My mother-in-law has pretty severe dementia and my husband had to get guardianship because she had no POA, or any kind of documentation in case this sort of thing happened.
She lives in another state and is currently in a nursing home. But we have a very good facility that is only memory care and dementia near us and would like to move her here. They already did a video assessment with her and said they would take her.
But the question is how to best move her -- it is over a day's drive. We are worried about trying to take her on an airplane - she sometimes sees things or has angry outbursts depending on the day.
Has anyone successfully moved their family member with dementia state to state long distance or have suggestions?
I wanted to provide an update that might be helpful to others. After much consideration, we decided to use a medical transport company. With my MIL, she has signficant sundowning in the late afternoon and evening where she becomes aggressive and combative. In talking with them, they thought the best option was having her come on a commercial morning flight, non-stop with one of their traveling nurses who was an RN. She visited with MIL in days before departure day and met with staff at current facility.
I'm happy to report that she made it safe and sound to us and is settled in the new memory care facility near where we live. I was super impressed with everything they did. It wasn't cheap, but it took a lot of stress off of us. Here's their website, https://www.usairambulance.net/medical-transport-options.php.
I think we've decided either by car or by train. Just trying to evaluate what would be best for all concerned at this point.
Y’all have not been around her in the same city, you really do not know how “show timing” she can be. They can be quite clever.
Please pls your hubs has to accompany you on this trip. MiL needs to be able to see and hear his voice; it will calm / reassure her should she get anxiety or even belligerent. If he needs to take off from work, that flat needs to happen. Unless his work is so critical central like he is the chief surgeon for regional pediatric heart surgery and the unit is slammed with appointments thru October. If that’s the case, then he can afford a life-flight type of $$ air service to get her flown to your city in a matter of hours.
If his taking off from his work is a sticking point for him to do, this to me, is a red flag for your future on all dealings with MiL. It is his mom, this move is very very important, if he cannot adjust his schedule for this, which is maybe 3 days at most, this does not pose well for what the future will be like imho, just sayin’…. Good luck.
No way would I try to take her on a plane. Way too many moving parts and things that could go wrong. And so much waiting in the airport that could certainly trigger an outburst or ten.
Good luck.
My mother was walking but she lost her mobility during Covid. It would be impossible to have her go on a plane or in a car, etc.
I did check online and there are services available to move people with health concerns such as your MIL and my mom, but it is very pricey. Here is one company that I found on the web. https://medic-trans.com/