Looks like I may be going after all. I just spoke to Patrick, who arranges the caregiver cruises. He wants me to do another workshop like I did this past February. I have not done any advertising for the 2010 cruise, because I was waiting for him to tell me what he wanted to do.
For anyone who is new here, and is not familiar with the caregiver cruises -these short cruises (5 nights) are meant for caregivers to get away and relax. Patrick, who organizes and runs these cruise events, is a geriatric social worker and travel agent. He holds short support group meetings on board, and there are a few speakers (I'm one of them), but the rest of the time is spent letting our hair down, going to onboard shows, off shore excursions, eating, and just having fun.
If I go on this cruise, and it still is not definite, but if I do, I will NOT be with my support group, as I was on the last cruise. I will make sure I hold a "meet and greet" for everyone from the website, so we can really kick off our shoes and get acquainted.
Keep an eye on the home page. I will have the link up to the Caregiver Cruise section again, and I will try to post the pictures from the last cruise. Mary has some really good ones.
Phranque, phranque, calling phranqe, captain of the ship. Can you arrange respite for your wife and come with us? What would a cruise be without phranque?
Go to www.caregivercruises.com. Look on the bottom left. It says to click for a printable flyer. In the top left of that flyer it says that prices start at $399 + fees and taxes. There is a phone number to call for more information. 919-402-8900. Ask for Patrick, and tell him you learned about it from me.
Not sure I can swing it financially but I'm sure gonna try. Even if it dosen't work out this time I going to enjoy just thinking about it. Anyone want to share a cabin? cs
The cabin price is reasonable, it is adding the airfare on top of it that makes it pricey for me. Have any of you ever gone on the Alaska one? I have a sister in Seattle, it would be wonderful if I could see her and then do the cruise. There I go dreaming again :)
Nikki = you have to dream. I would love to do the Alaska one. I would not have to pay the airfare for that one. As you said, the cruise price is great, it is the airfare getting to Florida that prices me out.
I would love to go but I also think the airfare from Washington to Florida might be too much for me. If there is an Alaska one I would go for that one. I'm not entirely closing out the possibliity of the February one yet, though.
Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm thinking this. I had the most horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day. I don't even want to think about it, much less write about it. BUT cruise in February. I might could do it. I think I'd like to do it. Who thinks they might be going? Joan, will you be bringing your DH?
My son, who will be 38 in November, emailed to tell me that he cut his leg (it's ok), went to the ER and had 8 stitches put in. The doctor who did the stitches turned out to be a former student of his (a college student at the time). Can you imagine being old enough to have a son whose student is now a doctor??
Wouldn't that be wonderful if insurance would cover it as caregiver respite, but I think that's a really looooooong shot.
Terry,
The idea of a caregiver cruise is for caregivers to get away from caregiving. There is no respite care for the AD person. If they are highly functioning, Patrick makes the decision if they can go. As for me, it's a working trip - I present at least one workshop and participate in the others. And in Feb. 2010, I will be hosting a "meet and greet" for our members who attend. Sid has come with me on the last two cruises, but February is a long way off, so I can't say how he will be functioning. If he isn't doing well, he isn't coming.
Joan, I read about the cruise a year or so ago and never thought there was respite care. I just remembered you had brought Sid and I thought others had brought spouses. DH is perfectly able to go, at least as of now, but if he did come I guess I'd be in the caregiver roll as I don't seem to escape it. Anyone here go with their AD persons? Would you recommend wtih or without given the choice?
Terry, I went with my husband, and I also brought Diane with me. She was my daughter and also my co-caregiver. She stayed with my husband while I attended the caregiver meetings, and we all three toured together at Key West and Grand Cayman. I wasn't able to attend any evening functions, because my husband was too tired, and Diane went out some evenings. We all had fun and I am so glad that we went. I got to meet Joan, Dee, and several others from here, as well as the wonderful speaker, Patrick and the ladies who lead Joan's group. I am so glad that we went. I have some wonderful memories from that cruise. That said, Diane and I had planned on having someone stay with my husband and just the two of us go next year. It IS supposed to be for respite, and while we had fun and were away from home, we didn't get respite.
It has to be an individual choice. Whether you want total respite, or just to take a vacation and enjoy yourself with others who understand what you are going through, while staying in the caregiver role should be your decision.
I have decided to go on the Feb 15-20 Cruise. Just talked to Patrick and learned I shall have to pay $600++ (ouch!), the singles fee, unless I can find someone to share a cabin and thus get the Caregivers price. Patrick mentioned that several of you had heard there may be one or two looking to go but that had not called him so far. If any of you are listening and still want to go (and need a cabin mate to get the Caregiver rate :-), I sure would like to hear from you. Paul wa2enm@yahoo.com
At one time, I was re-thinking going, but now, the funeral expense wiped me out, so there is no way I can go. Only if I win the Lottery before then would it be possible. But I sure wish all that are going a fantastic time and safe trip home. Bon voyage!
Joe, you have to buy lottery tickets first!!! I keep saying when I win the lottery, but the grocery store I go to do not sell them, so to buy would mean going out of my way. Heck of an excuse to pass up a few million dollars!!
I bought one today, Charlotte....cash value of 75 million. Heck, I could live on 10% of that! Anyway, if I win Tuesday, I'll be on the cruise...or maybe I'll just buy my own cruise ship.....
Okay. Patrick contacted me today to ask for headshots of all those of you who'd like to go on the cruise but can't. If you send them to me (clare@briegull.com) I'll forward them on to him. He wants high res if you can do it - bigger than the one you post here or on facebook, but maybe the originals of the one you posted there in your profile. He's got something up his sleeve but I don't know quite what!
Sorry, Sorry, Sorry. Patrick asked me a few weeks ago to explain all of this picture business and the reason for it, but I have been overwhelmed with website, house, family, and Sid stuff. I just didn't have time to do it. I am calling him now, and I think I will ask him to post an explanation here. It's for FUN. Phranque will LOVE IT!!!!!!