Wow! Thanks for such speedy posts everyone. So much great information and possible ways forward. On your posts:
- Travel insurance is certainly going to be "interesting" - thanks for the reminder. That could be the aspect that stops the entire enterprise and I'll do more investigation on that before going further. She doesn't have any medical cover at the mo as it's not necessary in the UK (for the time being...)
- Her GP has already said that she's fit to fly and is happy to write an official letter/document to that effect. We were actually quite surprised. *IF* we can get insurance, hopefully that aspect is covered until we get to the plane, at which point we know the Captain will have the final say.
- She needs to get to Perth, so the info that there's a direct flight from the UK with an accessible toilet, is invaluable. Thank you!
- I'm not sure how feasible it is to make the journey in shorter hops. The logistics of getting on/off and hotel stays, might prove a major stumbling block. It would extend the journey by days and she's keen just to get the trip over with.
- Business class sounds the only option, so thanks for that. A lie-down seat would be vital on a long-haul flight.
- She routinely uses incontinence pads and seat pads to supplement her personal needs, so those won't be an issue.
- We had always assumed that it would take at least two people to accompany her - one family member and we were hoping that we could hire someone with nursing experience as the other. Having a cool head is already a 'must' when dealing with Granny
- The cost was always going to be humungous, but given what her care home are charging, she could probably get home for what it would cost in residential fees for two or three years (for somewhere she desperately doesn't want to be).
- We're already used to helping her manage her finances, which are split between Aus and the UK. There shouldn't be any surprises (no internet banking). She has a will and doesn't own any property in either country. Having already moved from supported semi-independent living into a care home, there are no belongings, utilities etc to be sorted.
- We do wish we could persuade her onto a cruise liner, which would have plenty of room to maneouvre if we choose the right cabin, plus a fully fitted out medical facility in case of emergencies. We've presented her with the Cunard brochure for the voyage to Freemantle, but even the thought of luxury travel has no appeal if it's going to have her on the ocean. She won't even take an hour long pleasure cruise around her local bay. She has all the marbles she was born with, and is unlikely to fall for the surprise ticket win. Might be worth a try though
I think travel insurance is the first aspect for me to look at. That might scupper the entire enterprise before we go any further.
Incredibly useful chat - thank you all so much for your thoughts. Plenty of food for thought.