For my father's 90th birthday last week, we surprised him with a trip to Florida - specifically to attend the UDT/Navy Seals Museum Muster with the WWII UDT Veterans group on November 7th. It will be a nice break from the cold in Maine & these Vets are his peers (so no big drinking parties or swinging from the rafters) - after the Muster & associated events, we'll spend 5 days with my daughter in Fort Myers.
Pop is in excellent shape for his age - gets around on his own (a little slower since Mom passed), he does have to wear a diaper at night due to enlarged prostate, the only med he takes has to do with his prostate, blood pressure is good, both hearing aids are perfect & brand new (thanks, VA), his vision isn't too bad (also new glasses & such), has all his own teeth (minus one or two)...so there isn't a strong medical based concern about him traveling.
We've planned the trip based upon his needs and low speed. He's traveling with my sister and myself - my three adult kids are meeting us in Florida.
I think I've covered everything - making sure there are those "golf carts" waiting to transport us from gate-to-gate at the airports, reserving handicapped accessible hotel rooms (he doesn't exactly need them, but it helps make it easier), sending diapers to my daughter in Florida so he won't have to transport many in his suitcase, and preparing his carry-on items as required for him. Someone mentioned giving him those "airborne" pills to keep him from catching anything on the plane - what do you think? Also, any suggestions for snacks to carry with us during our travel days that the airline will accept? Any "lessons learned" from traveling with elders you'd like to share?
Thanks for your thoughts and ideas!
I'd add extra batteries for cameras or smartphones as well as the chargers, a notebook or something to make notes on photos taken, especially names and phone numbers of others in Fontes' father's range in case they want to keep in touch.
We were standing in line at the Eligibility section at the VA once and a fellow about my age started a conversation, eventually mentioning he served in Vietnam, then developed the thousand yard stare. Obviously I didn't pursue the issue.
Your father is very lucky to have you and such a supportive and loving family. You'll enrich his older years with your care.
I think Windy's found himself a good deal. Let's hope his wife approves!
Mina, the Ireland trip must have been a real highlight for your mother, even if she had been before. And it seems to have been so appropriate. In retrospect, your decision was very wise and timely.
If the Florida trip works well, I'll be looking into the honor flight next. Pop was also in 11th Airborne as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict - I made sure he got the window seat on our flights for the Florida trip! He has perked up a little since our big birthday "reveal" - I do believe he's looking forward to it.
AND....I'd be willing to share windyridge with you...I get him for inside work & you get him for outside work! *wink*
I've been wanting to enroll my father for the WWII Honor Flights to D.C. but this isn't the best time now. Still, I think it would be nice just to be in a plane again even if it's not a WWII bomber.
My kids could travel to visit Pop in Maine - but this is a rather special event - my son will only be able to join us at the museum/Muster event - he's a Veteran that lives in VA - he feels it's important that he be with his Grandfather (who was instrumental in his raising) - he'll leave us on the 9th. Nobody on this trip with pop is younger than 34 and to be honest, since Pop lives with me, I am looking forward to giving 4 other folks the opportunity to spend some time doing with and for Pop.
The fact that we are giving him the chance to feel the sand between his toes, feel the salty spray of the ocean and view a sunset from the beach makes me extremely happy (and sad at the same time).
With a lowered immunity, I would also be concerned with plane travel. I've never flown that I didn't pick up something. I guess that can't be avoided though, due to the distance. I don't know if those immunity pills work.
I think I might look at the trip more from a 90 year old cancer patient's view than from someone our age. If he's up for it, then have a great time and enjoy. I'd take lots of photos so he can enjoy them later as well.
I'd also be sure he washes his hands a lot, so the "foreign" germs won't get him. And keep him well hydrated. Enjoy!!