Welcome to the Caring.com Beta Blog. Caring.com's goal is to help people care for their aging parents. A year ago this week, my mom died of lung cancer. My sister and I were distraught, overwhelmed and not sure what to do at each stage of her illness. I decided to start Caring.com to help people when their parents get sick. I was fortunate enough to connect with great co-founders, a wonderful team and two forward thinking investors who believe you can do good and do well. Now I need your help. If you're caring for a loved one, tell us what you like, don't like or is missing from the site. Most importantly, share things that have helped you. It's a difficult journey, but if we all help each other we can make it a little bit easier. .
September 19, 2007
Welcome to Caring.com!
Comments
RE Jim Scott: "how to handle bathroom safety issues on the road. Anyone out there have any good tips to share with the rest of us?"
I love to take my Mom (an 80YO with Parkinson's) on vacation with me.
Steps for success:
1. If staying at a hotel ask in advance for an ADA room. If not ask for a room with "Grab bars" or a walk in shower. Request to look at the room if they have a few options.
2. Schedule your flights so you will be at your destination as close to check-in time as possible. This helps to insure that you will get the room you need as well as make travel less of a "hassle" for your parent.
3. Purchase a Toilet Riser at a local Drug store after you arrive.
4. Use a "Travel Chair" instead of her/his walker or regular wheelchair when traveling, they are lightweight and easy to fold up.
5. Some larger commercial plans even have ADA Bathrooms, but arrive early to the gate at the airport and ask for a aisle seat close to the exit and bathroom in case she/he has to use it on flight. In addition, ask for an Aisle chair go with on the flight. Board the plane first and let the flight attendant know you may need assistance. You can pre-arrange to have an aisle chair bring your parent to the seat but getting to the Airport early is the best way to insure things will go smoothly.
6. Pack a lightweight change of clothing, wet wipes and plastic bag in case of an "accident" with carry-on bag.
7. Pack a rubber non-skid bath mat in luggage.
Enjoy travel with your elderly parent. Often they would not be able to go without you attention.
The site looks great, cant wait to see it finished
Post a comment