Hi Bea,
Thank you for your enquiry. If the journey is too much for carer, it can be difficult to say no particularly if this is a goal for the relative after their stroke.
Here are some suggestions to help you decide whether the trip is feasible and if it isn’t how to manage that.
Preparation
Consider what is needed for the car ride as well as the trip in general (food, drink, clothing, any special equipment). Consider the journey and identify places to stop and take regular rest breaks or whether you would need to stay somewhere overnight to break up the drive. Stay well hydrated. The carer might also like to familiarise themselves with accessible toilets along the route. There is a website and app you can use for this: https://toiletmap.gov.au/
Seek assistance
If your relative is seeing an occupational therapist have a good chat to them as they are likely to have ideas and a good understanding of your relative’s abilities. Consider whether there is any equipment to increase your relative’s safety and independence or whether the relative’s home could be modified temporarily. Perhaps a different area of the house could be used that is wheelchair accessible. Are there any paid carers or other family members that could help? The GP is also a good person to speak with regarding any concerns.
Investigate alternative accommodation
If the relative’s home is unsafe or unsuitable you could look at accessible accommodation nearby. There are a range of websites such as Stayz where you can select wheelchair access as an option.
Self-care
Take regular rest breaks throughout the trip. Regularly stopping to monitor how the carer is feeling, resting accordingly and getting adequate sleep will be important. Carers Australia is a good resource and they have a helpline you could call for further ideas, supports and services.
Ph 1800 242 636
Setting clear boundaries
If the carer or family decide that visit is unrealistic or too much for them to manage it might be useful to have a family meeting with one or more of the rehabilitation team present. In this meeting you could discuss the concerns, challenges and any risks as well as problem solve and brainstorm other solutions. Having the support of the health professionals or the GP can be helpful to outline the reasons why and ensure the relative understands. It might be breaking down the goal of visiting the relative into smaller, more realistic steps or getting the family to come to visit your relative instead. I hope you find a solution that works for everyone.
If you would like to discuss anything further please don’t hesitate to call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
Best wishes,
Simone (StrokeLine)
Thank you so much for this reply.