Miscellaneous
"Accessible travel ensures that every moment of a dream trip can be enjoyed without restrictions - regardless of diagnosis. We cater to those with diagnoses such as Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, Diabetes, etc., as well as their caregivers and family members to create extraordinary lifetime memories together." ~Kathy Speer Shoaf, RNOwner, Elite Travel Imagine taking a loved one living with dementia, Parkinsons, or any other issue that might make it difficult to travel, on a cruise! Chief Inspiration Maverick, Katherine Wells, recalls her father’s desire for an Alaskan cruise right up until he passed. Not being able to see how it would be manageable with his high care needs, it was not ever considered an option. But thanks to our guest today, Kathy Shoaf, it is absolutely possible! Kathy Shoaf, RN, is uniquely qualified to understand travel challenges for those living with an issue that prevents them – and often their caregiver – from the enjoyment of traveling. So she set out to solve it! Kathy launched an dementia-friendly cruise opportunity that takes care of every detail for the care recipient allowing a true respite for caregivers. Yet they also get to enjoy time together and create invaluable memories. Kathy personally accompanies each and every cruise group and sometimes even brings her parents along! Since 2005 they’ve been helping people across the nation take their dream vacations to some of the most beautiful spots in the world. She specializes in accessible travel and ensures that every moment of the trip can be enjoyed without restrictions. Their custom cruises and travel events cater to those with diagnoses such as Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, Diabetes, etc., as well as their caregivers and family members. We hope you enjoy this episode! And if you’re curious about how qualified Kathy Shoaf is to do this, she has 20+ years of clinical and management experience in Geriatric, Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Senior Housing as a registered nurse and adaptive technology professional. She is a Certified Dementia Educator, A Certified Accessible Travel Specialist, a Fellow at the American College of Healthcare, an Athena Nominated Senior Care Advocate, and an American Express Travel Agency Award Winner. Truly an inspiration! Hey– don’t forget about our truly innovative new event – Collaboration In Aging. This event takes place IN PERSON in Denver, CO on Sept 16 & 17, 2021.