We vacationed in Hawaii for the first time in years and especially since my husband had a shoulder replaced and DBS surgery. I knew his stamina and balance had changed so I asked for wheelchair assistance at the airport. I called ahead and spoke with resort staff about other challenges we might face and was assured we’d have a comfortable spot on the first floor and close to the restaurant. I wanted an ocean front room so they couldn’t give us ADA accommodations, but I felt sure we’d be okay. 

The flight went as planned; wheelchair assist was great. We shuttled to the resort where we ran into a minor problem, our room wasn’t ready, but we were hungry and my husband needed a nap. We got a light lunch at their deli and crashed on loungers by the pool to wait. A couple of hours later we got our keys, and I realized that I should have compromised on the view rather than ADA accommodations. We had an amazing oceanfront location, but the toilet seat was low and there were no grab bars anywhere including in the shower. My husband took it all in stride, but it meant more work for me to keep him safe. I was able to take solo walks on the beach and keep the room in sight so, from that perspective the oceanfront setting was great.

His PD created issues on the trip from day one. With time changes he had to adjust his med schedule simply taking his pills every three hours until it was finally bedtime. Meals were whatever and whenever we could find them. By day two we were dealing with the toilet and shower issues. I had to help with both and there was very limited space. On day three his constipation kicked in. We chose the resort we were at because everything was within walking distance however, we quickly learned that he no longer has the stamina to make it very far. I found we were able to use the resort shuttle to get around. Again, a bit of extra unexpected work for me finding schedules and pickup points. 

Even with our wheelchair assist and Pre TSA passes, airport security was a hassle. Our return flight arrived at 10:45 pm which meant it was almost midnight by the time we got home. We were both exhausted and our bodies were three hours out of sync with our home time.  Thankfully the only thing I planned for the next day was restocking the cupboards. We made a quick trip to the grocery store between naps as we recharged our batteries from our vacation.

All in all, it was a good trip, and I am glad we went. I need to remember that changes in routine and environment will always mean additional work for me. I got to leave some duties like housework and cooking behind but picked up others, often unexpected. Also, our need for ADA accommodations supersedes our desire for a good view. We can take vacations, but his Parkinson’s symptoms never will. I need to accept that reality and be ready for whatever happens. I can always come home and rest, right?