Mum has lived with us for 18 months since my step father died. She is 89 and has AD but most of the time she is still my lovely Mum. She loves to sit in the garden in the sun or just to be out and about feeling the sun on her face. I know that through November she will get more and more miserable as the darker colder days progress.
I have booked to take her on a cruise at the end of November. It leaves from Southampton so we don't need to fly and it goes to the Canaries where she can enjoy warm sunshine. As well as my husband and myself our 25 year old grandaughter will join us and share a cabin with Mum so she is not alone in the night.
My brother and sister live away from us and see little of Mum but they are both adamant that we should not take her on a cruise. They say she is not fit. I have asked our doctor and also an Alzheimer's Counselor and both were 100% in favour of taking her and listed many benefits, such as stimulation in a safe environment . The doctor says she is fit to go.
This has not softened my siblings and I have been told I must cancel the cruise. Without a good reason this will cost a great deal but I do not want to cancel. I want to take Mum and give her the best holiday I can.
Am I being unreasonable and selfish? Should I continue with our plans and hope they come round in time or should I give in and cancel?
I really need your thoughts on this. Has anyone taken an AD sufferer on a cruise?
Julie
I have booked to take her on a cruise at the end of November. It leaves from Southampton so we don't need to fly and it goes to the Canaries where she can enjoy warm sunshine. As well as my husband and myself our 25 year old grandaughter will join us and share a cabin with Mum so she is not alone in the night.
My brother and sister live away from us and see little of Mum but they are both adamant that we should not take her on a cruise. They say she is not fit. I have asked our doctor and also an Alzheimer's Counselor and both were 100% in favour of taking her and listed many benefits, such as stimulation in a safe environment . The doctor says she is fit to go.
This has not softened my siblings and I have been told I must cancel the cruise. Without a good reason this will cost a great deal but I do not want to cancel. I want to take Mum and give her the best holiday I can.
Am I being unreasonable and selfish? Should I continue with our plans and hope they come round in time or should I give in and cancel?
I really need your thoughts on this. Has anyone taken an AD sufferer on a cruise?
Julie