First time wheelchair use

[mamabunny]

I have a thought. Could you add the foam stuff like a pool noodle to the handle for cushioning?

In theory, yes.

In practice? Possibly not. Pool noodles have fairly thick walls - which would offer wonderful cushioning, but would also result in the grip potentially being difficult to keep hold of. It would be rather difficult to prevent the pool noodle from slipping off the grip(s).

Think about it like this: You need to protect your hands - but you, as the pusher, must also be able to keep full control of the wheelchair, especially when going down hills, ramps and slopes. The ideal protection would help wick away sweat, offer some cushioning, and still allow you to keep a firm hold on the grips. The cheapest and most readily available solution for a lot of folks is: bike gloves. In September, I recently spoke with another guest who was pushing an elderly family member. The pusher had decorated some garden gloves in a Disney theme; very cute, but she said they weren't padded enough, and she was trying to pad them with paper napkins that she got at every meal and snack. When I suggested she try bike gloves in the future, she was very excited at the idea, and felt it was worthwhile.

If you can't/don't wear gloves for some reason, you could consider taking along some clean cotton bandanas to wrap around the handles (and secure with a rubber band) or perhaps even strips of old t-shirts that you wind around the grips and secure with rubber bands - but whatever you do, remember that you have to be able to "undo" it before turning the rental back in - and "redo" it the next day to the next rental!

 

[jo-jo]

In theory, yes.

In practice? Possibly not. Pool noodles have fairly thick walls - which would offer wonderful cushioning, but would also result in the grip potentially being difficult to keep hold of. It would be rather difficult to prevent the pool noodle from slipping off the grip(s).

Think about it like this: You need to protect your hands - but you, as the pusher, must also be able to keep full control of the wheelchair, especially when going down hills, ramps and slopes. The ideal protection would help wick away sweat, offer some cushioning, and still allow you to keep a firm hold on the grips. The cheapest and most readily available solution for a lot of folks is: bike gloves. In September, I recently spoke with another guest who was pushing an elderly family member. The pusher had decorated some garden gloves in a Disney theme; very cute, but she said they weren't padded enough, and she was trying to pad them with paper napkins that she got at every meal and snack. When I suggested she try bike gloves in the future, she was very excited at the idea, and felt it was worthwhile.

If you can't/don't wear gloves for some reason, you could consider taking along some clean cotton bandanas to wrap around the handles (and secure with a rubber band) or perhaps even strips of old t-shirts that you wind around the grips and secure with rubber bands - but whatever you do, remember that you have to be able to "undo" it before turning the rental back in - and "redo" it the next day to the next rental!

Thank you for the detailed answer. It's often things work out in theory but not in practice, don't they.

I have very limited experience with pushing a wheelchair. 20 min here and there but that's about it. I didn't realize bike gloves had padding. As far as any big hills, sorry hubby, you're walking those. I'd probably end up losing control and send him right into a gift shop.

My husband has bad knees but he can walk. But not disney walking though. Last trip, 5 months ago, we spent a fair amount of time in the room. We are far far away from the open and closing folks, but I would still like to be able to put more than 4 or 5 hrs in a park. I was hoping to get him to use a wheelchair at least every other day (if not more).

 

[Bearshouse]

Just remember "flat" areas at WDW arent really flat. There are "hills" you never notice all around WDW with a chair you notice those "hills" more.

 

[j2thomason]

Just remember "flat" areas at WDW aren't really flat. There are "hills" you never notice all around WDW with a chair you notice those "hills" more.

I agree wholeheartedly!! You don't realize how many ramps, hills and just generally bumpy areas are all over WDW property until you have pushed someone in a wheelchair!! The monorail ramps at the TTC are killers! My mom weighs about 250lbs, plus the weight of her chair and then her bag that is about 10lbs. Sometimes my daughter and I both have to push together on the long uphill ramps. My mom thinks because she is in a wheelchair it is like she is floating on a cloud......that is NOT true for the person who is pushing her chair!!

 

[gap2368]

I know at EPCOT there are Elevators that take you up to whew the monerail station is not sure if they have them at the MK or TTC

 

[SueM in MN]

I know at EPCOT there are Elevators that take you up to whew the monerail station is not sure if they have them at the MK or TTC

Epcot has an elevator.
MK and the Ticket and Transportation Center do not. They only have steep ramps.

 

[Vijoge]

Thank you for the detailed answer. It's often things work out in theory but not in practice, don't they.

I have very limited experience with pushing a wheelchair. 20 min here and there but that's about it. I didn't realize bike gloves had padding. As far as any big hills, sorry hubby, you're walking those. I'd probably end up losing control and send him right into a gift shop.

My husband has bad knees but he can walk. But not disney walking though. Last trip, 5 months ago, we spent a fair amount of time in the room. We are far far away from the open and closing folks, but I would still like to be able to put more than 4 or 5 hrs in a park. I was hoping to get him to use a wheelchair at least every other day (if not more).

Have you considered renting an ECV? More independence for him since he can go wherever he wishes and less strain for you since you won't have to push him.

 

[j2thomason]

Have you considered renting an ECV? More independence for him since he can go wherever he wishes and less strain for you since you won't have to push him.

I agree!! If he is capable of steering the ECV, that is a MUCH better option for both of you!!

 

[jo-jo]

Have you considered renting an ECV? More independence for him since he can go wherever he wishes and less strain for you since you won't have to push him.

Just getting him to consider a wheelchair to a big thing. In the last day (we leave tomorrow) he has said, it might be a good idea to get a wheelchair a few days. If he had to use a ECV all the time, I doubt he would go at all.

I won't be pushing him all the time. He walks better with something to hold onto. Could be a shopping cart or a stroller. Or at disney, a wheelchair. He still mows the lawn (.20 acre) with a self propelled walking mower. But he can start and stop when he wants and there is always a chair to rest in no more than 15 secs away. My goal is to give him a chance to rest and save his knees for the hard stuff. Stopping to see an outdoor show at Epcot.....always a seat available.

And for those to have mention getting bike gloves. I got them.

I want to thank everyone who has answered and given suggestions. This is new territory for me. When I had broken my ankle (twice yikes) I had plenty of practice with walkers and a cane. But I didn't have a disney trip to think about. And we all know planning ahead for a disney trip is key.