4 replies to this topic

[sci nurse lisa]

Hello, I am a qualified nurse and have 10 years spinal cord injury experience on a regional unit in england. I want to know how many post injury patients and their families have difficulty traveling abroad when it comes to finding carers suitable. I have travelled with tetraplegic patients all over the world and I am wondering whether it would be a viable business full time. I speak to many ex patients who have asked me for advice about traveling and where they can access qualified carers willing to take holidays with them. There appears to be quite a lack of nurses available for this type of work. My question is - What companies offer this service and how much money are they expecting for 24 hour care? Any advice? Lisa

[Scribbler]

Hi Lisa,

On 2 occasions I've taken a PA with me on holiday. The first time was a 2 week cruise round the Med, and just recently I've been to Africa with my PA.

Taking a PA on holiday can be difficult. For me personally it has to be someone I can trust but also enjoy as a companian; of course they must feel the same about me.

A PA can be very experienced, but if you've nothing in common or get on each others nerves, then its not a holiday.

I paid my PA's their usual daily rate, everything else was free. Obviously its different when you're travelling together compared to my PA's job here at my home. There's more responsibility for them when we're travelling, plus things are different, but this should be discussed beforehand. On the plus side, my PA's got to see new Countries and cultures.

Even the best laid plans can go wrong so its best to make sure you have good insurance cover. I'm a good organiser so made all the arrangements. You still have to rely on the people at the other end and hope everything they promise is as they say.

The hardest part is accommodation, especially if the client needs their PA in the night. I try to book rooms with connecting doors; that isn't possible on a cruise ship. Accommodation and sleeping arrangements need to be discussed at the beginning.

I would never take a PA away with me who I didn't know; she would have to have worked for me a while first.

If you look up my thread "Scrib's in Africa" you can read about my recent trip and see some photos.

I don't know if this has helped you; its just my personal opinion and experiences.

Scrib's

Edited by Scribbler, 11 January 2009 - 10:12 AM.

[linda]

When my daughter travels she usually brings along a close family member. The only thing with a family member is that they have to help her with personal care. That can be embarrassing for her and some times she feels as though she's putting them in a position to feel like they have to help. She always says it would be nice if there were company's/organization's that could be call on to provide such needs once arriving at her vacation destination. Most nursing care facility's require an intake screening, there not set up for short term use such as holiday/vacation use.

[sci nurse lisa]

Thank you for your reply. I am trying to set up such an organisation to provide a nursing service for families wanting to go away on holiday, without the added worries of personal care and safety issues. Up until recently I have had to take time off work to travel with families and consequently end up loosing money which is why I am aiming to set up a full time service. At the moment I am considering all the logistics and hopefully have a website soon with alternative options for everyone who would wish to travel with qualified staff that are experienced with traveling with anyone with medical problems. Enjoy your next holiday and thank you for your reply, it was very helpful.
Lisa.

[DaveP]

Hi Lisa

The idea is sound enough, and there's obviously a demand for this sort of service. However, I can't see it working as it'll cost too much - hiring a carer for a week or 2 will probably cost more than the holiday! Then there are extra flights, extra accommodation, some to step in so carer has time off, wages, extra meals/drinks, etc.

And where will you get a supply of carers/nurses that will be available for these odd jobs? Many will have their own jobs/clients so wont be able to take a week or 2 off as and when you get them a job.

The reality is, people either take their own carers or employ someone at their destination to come in for an hour or 2 each morning/evening. OK, it's not easy to find nurses at holiday destinations, but they do exist.

I say this from experience as I've run an accessible hoiday business for almost 20 years.

Sorry if this is not the enthusiastic news you may've wanted, but better get it now than a year down the line when you've lost all the money you're about to invest.

My suggestion for you is to get the training you need to be flown out all over the world to pick up clients that get spinally injured and repatriated by air ambulance. I think you may need paramedic training but being a spinal nurse will be a huge benefit to you.

Good luck!