My mother, who lives with me is 98. She has all her facilities, but unfortunately her vision is nearly gone, and her knees are really bad, hence all she can do is watch a little tv and read her kindle. We go out for lunch once in a while, but she really can’t handle much more than that. She walks with a cane or walker. I’d really like to take her on a little trip to give her a change of scenery, but I can’t think of anywhere that would be enjoyable. We could fly and rent a car if it’s not a long flight, but a big hotel is out of the question. I think somewhere she wouldn’t have to do much walking. Resorts and cruise ships are out of the question. We live in Michigan so Florida would be about the furthest we could go. Any suggestions on something we could do? I don’t think she’d be happy sitting in a condo all day or a hotel room.
Thanks!
You have brought back some good memories for me, and I hope that this thread has given you some ideas you can use!
No offense to anyone on here. Im just trying to describe the situation. Why this is so difficult. Yesterday we went out for lunch. It went well. Foods were easy for her to eat. Maybe that’s all I can hope for.
I am fully functioning adult. I still enjoy petting zoos with baby animals, flowers and gardens, and children's museums. None of those insult my intelligence; rather they put me in touch with my playful nature.
I live in a major city. No place where I live can one drives slowly at that pace without causing traffic to back up or causing an accident and getting a ticket for driving too slow.
Given her sight impairment I think some of the simple suggestions may be best. Those where she can experience through other senses.
Let us know how it goes and best to you and your mom.
So many of us struggle with if it is good to take a dementia/ ALZ patient out of a facility for a brief outing, so your question has been such a breath of fresh air.
Take care and enjoy the experience.
My further thoughts-- day trip to a petting zoo, one where you can maybe feed the baby animals. Botanical garden, one where you are invited to touch and feel. I hope I haven't gotten too far off topic!
There is the Grand Hotel with the large veranda in the world - life is slow paced - I went to it once for lunch & there was a harpist playing while we ate ... so classy
The travel wouldn't be too hard on her & I'll bet any hotel you asked to help would do so as many now have handicapped rooms with walk in showers etc - this also wouldn't tax her too much as I'm sure she probably tires easily but still give her a thrill
I'd go before the schools get out to avoid the crowds no matter where you go - maybe go to a travel agent who specializes in senior travel who may have more info than the average one
Best wishes on your adventure..wherever it takes you!!
Scenery is nice, but not if you can’t see it. She can’t handle a long car drive because it’s too difficult to get in and out of the car to use a bathroom.
we did a trip a few years ago to where she used to visit her grandfather. It was really nice, till she missed a step on a porch and pulled the both of us to the ground. What a sight. The two of us laying on the front lawn. I vowed never again
i do like the beach idea, and if we flew I know she would be taken care of in the airport. Florida is only a few hours for us, so there would be no reason she’d have to get up. Her bladder is better than mine. Lol. Just a matter of finding a nice place to stay. She isn’t a beach person and walking on the sand is too difficult but sitting on a porch or balcony by the ocean would be nice. Think I’ll work on that. If she’s game.
and yes, I will try to take her to mackinaw this summer. I think grand hotel might be a bit much for her. Especially with dressing for dinner. And getting in and off a carriage. But we could stay in the city and have our pasties and fudge.
Thanks everyone.
Do u have any idea where these type of museums might be.
You can t imagine how hard I've been trying to find help for the "elderly " blind.
Can you tell us if your mom has any special things that she used to enjoy?
Just about any place you go now, in the USA has the ability to accommodate wheel chairs or walkers, thank you ADA.
I would check out something on the beach, I would find someplace that is a community that caters to golf carts. Some resorts are so big you can rent a golf cart to get around. Maybe a small community. Baker City, Oregon is a small community with a big rodeo event every summer and they are at the base of beautiful mountains, lovely trout fishing, but they allow golf carts on the streets. Perhaps the east coast has something similar.
You could also find a really great travel video, you watch it, then implement non-visual sensory things. Get a scented candle that smells like the flowers on the video, get a shirt or dress that feels like the place, linen or silky polyester. Bring the temperature of the room to tropical feeling with humidifiers and heaters. Have food that would be served. Make it a date so it feels special and invite friends and loved ones to participate in your 3D themed vacation for the day.
Just planning something so different can create excitement for days and the preparation another day or two, then the actual event, not to mention the fun memory of bringing Hawaii or Tahiti to MI, mid winter, have her pick where you are going or the fragrances that bring the atmosphere into your home, the guest list and menu, really anything that she can to help. Just a thought to break the monotony of a long cold winter.
I would search for vacations for the visually impaired. This would suggest things that I would never think of.
I hope you find something that creates much anticipation and joy to your mom and you. She is very blessed to have you.
Actually on a nice spring day, even a landscape nursery can be nice to visit.
A botanical garden local to you? Do any of your high schools or colleges put on good musicals?
Driving only. Keep it within 60-90 minutes of home, unless you two have a long, long history of harmonious car trips together. (And even if you do, age 98 + severe physical limitations is a whole different ballgame.)
Rent a big van or something more comfy/roomy for Mom, if need be. Heck, it’s only one day!
Are you close-ish to any of the adorable towns along Lake Michigan or Lake Huron? Any scenic state parks within a reasonable drive of where you live?
Keep in mind: Making things harder for yourself does not equal making it more special for Mom.
Don’t get so wrapped up in second-guessing Mom’s bucket list (or creating expectations) that it’s impossible for you to enjoy yourself.
You’ll have the memory of this trip longer than Mom will. Keep the stress level low. You don’t need a grand scale to have a lovely outing. 😃