I do have a regular minivan, but it does have a lift for my power chair, so I could take it out with me if I wanted to. I did in the beginning (3-5 years ago) as I was totally unable to walk. But we still found it much easier to just throw a manual chair in the back, quicker as well. The only bad thing thing was then my husband always had to push me around. But maybe you could find an inexpensive manual chair until you figure out a way to get the power chair around? I saw one in our local newspaer for $50 the other day; but it probably wasn’t the expensive light kind that I have. Sometimes people even donate them after a loved one has passed on…

I was in the hospital for 3 months, & then came home, not walking at all, barely able to transfer from a wheelchair to a bed (with a sliding board), or on & off of the commode, little use of my hands, etc. My mother did come to live with us for 9 months, but went home on weekends. When she moved back home I was no better, it was only because my youngest had graduated from college & was now working afternoons, whereas my husband worked days, that I could be alone downstairs.

Theroetically it worked because I was never alone in the house, but realistically my son slept until at least noon, made me a sandwich & went back to bed! But limited as I was, I could dial a phone by then, use a remote control (we had a huge one for me), & control a mouse. I felt like I had been freed from prison! I love my mother dearly & to this day appreciate all that she did for me, but how terrible it was to have to watch Regis & the View every morning, then her old WWII movies the rest of the day. How I savored my piece & quiet. I bet I was in worse shape than your son is in now, so I am sure he could handle it, would probably love it after all of this time.

I would recommend that you keep a cell phone on you, or that he wears one himself. That is what I did when I was alone, wore a cell phone in a leather case on a strap around my neck; just in case of a fall. Then leave a few phone numbers he could call if he fell, although 911 would probably what he would be calling if he fell. Then quit worrying & let him (& yourselves enjoy.) Oh how you all deserve it! He does not want to be a burden to you at his age.