In addition to my passion for travel, I’ve also worked in the home health field for over 25 years. I’ve always wondered if those with disabilities and family members who are caregivers to elderly relatives would sail on cruises.
I recently met Kathy Shoaf, RN, BSN, ATP, a franchisee of Cruise Planners who specializes in this type of travel!
The Cruise Genius: “Kathy, what is your background in the healthcare field?”
The Cruise Genius: “As a CruisePlanners travel agent, what gave you the idea to merge your love of helping people with your passion to cruise?”
Kathy Shoaf RN, BSN, ATP “The opportunity to provide -🚢🌴😎freedom to see the world-
The Cruise Genius: “What medical conditions do you see of those who have cruises with you?”
Kathy Shoaf RN, BSN, ATP “We specialize in dealing with families and their loved ones who have a cognitive challenge. This includes, Parkinson’s, MS, dementia, Alzheimer’s,— but we also frequently work with clients who have arthritis, heart issues, cancer and many are simply slow walkers.
The Cruise Genius: “Do residents of nursing homes, Alf’s and Ilf’s sail on these cruises?”
The Cruise Genius: “How many cruises have you done in the past, and how many are planned for the future?”
Kathy Shoaf RN, BSN, ATP: “We have successfully completed 34 Elite Supported – group cruise events.
The Cruise Genius: “When you speak to caregivers, what is the one thing that convinces them to take their loved ones one a cruise?”
Kathy Shoaf RN, BSN, ATP: “We provide the opportunity for their loved one to have amazing experiences in the moment and we provide families and loved ones with memories that will last a lifetime.
The Cruise Genius: “Is it usually the family members of these caregivers who cruise with them, or could it be a caregiver with a Homecare agency?”
The Cruise Genius: “How can people reach you for more information?”
