How does using a cane work?

[clandrum]

I am not sure if I am posting this in the right spot. My mom just recently started using a cane. How does it go using it on the plane, rides, ect. She is very nervous about using it and embarassed. Any tips or advise would be appriciated. We leave in one week on Jan 29th.

Thanks in advance.

 

[snoopy two]

I'm sorry she is embarassed, because I think canes look dignified. And, I love it when they are decorated! As far as the plane goes, she can bring it along and it can go up against the window side or in the overhead bin. And, it is not counted as a carry-on. I'm not sure about all the rides, but I think it can come aboard and be stowed, on most. I hope the cane helps her get around and she enjoys her trip.

 

[mitadoh]

My mom has to use a cane for a few years now and she was embarassed at first also.


When I took her to Disney last year for her first trip ever we actually got an ECV from an outside vendor. That was a life saver and I tell everyone to get one who asks. You can take it on all of the different forms of transportation to and from the parks to the Hotels and a few of the rides too. The majority of the rides she had to transfer but the whole group went with her through the handicap entrance and there was usually a spot to park the ECV. And, if you were to get off the ride at another place other than where you boarded the cast members would move the vehicle for you. WDW is very handicap friendly, some of the guests may have an issue but just ignore them. If it wasn't for the ECV my mother would not have had a chance of enjoying herself as much as she did. Plus, it gave us a place to store stuff we bought so that we didn't have to carry it all day long.

As far as the plane, my mom would just ask someone to help her out and have the cane placed in the overhead area or she would place it against the window/wall if she was sitting there.

 

[clandrum]

Thank you so much for your comment. I just told her and she said that was so nice. I hate to dissapoint you but her cane is just plain black however I think now she might be getting out the hot glue gun and glitter.

 

[clandrum]

My mom has to use a cane for a few years now and she was embarassed at first also.


When I took her to Disney last year for her first trip ever we actually got an ECV from an outside vendor. That was a life saver and I tell everyone to get one who asks. You can take it on all of the different forms of transportation to and from the parks to the Hotels and a few of the rides too. The majority of the rides she had to transfer but the whole group went with her through the handicap entrance and there was usually a spot to park the ECV. And, if you were to get off the ride at another place other than where you boarded the cast members would move the vehicle for you. WDW is very handicap friendly, some of the guests may have an issue but just ignore them. If it wasn't for the ECV my mother would not have had a chance of enjoying herself as much as she did. Plus, it gave us a place to store stuff we bought so that we didn't have to carry it all day long.

As far as the plane, my mom would just ask someone to help her out and have the cane placed in the overhead area or she would place it against the window/wall if she was sitting there.

She really should be using an ECV but she absolutely refused. I just got her talked into the cane. This is the third trip I am taking her on so she knows what to expect. Maybe a few days into the trip she might change her mind however. Thank you so much for the advice.

 

[mitadoh]

Your welcome and to mom!!

 

[MareSINY]

a woman I work with had knee replacement surgery last yr andneeded a cane. She had the cutest flower print cane and it could pop apart and fold for easy storage. You should do a Google search for folfing or travel canes. Bet you could find her something!!

 

[tinkerfan1]

I am not sure if I am posting this in the right spot. My mom just recently started using a cane. How does it go using it on the plane, rides, ect. She is very nervous about using it and embarassed. Any tips or advise would be appriciated. We leave in one week on Jan 29th.

Thanks in advance.

Good luck to both of you. I use a cane when I go to Disney World, too. I have MS and walking can be real difficult at times. I'm like your mother in that I refuse to admit that I need any help sometimes. I have only taken my cane to work with me one time. Anyway, I digress. On our last trip, I ended up having to rent a wheelchair several days but not every day. On the days when a cane was sufficient, I was able to carry it with me on most rides. For the rides that I couldn't, a CM would take it and have it waiting for me at the end of the ride. I always worried that it would not be waiting for me when I got off, but it was. My cane is very pretty so I was afraid somebody would steal it and that never happened. I suggest going to fashionablecanes.com or some site like that for the future and finding a cane that suites your Mom's style so maybe she won't feel so funny. Mine is hand carved and has pink swirls all over it and I love it. Not being able to walk like we know we should is very frustrating but it really shouldn't be embarrassing. There are certainly a lot worse things. I think decorating it was a good idea, too. Keep in mind, though, if it is decorated or pretty that it will draw the attention of young children. I thought that was sweet when a couple different children wanted to touch my cane. They were fascinated. Anyway, have fun. I hope your mom does well with the cane and that it is sufficient for her.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going over to the disABILITIES Forum and posting the question there. You will find a lot of people who use them.

 

[Needafix]

If you'll be driving/renting, hopefully you have a handicapped sign for the car you can take with you. I took my mother to Disney 5 years ago, she didn't do as much as we did and sometimes chose to relax by the pool, but boy was it a nice help to be able to park in handicapped spots when she was with us and the amount of time saved walking the huge distance in the parking lots was a life saver for her.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I suggest going to fashionablecanes.com or some site like that

Not even necessary. Most chain drugstores carry attractive canes.

Important tip for the plane: If the Flight Attendants insist on stowing the can in the overhead compartment, DON'T do it until everyone and their luggage is on board and in place. A few trips back, a helpful FA took my cane during boarding; when I asked for it several hours later (to go to the restroom), it turns out it was buried among the luggage!

 

[tinkerfan1]

Not even necessary. Most chain drugstores carry attractive canes.

No, it isn't necessary. I just personally love "Made in America" and hand crafted things. They do sell some pretty metal canes in chain drugstores, too, though.

 

[phorsenuf]

Whenever I travel to WDW and I need to use my cane I use my folding one. I picked it up at Wally World. This way when I go on the plane or onto any rides I just fold it up and stick it in my bag.

 

[fkj2]

If I were the OP, I'd call the airline and give it a heads up that a passenger with mobility challenges would need assistance. The airline might have suggestions on navigating TSA more easily. Get all the help you can. Would she be safer using a quad cane?

I used to take my mom to WDW and rent a wheelchair. Things got to the point that I purchased her a transport chair that we used to go shopping and travelling with. I found one online (of course, this was 10 years or more ago) that had larger wheels than normal in the back, and was more sturdy than most. It was a lightweight chair and easy for me to fold and lift into a trunk.

I appreciate your mom's sense of embarrassment; both of my folks had the same concerns. It's easy to say she shouldn't feel that way but difficult to convince her. I can only say that while I travelled with a mom who had mobility challenges, her difficulties allowed total strangers to step forward and help us in ways I could never have imagined. It was a blessing for all of us.

 

[clandrum]

I really appriciate everyones comments. This thread has made my mom feel so much better. She now knows what to expect and what to look forward to. A great weight has been taken off of her sholders. Thank you to everyone.

 

[tndisneyfan]

I had to use a cane at WDW for two of our trips. I bought one of the collapsible canes at Walgreens for about $15. I always carried a small backpack with me, and before I would get on any of the big rides I would collapse the cane and stick it in my backpack. A lot of the less thrilling rides you can just take the cane on with you, TTA, Buzz, JC, just to name a few.

I felt bad for using the cane too. I am relatively young (late 30's) and I found it very embarrassing to have to use the cane. The CM's were great about it. A lot of times they would open the gate so I wouldn't have to go thru a turnstyle. At TSMM, the CM was very concerned about me being able to make it up the steps. That's just a couple of examples. I had many, many CM's who tried to be very accomodating.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

What a bummer she has to use a cane! But remind her that it's NOT A WHEELCHAIR...

Tell her not to be embarassed. It was recommended for her to use a cane for a reason - her health!

As far as how to use it, she uses in the hand of the leg that needs the support - that way she'll be able to lean on it, put her weight on the cane so she can take a step.

Tell her to keep her chin up and to take it easy. It's a little weird getting used to assistive pieces, but again, she still has use of her leg (I hope!) and it will be there to help alleviate some of the stress and pressure to her joints from walking.

I have been on several trips on crutches or in wheelchairs, and while there is a little inconvenience because you have to slow down, it's much better in the long run.

For the plane, she should be able to fit the cane in the overhead once she is settled in her seat. MAKE SURE TO ASK TO PREBOARD... that way she can take her time down the jetway and onto the plane. She will be one of the last people to disembark too (it's just easier to wait and avoid the rush).

Best of luck!

 

[Simba's Mom]

This thread has been very helpful. I was thinking about one of those folding ones from Walgreens, so I'm glad to read the positive post. However, I wonder if you ever wish you had the kind with the wrist strap. I've seen those and wonder if they'd be more convenient. Although I do like the folding idea. For the person who bought one there (I think someone did), exactly where did you buy it? I'm thinking of one mostly because I'm such a klutz, and also because I have great difficulty going up and down stairs without something to hold on to. I've tripped and fallen 3 times at WDW-I'd really rather not do it anymore!

 

[tndisneyfan]

I thought the collapsible cane was adequate but I did miss my "bigger" cane. The handle on the other cane was just a little more comfortable with rubber grip on it. The collapsible cane just had a smaller wood handle and it was a little slick when I would get hot and sweaty. That was the biggest downside, but I felt like the convenience of the collapsible one made it worth it.

I bought my cane at a Walgreens in Orlando. I meant to pack the non collapsible one but I forgot it so I had to make a Walgreens run.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Recently there was an article about TSA and canes - oddly enough they are among commonly confiscated items. Folks buy used antique canes without ever knowing there is a knife stored inside. Some even have full swords, though many are not actually sharp. It seems sort of like an oddball thign to me, but I can imagine that it would be pretty upsetting for someone elderly to make such a discovery under those terms.

Beyond that, I really would encourage the use to a scooter. Try not to see it as an embarrassment, but an extra bonus ride she can enjoy. She can practice at her local grocery store maybe or big box store.

Beyond that, my suggestion is if you are on the fence for your resort - consider the Contemporary or an Epcot deluxe (maybe the Swan with a discount?) . If she does end up in a scooter, tranferring on the monrail line is easy from CR. Quite a bit easier than any other rsort. Even if she sticks with the cane - getting aroudnthe restaurants on the monorail loop is easy. If you can afford to stay deluxe, I think you'll find some extra benefits. Even better for mom, might be concierge level (If you can get a discount) That way you can get breakfast and other foods just outside your door. You'll also get extra service should you need a scooter or anything. IF she is too tired to go out, then you can get TS at a deluxe - or - at the other end - the values have some of the best food courts.


What I suggest you avoid is the large mods. The values are a better choice, and for a few dollars extra at the values you can have preferred location to minimize walking around the resort. First floor helps too at the mods and values.