NOT LIVE from Zuiderdam Nov 3 -13: cancelled cruise - some questions?

[fann1sh]

This thread is for all the people who were so supportive of my plan to take Margaret (my disabled 87 year old mom) and Don (co-caregiver 86 year old dad) on Zuiderdam to the Panama Canal. It's also for my cruise companions on our roll call, who will want to know why there was no sailaway party in cabin 7060!

We got smoothly to DTW (Detroit Metro airport) on November 2. However, while I wrangled luggage, my Dad took my Mom up an escalator to get to where airport wheelchairs were available.

Neither Dad nor Mom remember what happened (retrograde amnesia) but they both fell. EMT's took us swiftly to the closest hospital. Dad only skinned a knee, but x-rays showed Mom had broken her arm (neck of humerus) just below the shoulder, plus had a displaced fracture of the tip of of the elbow (olecranon process of the ulna), which needed surgery.

I tried to get Mom discharged for transport to her home hospital (an hour and 20 minutes away by car) for treatment and surgery. Doctors insisted this kind of fracture made her unsafe for transport, and that she needed surgery, stat.

After 3 hellish days, no surgery and no medical treatment whatsoever for the arm, I finally got her transferred by ambulance. She was of course much worse by then, drugged to unconsciousness keep her passive.

However, she has survived surgery well, and is recovering well in our home town.

We had HAL Platinum CPP, and managed to get our travel agent to cancel before sailing - thanks, Sally! I was surprised to discover that the "everything through the TA" rule applied to cancellation, but HAL very kindly provided me with the agency telephone number, as well as agency hours. Our Pinnacle Grill anniversary dinner has already been refunded for the 3 of us. I hope our travel companions Lamont and Betty celebrate Mom and Dad's 58th wedding anniversary in our absence. I expect the cruise refund will show up on the appropriate credit card. I really don't know what to expect regarding refund of the HMC cabana and Panama Experience shore excursion. Anyone out there know?

I was told by airlines reps (NWA) that I should campaign for full refunds of the airfare, rather than credits good for a year (in light of my parents' ages, and uncertainty of whether we will fly again under these circumstances).

My focus right now is on getting my Mom well. However, tips on followup appreciated.

For those you you so inclined, prayers for Mom's full recovery are most welcome.

Lamont and Betty, if you're readying this, we apologize - no way of getting in touch before the ship sailed!

[catl331]

Oh Pat! You had such wonderful plans. J and I are very sorry those plans didn't work out. It doesn't take much of a fall to break bones when you are older. I am glad she went through surgery well. When she is better, take her out to a nice Canadian restuarant, somewhere that is special to them, and let her wear her jewels. Love, Carol.

[Sage]

I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's mishap. I pray that she will make a full recovery. Thank you for posting and letting us know how well the insurance worked. Please keep us updated on her progress.

[pipedreams62]

This happened to you. I wish your mother a speedy recovery and hope you can rain-check the cruise and still take her when she gets better.

[knitlady037]

Very sorry this happened to your mom and dad. They were lucky to have you along to help. My prayers for her full recovery and ability to travel again are coming your way. Please keep us posted. Sorry your could not take the trip that you so carefully planned.

[tbrein]

Having been a caregiver for my mom and still a caregiver for my brother in law, I know how tough these situations are. My prayers for your mom's recovery and that all of you can enjoy another cruise after all is well.
We were not able to travel for 11 years because of my mom so I fully understand.
Terri

[CowPrincess]

Oh fann1ish, I'm heartbroken for you and your parents! So very sorry this happened, and wishing your mom a speedy recovery.

Make certain (not sure if your mom is home yet or not) that her doc's office helps you arrange for home care for her. They've paid their taxes all these years, and now it is time for them to receive something back. Insist on it, even if your parents don't want it.

If you can, get hold of the Ship's Coordinator at HAL -- they can get a message to your travelling companions.

[sail7seas]

Fannish....... I'm so very sorry to read this. You did so much wonderful planning and had such high hopes they'd have a lovely cruise.

Sending all best wishes Mom makes a good recovery and you have little stress trying to get the reimbursements accomplished. That is why you have insurance!

Please let us know how Mom and Dad and YOU are doing.

[LMB01]

I'm sorry to hear about your misfortune - speedy recovery to your mom. While it is sad that you and your parents did not get to reap the rewards of your planning, please note that it was not in vain - other CC members will benefit from the planning discussions/posts.

[Cruising-along]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this!! We just never know what might happen, do we? I'm so glad you got good insurance and am adding my prayers for a full recovery for your Mom.

[fann1sh]

Thanks to all for the responses.

C (and J) thanks so much for your instant post. We will have the anniversary dinner - just not on November 10.

CowPrincess, Mom is still in hospital. She'll likely be there through Tuesday (?) as she still has a Foley catheter, and hasn't been on her feet yet. We were incredibly lucky the home care rep was right there when we were in Emerg/ER getting Mom admitted. She recognized our family, and is tracking her progress. Mom's regular home care was suspended for her cruise. I expect the only issue on discharge will be whether she comes to my single floor Victorian apartment, or her own 2 story townhouse. Physio therapy/rehab will be a must, and I'm more worried about working that out. I hope she'll qualify for the hospital's outpatient PT.

Also, out travel companions got in touch, and now have the story. We hope to cruise with them again.

Sage, Pipedreams, KnitLady, tbrein, Sail, LMB01, Cruising-along (and any posting while I typed!), thanks so much for your good wishes and prayers. The meds have pretty well worked their way through Mom's system, and she's back to being aware and able to eat (if nudged).

No one wants accidents to happen, but we were so lucky. Mom's injuries were relatively minor, and getting her home was a matter of a short ambulance ride, rather than a long flight.

Unfortunately all the stress has brought on a flare up of my RA so I'm trying to balance time with Mom and rest. Need to get myself back to where I can help care for her post-discharge.

Thanks again to all. Will update how the CPP, shore ex, and flight refunds work out, in due course.

[Seavoyage]

Dear Fann1sh - prayers for a speedy recovery for your Mom - how awful - I hope they are both ok...and can get right back to crusing soon!
My Father-in-Law is 87 - he is slowing down so much now...
"The Golden Years?".......
Keep the faith!

[sapper1]

What a terrible, abrupt end to a much anticipated vacation!!! I wish your Mom a speedy recovery and hope you are able to take your parents on a make-up cruise in the not too distant future.

[cusyl]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I know you are all disappointed that you didn't get to take this voyage together. Sending prayers your way.

[IRL_Joanie]

I know how much you were looking forward to this dream of your making your Dad's dream come true.

I am so sorry Patricia that this has happened to your mom and to hear that your RA has flared.

My prayers are with you, your mom and your dad. And I will pray that this cruise dream of your Dad's will be possible in the near future.

Joanie

[alwayshappytocruise]

fannish, as an RN Case Manager and former discharger planner let me make a recommendation if I may. Request in-home physical and occupational therapy at discharge, it will be much easier on your mum and won't require any travel. Since she has had over 3 days inpatient hospital stay she is also eligible for an inpatient stay in a skilled nursing facility. I know many people consider these to be nursing homes but if you do your research there are some wonderful facilities that provide excellent care. This can be a nice transition between acute hospitalization and home with home care.
Hope you'll take this with the good intent that I mean!! Your parents are blessed to have such a caring, loving child as you.
Lynda

[Jade13]

So sorry to hear this happened to you. Regarding HAL's Platinum Plan, exactly when did you cancel? Was it the day of departure or at least 24 hours prior to the ships departure time? If 24 hours or more, HAL will refund 90% of your cruise fare on your credit card. After that it goes through the Berkeley insurance and you will have to provide the medical details.

As far as shore excursions there may be a 10% cancellation fee within 10 days, but I'm not sure about that.

HAL's insurance would only cover the air if booked through HAL.

[K&RCurt]

Wow!

I am so sorry this injury happened to your Mom. I am glad you were there and made sure she got the care she needed.

I hope she has a swift recovery and you can re-schedule your cruise.

[Starr Mtn]

Originally Posted by alwayshappytocruise

fannish, as an RN Case Manager and former discharger planner let me make a recommendation if I may. Request in-home physical and occupational therapy at discharge, it will be much easier on your mum and won't require any travel. Since she has had over 3 days inpatient hospital stay she is also eligible for an inpatient stay in a skilled nursing facility. I know many people consider these to be nursing homes but if you do your research there are some wonderful facilities that provide excellent care. This can be a nice transition between acute hospitalization and home with home care.
Hope you'll take this with the good intent that I mean!! Your parents are blessed to have such a caring, loving child as you.
Lynda

My prayers and best wishes for all of you ! I concur with the advice above.
Not only will the stay in facility upon discharge provide helpful physical therapy,
it will be a good transition to either your home or hers (whichever works best for
your family). Another plus, it won't cut into the time/cost basis for in-home
physical therapy. Believe now there is some type of cost and/or time basis
for in-home PT since the last time I used it.

And, please, take care of yourself also ! Obviously this stress and concern
affects your health. So during this transition - consider being special to
yourself so you are at your best .

God Bless ...

[mamaofami]

Fannish, I'm so very sorry to hear what happened to your parents and to the wonderful cruise you had planned. I hope your mum continues to recover. I would also suggest a rehab facility if you have one near you or a skilled nursing home that has a rehab facility. She will get excellent care and you won't have to worry about her transportation. I would try that first and then go the in home PT/OT if she can't get into one of those facilities.