Cruise Aide

[Blizzard56]

We are going on a cruise from Vancouver BC to islands of Hawaii.  The cruise ends in Oahu.

We are sailing on Celebrity Solstice and I'm considering bringing an aide to help care for my husband.  

Does anyone know a person or agency that I could reach out to?  Or does Celebrity have any employees on their ships that would be available to 

care for a passenger to get them up and out of the bed in the morning?  Of course, I would pay accordingly.  

I would also need help transferring from wheelchair to the bathroom facilities (shower, toilet) and to bed. 

[Essiesmom]

 Celebrity will not allow any employee to give personal care to a guest.  Suggest you contact home health agencies in your area to see if they have a one interested, or can recommend a source.  EM

[Blizzard56]

1 minute ago, Essiesmom said:

 Celebrity will not allow any employee to give personal care to a guest.  Suggest you contact home health agencies in your area to see if they have a one interested, or can recommend a source.  EM

Thank you!  I didn't think they did.  

 

[Essiesmom]

It applies to all cruise lines.  It’s in the terms and conditions, fitness to travel.  A number of years ago, I think on HAL, a man who needed near total personal care sailed without his usual caregiver/wife, expecting the cabin steward to assist.  He was debarked at the first port.  EM

[FOPMan]

Please expect to pay regular fees for any additional cabin necessary, at no extra discount. Please also be cognizant that single supplement fees may apply.

 

I am not aware of any cruise line that provides a discount for an additional cabin in this type of situation.

[Blizzard56]

40 minutes ago, FOPMan said:

Please expect to pay regular fees for any additional cabin necessary, at no extra discount. Please also be cognizant that single supplement fees may apply.

 

I am not aware of any cruise line that provides a discount for an additional cabin in this type of situation.

Thanks for the info....I realize all of the above information.  This will be my final cruise with my husband.

[VirginiaIsForCruisers]

What about an agency like this? I know it would also involve paying for plane tickets, but might be worth it.

[Blizzard56]

Thanks everyone!  I have a contact person in Vancouver and hoping to make some connections! 

[GeezerCouple]

23 hours ago, VirginiaIsForCruisers said:

What about an agency like this? I know it would also involve paying for plane tickets, but might be worth it.

 

I never heard of this agency that is specifically "Traveling Caregivers & Personal Travel Companions" - but it's great to know about them.

Several years ago, there was quite a discussion here about "aides/companions/etc.", and it did mention some services.

 

There are also other sources to consider:  A nursing school nearby?  Perhaps someone would love to have a paid cruise in exchange for some time spent helping with care-giving?

Or any regular service that provides home health care.  There are many different levels, from almost a homemaker-aide to a full registered nurse, all priced accordingly, obviously.

 

Years ago, I found an afternoon (afterschool) "companion" for my children when I had a job that meant I could not be at home, and they were too old for "day care".  [We just didn't use the word "babysitter", but that's what it was! 😉 ]  I found her by posting a job on the local small college that specialized in child development.  Win/win.

 

For the "I would also need help transferring from wheelchair to the bathroom facilities (shower, toilet) and to bed" you'd probably need a somewhat higher level of care than if you just needed someone to keep an eye on someone, or help them walk or push a wheelchair.  So a home-healthcare agency might be a good place to start.

The more skilled the level of care, the more you should expect to pay, in addition to providing the "trip".

When this CC discussion took place (maybe 7-10 years ago?), I remember thinking, "GOOD!  IF either of us ever really needs so much help that the other of us wouldn't even have time or energy to enjoy any travel, we'll bring someone along!"

 

Depending upon the arrangements, it could be someone who sleeps in a second bedroom of a 2BR suite, or perhaps on a sleep sofa in the LR of a 1BR suite, or an "inside" right across the hall?  or 2 connecting cabins, etc.

 

At about that time, we were in the Rome airport, and saw a couple with an aide.  The husband was very disabled, and had a motorized wheelchair.  They had a man who was carrying some of the carry on luggage, and he was also clearly especially helping the husband.  They were all escorted onto the plane before everyone else.  When we got on, the couple was already settled into business class (where we were), and the aide was in a front row of coach, quite nearby.

 

You might double check with *any* local caregiver service, to see if someone might be interested, even if they don't advertise "travel"-specific assistance.

Enjoy!

 

GC

 

[Tmuter99]

On 7/13/2023 at 2:44 PM, Blizzard56 said:

We are going on a cruise from Vancouver BC to islands of Hawaii.  The cruise ends in Oahu.

We are sailing on Celebrity Solstice and I'm considering bringing an aide to help care for my husband.  

Does anyone know a person or agency that I could reach out to?  Or does Celebrity have any employees on their ships that would be available to 

care for a passenger to get them up and out of the bed in the morning?  Of course, I would pay accordingly.  

I would also need help transferring from wheelchair to the bathroom facilities (shower, toilet) and to bed. 

We’re you able to find someone to help? I am in the healthcare field and live about 3 hours away, I may be able to find someone if you are still in need. 

[Blizzard56]

On 7/24/2023 at 12:30 PM, Tmuter99 said:

We’re you able to find someone to help? I am in the healthcare field and live about 3 hours away, I may be able to find someone if you are still in need. 

Thank you I did find someone...

[trinaM]

Blizzard56

I'm glad you were able to find someone to help .

Have a good trip.

[mexico8]

Nice to know that someone was found to help on the trip.   Hope it all goes well and that you enjoy the cruise.