We just got home from a few days at the beach. When we were first together we travelled often, this is the first time away from home in over a year. I thought this might be a good time to share some tips on what made our trip good and what could have been better.
If I asked for my husband’s input, his first response would be “keep it close and short”. He wasn’t excited about going, but I finally convinced him that it would be okay. I chose a resort at the coast, two hours away by car, that had studio rooms with ocean views. Valet parking helped us with arrival and departure and the on-site restaurant with all day room service meant less hassle for mealtimes. Having a kitchen was good for us since we both like to snack. And, while we were there I got him to admit that it wasn’t so bad after all. But he was ready to come home after just two nights, not the three I had reserved.
Accommodations look different to someone who doesn’t live with a disability. I called ahead of time and asked a lot of questions. I was specific about my husband’s challenges and the basics we needed. A room advertised as being ADA compliant usually means they have installed grab bars and a walk in shower. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the grab bars are in the right places. In this case they were situated between the shower and the toilet. They fit within the space allowed but it was not the most useful arrangement.
I tried to take any tools we might need to have a safe and successful trip. My husband depends on a walker at home so even though he might have preferred his cane, the walker came with us. I brought everything we needed for personal grooming. I know that he really missed having his transfer pole by the bed, but I am not sure the hotel would have let me install one anyway. The first day is always going to be spent resting and figuring out how to make things work. I keep in mind that outings in a strange environment may be beyond our capabilities. I didn’t have an agenda for this trip other than getting away and that really seemed to work best.
We had a lovely view of the ocean in a room that was comfortable and, for the most part, accommodating. I was able to take short walks on the beach while my husband stayed in the room with a good book. There was a patio on the ground floor that lead out to the beach. We spent some time there enjoying the sun and watching for whales. Life was a bit more complicated than being at home but we managed. Will we go again? Let me get back to you on that in about a year.
pdcarepartner 
Dear friends, Thank you for this. We too have been at home without a vacation for a year. A trip to the beach is planned. We are taking a couple of elderly, but energetic older friends . Although they can’t do much, if something were to happen, they would be company for me. My husband is doing quite well. He walks reasonably well with a walker, and sometimes a cane, around the house. Our favorite place is Newport Beach. We have stayed at The Hallmark, since he isn’t quite as able as he used to be to get around. It is very accomodating for a handicapped person, with a large lobby for sitting watching the ocean, especially if one is up at night, or if your spouse is napping. I just grab my book and have some quiet time. In the hall, they have hot chocolate, tea and coffee all day long. Adjacent to the hotel is a lovely restaurant , Georgie’s, that looks out over the over. This time, we will stay in a place called The Allred(formerly The Whaler). It has been remodeled and sounds like it would work well. It is less expensive. Both are near restaurants and shopping. This week is a test to see how it goes. If all goes well, we will go back, just the two of us. Happy ttravelling all! Claudia Frahm Claudia
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