to or from home in nonemergency situations. However, Medicare Part B sometimes covers nonemergency ambulance...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

35. Is there any way to get a van donated or purchase one at a low cost to accomodate a wheelchair?

    Question - How can I get a van donated to me or buy one at a low cost? My wife can not walk due to her disadilty. She just received her power wheelchair. She would now like to go to places she could not go before, but we have nothing big enough to place her chair in or attach and bring with us as a family...

36. How soon after a stroke would it be okay to fly?

    Question - I'm glad you asked. The question of flying after a stroke comes up frequently in my practice, and I'm not sure why.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

37. Can we travel with parents with dementia?

    Question - The answer is...maybe. Traveling with someone who has dementia requires being aware of many different factors. You've already thought about wandering, for example, which is wise. The biggest factor is your parents' condition. They may do all right with care and supervision, especially if they function relatively independently now...
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers

38. My elderly parents want to take a road trip - how can I stop them?

    Question - My husband and I are 91 and 88 and we are currently planning a roadtrip from our home in S. Cal to my sons in central Oregon. We will be gone about 8 days and are looking forward to being "on the road again". We are currently packing and would appreciate any helpful suggestions.
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39. I'm moving my mother, but should I take her by car or send her by plane?

    Question - Your mother is fortunate you're looking our for her with such care. I think the best approach to answering this question is to draw up a "pros" and "cons" list for each option and hash-out the details. Include things like costs; physical comfort (driving may involve windy roads and bumps, but unlike...
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40. Where can I find resources for transportation services in the Bay Area?

    Question - 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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41. What short-term in-house elder care options when caregivers need to go out of town?

    Question - Good respite care is one of the biggest needs for those who are caring for loved ones. Fortunately, there are a number of options. If you want to keep your parent at home while you're traveling, here are some ways to set up the care with the best chance for success: Well in advance of your planned trips...
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42. How do we deal with my father who has heart failure who wants to travel and expects only family to care for him?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

43. What precautions should my dad, who has type 2 diabetes, take when traveling?

    Question - When your father takes a trip, his diabetes travels with him; he can't take a vacation from his disease. So he should bring his glucose-monitoring equipment and any medications he's taking in his carry-on bag, not his checked luggage. (It's smart to check with the airline beforehand about its policy...
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44. Is there coverage of Medicare transportation services for dialysis patients?

    Question - The only transportation help that Medicare pays for is an ambulance. Medicare can pay for some non-emergency ambulance service from home to a medical treatment such as dialysis, but only when a doctor has prescribed it because any another form of transport wouldn't be medically advisable. If there's no medical need for an ambulance, Medicare won't pay...
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45. How can I get help for my ill sister, who doesn't have any family nearby?

    Question - Caring.com isn't (yet) able to provide information on local eldercare resources, so we can't put you in touch with any specific organizations to help your sister. We suggest that you contact the Area Agency on Aging in your sister's community. They should be able to give you the names of local programs that could help your sister...
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46. If I am named as having power of attorney over my father's affairs, is it legal for me to use his money to pay for my expenses incurred while caring for him?

    Question - So glad you're finding the website to be helpful. And sorry to learn you're pinned in a difficult spot.What you are asking seems completely reasonable. And you are wise to keep the receipts and be organized about the money spent in carrying out your duties as your father's appointed agent...
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47. Can a person with congestive heart failure travel by plane?

    Question - Can a person with congestive heart failure travel by airplane?

48. Do Medicare and Medical cover my parents while traveling?

    Question - The short answer is that Medicare will, but Medi-Cal won't, cover your parents when they're visiting you outside California. The longer answer is that Medicare is a national system, with consistent rules across all states, and is intended to protect people wherever they might be in the U.S...
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49. Is there transportation help to and from cancer treatment?

    Question - Where can I look for transportation help to get my husband to and from radiation and chemo, which he will receive every day for seven weeks? I know he will end up being weak at some point and unable to drive himself. I have limited vacation time left, and since I am the sole support, I can't jeopardize my job...

50. How can I get him to a dental visit?

    Question - 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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51. When can you travel after broken hip surgery?

    Question - Hi:
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52. How can I get my mom from the wheelchair to the car?

    Question - Can your mother stand up? If she can, pull the wheelchair up to the side of the car of the passenger front seat. Make sure the door is already open and that the wheelchair brakes are on.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

53. Medicare and Travel Outside the U.S.

    Question - 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.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

54. Is travel okay for someone with dementia?

    Question - Yes, it's possible for someone with dementia to travel safely. Let common sense be your guide, along with some simple travel strategies.
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

55. What are some tips for transferring my mother from her motorized chair to the bed or bathroom?

    Question - 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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56. Why does body transportation cost so much?

    Question - 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.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer