travel companion questions
OK, hivemind, I need your help! A client's family would like me to help the octogenarian client take a bucket-list trip to Paris before his health falters further. I'm all in to making this dream come true.
I would travel with him as a companion, and hopefully no health advocacy issues would come up. Family would pay my expenses as well as compensation. I really have no idea what to charge as a daily base rate. I intend for my hourly advocacy rate to kick in should something medical arise.
QUESTIONS:
- does anyone have a contract for this scenario that I could reference? I want to clearly outline expectations, what I'll do/not do, and to not carry any liability.
- general advice and tips for success?
- suggestions for a daily rate?
- what paperwork would I need to keep on hand? Obviously I'd have his POA documents, advance directive, passport, and travel documents. What else?
- suggestions for wheelchair rental in Paris? tips on getting around town with someone with limited endurance? Maybe we just take cabs everywhere.
Please tell me all the things I'm not even thinking of! I'll cross-post to some other advocate forums.
Thanks,
Cheryl Kauffman, PT, BCPA
Seattle Patient Advocates
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I have a few quick nursing ideas to keep in mind:
1. Safety / mobility: On the flight, get him up and moving every 1–2 hours. Wear compression socks on the plane and when out and about. Good supportive shoes matter, especially ones that can be loosened if his feet swell. Plan for wheelchair or other mobility support as needed, and know where bathrooms are whenever possible.
2. Medications: Keep all medications and essential medical supplies with you in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. Bring extra medication in case of travel delays. Have an updated medication list with doses. For anything that needs temperature control, look into travel thermoses specifically designed to keep medications at a safe temperature for extended periods.
3. Energy: Plan around endurance. Build sightseeing into blocks with scheduled rest, meals, bathroom breaks, and recovery time. Plan for extra rest after arrival and keep the schedule flexible based on how he is doing that day.
4. Hydration / nutrition: Electrolyte packets can be mixed into water bottles and work really well for long flights and travel days. Various high-protein snacks also work well.
The big nursing issues I would be thinking about are falls, fatigue, hydration, mobility, medication access, and blood-clot prevention.
Have fun with your planning. Remember me if you need a replacement for some reason :)