Mom wants to go with wheelchair, not ECV?

[slbgnb]

My mom has some new issues & gets dizzy easy & falls & can't walk for long at all. My dad was going to rent her a scooter for the trip but she has navigation issues & is afraid to bump into people with her poor driving. How hard are wheelchairs for the person pushing it?
Thanks.

 

[peemagg]

I actually think that due to the issues that you described, a wheelchair would be the best bet. If there are several of you to switch off, it will make it easier on all. I would bring some gloves though for the pushers. If you can get padded gloves (like for bike riding), it will be easier on the hands. At least leather gloves.

 

[msr709]

With her issues I would vote for the WC also but make sure to take turns pushing her around and avoid the hilly (like in EPCOT) if you can. I took my Mom once and had to rent a WC for her and by the 2 last days there my back went out because of the pushing. I tried not to make a big deal about it because she felt so bad about it but it was just us 2 so I had no help. Take a lot of breaks whenever you can. HTH

 

[KashaKasha]

It depends on the wheelchair, the location, the size of the person in it, and the strength of the person pushing. If it is smooth and flat and you're pushing a 120lb person then it shouldn't be a problem. If you're going over an uneven surface up or downhill and pushing a 250lb person then it is a lot harder.

With my Grandmother in a wheelchair I've gotten good at it for short distances. We also swap off who is pushing. For 10 days at WDW I'm a bit worried and so have already started working out to get in better shape.

She can't use an ECV so we really don't have an option other than get better at pushing. LOL

 

[slbgnb]

Guess we will try the WC then. My DH, me & dad will have to take turns. They won't be in the park all day like us anyway. Thanks for the advice.

 

[I Love Pluto]

This is none of my business -but - with the syptoms you mentioned, it sounds so much like what I just went through. Please take Mom to a neurosurgeon & check for a compressed spinal cord. If untreated, this will lead to paralysis.

I certainly don't mean to frighten you - but I don't want anything to happen to your Mom that can be helped. Thanks for listening.

 

[Bete]

and I pushed my mom in a wheelchair for about 5 years. She never weighed more than 120 pounds. She used a walker when at home (I was there when she was on the move), but when we went outside we always used a wheelchair. She could fall easily; so, we didn't take a chance. I was her caretaker 24/7 and without the wheelchair we wouldn't be able to even take a vacation. I really enjoyed those trips and I think about them often, now. My mom passed in July this year.

Anyway, I managed at Disney World. We went a few times with my mom. First, I suggest buying a lightweight portable wheelchair. Our wheelchair weighed 15 pounds. We did a rental once and the wheelchair weighed 35 pounds. The rental one did not fit in our trunk. I had a little trouble with the heavier wheelchair, but I managed. We were using it for my MIL; she weighed about 170 pounds. At that time I could alternate with my hubby pushing it. We did it, but I will admit that was harder. You can get a lightweight wheelchair from $99 to $200 depending on the brand and how much it weighs. If you try to rent I would make sure they carry the lightweight ones. Depending on your length of stay it could be cheaper to buy one. It may help with other tasks back home, too if you buy one, now.

Our plan was to alternate rides, shows, parades, and eats. This worked very well for us. If you can rest in the parks, here and there it's a great help. Be aware there are some rides with alternate queues for wheelchairs. You will be able to use handicap areas for the parades. Save going on the thrill rides and such when your parents are back at the resort.

I really enjoyed the smile on my mom's face when a character in a parade would approach her and shake her hand or whatever. I have some great pictures of her at Disney World. I will treasure those pictures, now. Somehow, I found the strength to get through it all. I did sleep well every night, too pushing a wheelchair. I did not have relief, either. My hubby was on a scooter all the time.

My mom accomplished Soarin' when she was 89 years old. She went on Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania, too. I loved every moment with her. Disney World is my best choice for a vacation.

Please under no circumstances complain in front of your mom about pushing the wheelchair no matter how hard it can get. Also, make sure your dad doesn't get exhausted doing it. Be aware they will not be able to go on all the rides in a wheelchair. If you want to do a thrill ride and your dad will stay with your mom, then go for it. Don't make your mom feel like she is a burden. Don't make your parents feel they have to stay in their room all day, either. If they are morning people enjoy that time with them at the parks. Then, let them rest at the resort in the afternoon after a lunch with you. You can use that time for the thrill rides. In the evening you can go back together. It's not that bad going back and forth to the parks.

If you are staying on site and using a wheelchair you will get first access to Disney transportation. You board first, but please note you depart last.

Please enjoy your time with your parents there. I wish I could have another trip with my mom, now.