Sticking my two cents in......

Everyone is hoping the VOP works out but the options discussed last night were "just in case" and "worst case scenario".. 

MOM: Mary has informed the home health service of M's status so they could more accurately access her needs - and the additional cost of meeting those needs.  They've quoted a very reasonable price so it sounds like the VOP should be fine for her (and fall within financial constraints). 

DAD:  If D needs one-to-one staffing 24/7 (which is absolutely the worst case scenario and will probably NOT be necessary but it is wise to have options just in case) then the VOP will end up being prohibitively expensive so another option would have to be found fairly immediately.  Lynda had several ideas/recommendations which would not be too burdensome financially. 

TRAVEL:  Anna, if you get a chance, please ask the doctor SPECIFICALLY if M can fly (medically speaking - clots, etc) and whether she can sit upright for 10 hours (just to pad the time a little in case of airplane malfunctions) which is much more than she is presently doing  That can help clarify the situation so plans can be made.

Medical Power of Attorney:  Here is a free site which has both Texas and Florida forms.  Lynda recommends that each one of you get the forms signed while you are there (and go ahead and pay the $100 notary fee - total robbery :-(((  - unless you can find an alternative such as a notary friend who could stop by DM).  Anna, hopefully you can get it done before you leave (and serve as the test case as to whether M can sign).

http://familycaregiversonline.com/legal-medical.html#Health%20Care%20Power%20of%20Attorney

Love to you all AND IT WILL ALL WORK OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kell