Advice Please! Has Anyone Used a Hoyer Lift at Disney

[SueM in MN]

Thanks Sue Great information, I was wondering what the aisle chair looked like. On our many trips with my manual chair I would wheel up to the door and then walk on to the plane by myself. Now I am goig to have to use the transfer chair. My husband will transfer me as I am close to 300lbs so thats my major concern. I don't know if that will also be an issue If I was your daughters size I would feel more comfortable but DH will not let that stop me

Do I need to say something about the transfer chair or do they usually have them there at the gate?

Thanks for everything

Different brands of airlines might have different brands of aisle chairs, but they all are basically the same.

The airline staff will transfer you onto the aisle chair. It will be right next to the wheelchair, so they don't even have to lift you much, they can slide you (or if you can help at all with a sliding transfer, you can help). My DD has balance for sitting still, but doesn't have balance for doing a sliding transfer. If you do, a sliding board transfer can be done with an aisle chair.

There should be an aisle chair at each gate, but sometimes isn't. When there wasn't, they got one from another gate. It is much more likely to have one there already than it used to be.
We always let them know ahead of time. You might want to let them know about your size in case they need to get a lift or make some other arrnagments, but I'm sure that you are not the only Pooh sized person to be put on an aisle chair.

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

Hi Betty, just wanted you to know I posted Toy Story mania accessibility pictures in my Happy Birthday Bill TR and also here on the disabilities board in the Toy Story Mania thread. That ride ROCKS!!!

Thank-you so much! I dont think I will have any problems on this one

 

[travelfam]

Has anyone used a hoyer lift at any Disney resort? I am just concerned with them fitting under the bed. Also, has anyone had medical equipment like that delivered to a hotel at Disney? Any information on medical supply companies that you have dealt with in the past would be EXTREMELY appreciated.

I am somewhat getting discouraged and worried that I might be too much of a bother/downer for my family on this trip. We have been going to Disney World since my son was 4 but stopped going in 05 when I became totally paraplegic. I do remember all the wonderful times and would love to go again despite knowing I will not be able to transfer from my power chair and will miss out on many rides. Mind you I was the only one to go on all rollarcoasters w/ my son up to 2004!

I'm sorry I guess I am just being dumb but flying again scares me to death without being able to transfer as well. My DH says "I have to get over it and try, so what if people stare and talk (who cares) Do you think you are the only one in a power chair that is heavy!" I know he is right but I feel like people think oh, their is another fatso who doesnt want to walk! Truth is I would walk through the parks 50 times in a row if I could!

I guess I should tell you I have MS and I am 40. I was diagnosed when was 26 and I have always felt somewhat cheated. But I have had a great family to support me through thick and thin, especially DH

Anyways I am sorry this turned into a long rant, but I feel you guys know what I am feeling better than anyone I know.


Thanks

No hoyer lift, but my disabled friend bought a van that he drives himself. He stays in his wheelchair, drives, and then the door opens and he wheels out.
I've seen hoyers at a wound clinic and this seems pretty tricky to bring to DL...if I hear of anything, will let you know though!

 

[SueM in MN]

No hoyer lift, but my disabled friend bought a van that he drives himself. He stays in his wheelchair, drives, and then the door opens and he wheels out.
I've seen hoyers at a wound clinic and this seems pretty tricky to bring to DL...if I hear of anything, will let you know though!

If someone needs a Hoyer lift, they don't usuallty bring it with them (like you said, it would be tricky). People who need one usually rent one at their destination.

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

If someone needs a Hoyer lift, they don't usuallty bring it with them (like you said, it would be tricky). People who need one usually rent one at their destination.

Thanks TravelFan:

I to have a van like your friend does. I know I would have to rent a hoyer there like Sue says, I have an tracking system in my house but before I used a regular hoyer lift. I was asking if it would fit under the beds at the Disney resorts in order for them to be able to work. I thank all the great info I have been given on these boards

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

I called the airline and made reservations for 1/28/9 !!!! I am so nervous Just have to wait for DH to confirm when he comes home tonigt. I am so freaking out right now, it will be our first vacation to Disney since 2/5/5

The man at Delta told me that they have a removable arm on the seats for transfers and when I call back to confirm they will block the front row for me.
I still have not told them that I am size . My DH told me I should mention this when I called but I am totally do not want to face it.

I just wanted to share my happy thoughts with all whom have given me so much info and support. Will keep posting as things progress

 

[shovan]

Southwest also lets Bill drive his chair right up to the plane door. I can transfer Bill from there (he is light). We have always been the first people on the plane because they have to take the chair to an elevator and down to the tarmac.

We love Magical Express. We never had to retrieve our luggage from SW and move it to the ME check in area. We always put the yellow tags from ME we recieve in the mail and the airport and ME handles it. This has been our experience the previous 4 trips with the last being June 13th-16th 2008. We do have to take our luggage to the ME bus for our flight home.

Really?!! We were told we had to retrieve our luggage ourselves. With the gas prices, we are considering flying to DW in October. But our last few trips (driving) we've brought DH's shower chair & his portable easy pivot lift. Manuevering that stuff through the airport would be impossible for me & with the new luggage charges . I guess we'll have to call SW to find out if those charges apply for medical equipment. Maybe we should consider renting equip, but neither of us are thrilled using the hoyer lift, we found them so tipsy. Ugh we have a lot to think about now.

I called the airline and made reservations for 1/28/9 !!!! I am so nervous Just have to wait for DH to confirm when he comes home tonigt. I am so freaking out right now, it will be our first vacation to Disney since 2/5/5

The man at Delta told me that they have a removable arm on the seats for transfers and when I call back to confirm they will block the front row for me.
I still have not told them that I am size . My DH told me I should mention this when I called but I am totally do not want to face it.

I just wanted to share my happy thoughts with all whom have given me so much info and support. Will keep posting as things progress

Yeah and good luck!

Now I'm off to check out the Toy Story posts!

 

[mrsksomeday]

Really?!! We were told we had to retrieve our luggage ourselves. With the gas prices, we are considering flying to DW in October. But our last few trips (driving) we've brought DH's shower chair & his portable easy pivot lift. Manuevering that stuff through the airport would be impossible for me & with the new luggage charges . I guess we'll have to call SW to find out if those charges apply for medical equipment. Maybe we should consider renting equip, but neither of us are thrilled using the hoyer lift, we found them so tipsy. Ugh we have a lot to think about now.



Yeah and good luck!

Now I'm off to check out the Toy Story posts!

If you are staying onsite at a Disney World Resort and using Magical Express you should get a booklet and yellow luggage tags like these:

This lets the luggage handlers know to sort your luggage with other ME riders and the luggage should be delivered to your room within a couple of hours.

The last two times we have stayed at Pop we have requested a shower chair:

I don't know if this one will work for your husband, but It was good for Bill. If you have any questions feel free to ask .

 

[SueM in MN]

If you ask on the Transportation Board, they probably can tell you which airlines are 'participating airlines' with ME. If it is a participating airline, you can do check in at your resort - print your boarding passes and check in your luggage. If it's not a participating airline, you need to take the luggage to the ME bus yourself and from the ME bus to check in at the airport.

I don't know how the new baggage changes may have changed taking aboard equipment. Some airlines might try to give a very narrow definition of equipment needed because of a disabilty to mean only things you would need on your flight/in the airport.

 

[shovan]

If you are staying onsite at a Disney World Resort and using Magical Express you should get a booklet and yellow luggage tags like these:

This lets the luggage handlers know to sort your luggage with other ME riders and the luggage should be delivered to your room within a couple of hours.

The last two times we have stayed at Pop we have requested a shower chair:

I don't know if this one will work for your husband, but It was good for Bill. If you have any questions feel free to ask .

Thanks for the tips & pic! My DH informed me that the 2nd time we used ME, we DID NOT have to transport our luggage from SW to ME upon arrival. I'm a the glass is half empty person, and thus only remember the rough times. Right now we use a rolling shower/toilet chair with arms & locking wheels, it's very stable. I worry a lot about changing our routine at all! I manage all of DH's care right now, but it's getting harder and change one little thing and I tend to freak out!

If you ask on the Transportation Board, they probably can tell you which airlines are 'participating airlines' with ME. If it is a participating airline, you can do check in at your resort - print your boarding passes and check in your luggage. If it's not a participating airline, you need to take the luggage to the ME bus yourself and from the ME bus to check in at the airport.

I don't know how the new baggage changes may have changed taking aboard equipment. Some airlines might try to give a very narrow definition of equipment needed because of a disabilty to mean only things you would need on your flight/in the airport.

Thanks Sue, I am going to go ask some questions over there.
I'm so confused, because SW is not a participating airline. But DH says he remembers not having to handle our own luggage 2nd time around. And MrsKSomeday has said the same thing.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I worry a lot about changing our routine at all! I manage all of DH's care right now, but it's getting harder and change one little thing and I tend to freak out!

I completely understand this as I manage all of Bill's care. I am a "freak out if the routine changes" kind of person too.

Thanks Sue, I am going to go ask some questions over there.
I'm so confused, because SW is not a participating airline. But DH says he remembers not having to handle our own luggage 2nd time around. And MrsKSomeday has said the same thing.

The participating airline means you can check your luggage at your resort and not have to worry about it on the way to the airport. SW is not a participating airline therefore you have to take your luggage with you onto ME and take it through the airport YOURSELF on the flight home. If we have too much stuff we get a skycap, it it not expensive and it helps ease my mind.

 

[shovan]

I completely understand this as I manage all of Bill's care. I am a "freak out if the routine changes" kind of person too.



The participating airline means you can check your luggage at your resort and not have to worry about it on the way to the airport. SW is not a participating airline therefore you have to take your luggage with you onto ME and take it through the airport YOURSELF on the flight home. If we have too much stuff we get a skycap, it it not expensive and it helps ease my mind.

Thanks! I did post the question on the transportation board & you are absolutely correct!!! I guess I just should have trusted the real expert, You!!

We had planned on driving, but with the gas prices it's really not making much since. We were lucky that my DH was able to get our van outfitted for him to drive from his WC. But we can't share the driving because of this, either the car seat is put in for me to drive or taken out so that he can drive. It's about an 11 hr drive for us, so that's getting harder. (I'm have some bad back problems.) I wouldn't have any qualms about flying except that I really would feel better bringing our own medical equipment. Why I didn't think of a skycap I don't know! But I am usually so frazzled in the airport, I just can't think straight!

You know I don't think I've ever met or chatted with someone in the same position as I am! (a Female caregiver of husband/BF) Much less one that is a worrier/freak out type like me! We obviously do have a lot in common! My DH is a pretty great guy, he somehow still manages to work full time & just has an amazing strength & fortitude. He has limb girdle MD & has been scooter/WC bound for about 20 yrs.

 

[mrsksomeday]

You know I don't think I've ever met or chatted with someone in the same position as I am! (a Female caregiver of husband/BF) Much less one that is a worrier/freak out type like me! We obviously do have a lot in common! My DH is a pretty great guy, he somehow still manages to work full time & just has an amazing strength & fortitude. He has limb girdle MD & has been scooter/WC bound for about 20 yrs.

I have only talked to one other person in our situation (a Female caregiver of husband/BF), so it is great to discuss things with you. I love how you talk about your husband, it is so sweet!!

 

[shovan]

I have only talked to one other person in our situation (a Female caregiver of husband/BF), so it is great to discuss things with you. I love how you talk about your husband, it is so sweet!!

Sometimes I talk sweet about him, other times not so much!!! We have been married a looooong time!

 

[arminnie]

You know I don't think I've ever met or chatted with someone in the same position as I am! (a Female caregiver of husband/BF) Much less one that is a worrier/freak out type like me! We obviously do have a lot in common! My DH is a pretty great guy, he somehow still manages to work full time & just has an amazing strength & fortitude. He has limb girdle MD & has been scooter/WC bound for about 20 yrs.

Shovan - I know a man who is paralyzed from the waist down from a car accident about 25 years ago. His wife is the daughter of my parents long time friends from our church - how is that for a round about connection.

He has not let anything get him down at all - has maintained his own business and takes his sons on hunting trips in Texas every year.

I remember exactly when the accident happened - just after Christmas. It seemed so tragic when it happened - but he is still the same guy. And a very nice guy too.

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

Thanks! I did post the question on the transportation board & you are absolutely correct!!! I guess I just should have trusted the real expert, You!!

We had planned on driving, but with the gas prices it's really not making much since. We were lucky that my DH was able to get our van outfitted for him to drive from his WC. But we can't share the driving because of this, either the car seat is put in for me to drive or taken out so that he can drive. It's about an 11 hr drive for us, so that's getting harder. (I'm have some bad back problems.) I wouldn't have any qualms about flying except that I really would feel better bringing our own medical equipment. Why I didn't think of a skycap I don't know! But I am usually so frazzled in the airport, I just can't think straight!

You know I don't think I've ever met or chatted with someone in the same position as I am! (a Female caregiver of husband/BF) Much less one that is a worrier/freak out type like me! We obviously do have a lot in common! My DH is a pretty great guy, he somehow still manages to work full time & just has an amazing strength & fortitude. He has limb girdle MD & has been scooter/WC bound for about 20 yrs.

I am really happy that my thread brought you two to chat together. I guess I now see the other end of stick, what my DH struggles through every day of our life. As far as a caregiver goes he is the best . I would not have a life without his supporrt. So, believe me everything you guys do for them is appeciated more than they will ever be able to tell you.

 

[shovan]

I am really happy that my thread brought you two to chat together. I guess I now see the other end of stick, what my DH struggles through every day of our life. As far as a caregiver goes he is the best . I would not have a life without his supporrt. So, believe me everything you guys do for them is appeciated more than they will ever be able to tell you.

Betty, Sorry to derail your thread, but isn't the DIS a great thing!!! I've looked on other caregiver, chonic illness forums trying to find info & just to chat, but haven't found the connection nor things in common with others, like I have here on the DIS!!

I appreciate your kind words! And I am sure your DH feels the same as you, that he wouldn't have a life without your support!!!

 

[BETTYDISNEY]

Betty, Sorry to derail your thread, but isn't the DIS a great thing!!! I've looked on other caregiver, chonic illness forums trying to find info & just to chat, but haven't found the connection nor things in common with others, like I have here on the DIS!!

I appreciate your kind words! And I am sure your DH feels the same as you, that he wouldn't have a life without your support!!!

Shovan, nonsense its not my thread its our thread I am happy we can all find support and comfort on these boards. It truly is nice to vent and at the same times talk about something we all love I have also looked into MS chats but not as much fun as these boards, quite frankly sometimes a little depressing

 

[SueM in MN]

Shovan, nonsense its not my thread its our thread I am happy we can all find support and comfort on these boards. It truly is nice to vent and at the same times talk about something we all love I have also looked into MS chats but not as much fun as these boards, quite frankly sometimes a little depressing

sometimes the threads here take little journeys out along their path.
I tend to think of them as other little streams that usually eventually end up back in the same stream where they started.

 

[monorailsilver]

I have no experience but I want to say (((((HUGS)))) and have a great upcoming trip.