Information from Missy on 3/9/20:
Based on Andy’s progress this morning the Medical Transport likely won’t be necessary but I called and got a quote anyway.
Medical Transport quote: $8,951 This includes access to oxygen, an RN, two drivers. Note that to use the bathroom they have to stop at roadside or somewhere safe and expand the motor home – kind of not cool.
Cruise America one way rental quote: $3,032 This is for a one week rental, includes the one way fee of $650. Unfortunately one way rentals are only approved 30% of the time. Alternately we could rent it from here round trip and the mileage fee would be less than the one way fee. This is a large RV (30 ft), here’s the floor plan.
OTHER RV RENTALS: There are 2 RV rental sites and I have found several RVs that would work. One option is a Mercedes Class B that looks quite comfortable. The cost ranges from $1,800 to $2,500 for a week rental depending on additional mileage fees. It’s Spring Break here so availability could get more limited. I believe Dan said they would probably drive better and get better mileage than a Class C. Here are 2 floor plans of the Class B type.
Looks like access to the bed will be an important feature if Andy will need help getting in/out. Many of the Class C RV’s have corner alcove type beds in the back which won’t work well for us.
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Here are some things to consider before the conference call tonight (3/8/20):
Shirley asked if renting an RV was an option for getting Andy back to MN. She also expressed that she would want an RN to travel with them. We started looking and can rent an RV but oxygen is an issue. We found that there are Medical RV services that have RV’s equipped with a hospital-type bed, medical equipment (oxygen, nebulizers) and an RN or LPN for the trip (see the link below) in addition to 2 drivers so they can travel straight through. A family member can travel in the van. Missy will call tomorrow to ask questions and get a quote. Andy is still on oxygen and needs constant supervision when out of bed. He will need assistance/supervision getting to the bathroom and while in the bathroom. He is still not stable and has a high fall risk. He is scheduled to be back at Encompass today or tomorrow (March 8 or 9) and will be discharged from Encompass on March 14 because his benefits are expiring.
https://medtransportcenter.com/
The other big question is where Andy will go when he gets back to MN. It’s possible the VA will provide Homemaker and Home Health Aid Care, Shirley will call them tomorrow for information. Under that option he would need oxygen (hopefully a concentrator not a tank) and a hospital bed at home (Shirley thinks in the Living Room). Otherwise the options are St. Luke’s and St. John’s. Any other options? Is anyone aware of any VA facilities (nursing home type) in the area?