Mom with medical problems

[Thumper3]

Hi! I was wondering if any of you have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside? I'm taking my Mom with us in March and I'm concerned about the walking distances. I did request a room close to bus,food court,etc. She has had bypass surgery in 1 of her legs and has recently had to have a pacemaker put in. She can walk short distances fine. Are there any benches there where she could sit and rest if she had to? I'm also thinking of upgrading to AKL if PO-R might be too much for her. She really wants to go but she's kind of stubborn about using wheelchairs,etc. She will walk with a cane though. I want to make it as easy as possible for her to get around at her own pace. Any ideas are appreciated!

 

[lisapooh]

Dadi you make your reservations through the special needs desk? If not I reccommend you call back and request that they handle the reservation as your requests are not guaranteed through the regular reservations people. Even the closest bldg (14) may be a bit much for her to walk. There are no rooms in the main building where the services are. Plus I found that PO-Riverside is not good at even special needs requests. I will not got there again myself after my last time.
I also strongly advise her to reconsider using a wheelchair or ordering an ECV from an offsite company. It will make it easier on the entire family if she does. Nothing worse that a grumpy , in pain, handicapped person dragging the whole group behind. I used to be that person btw. Use my power wheelchair now.
Walking at AKL can be a long distance also as the rooms can be far from the elevator. But putting the request in with special needs should get you close to the elevator. It is a beautiful resort and they treat you wonderfully. I'm going for the 3rd time in December.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome. Where ever you stay there will be a fair amount of walking involved at times. All of the resorts are pretty spread out. There are usually benches for taking rests. If you would have a car and want someplace where you can park right outside your room, you might want to look into OKW. It's one of the DVC "Home Away from Home" resorts. The rooms are larger than at any of the other resorts and they have everything from a studio with room for 4 to sleep with a microwave and small refrigerator to a full "home" type villa that sleeps 12.

Here is a link to WDW Resort Special Reservations at (407) 939-7807 (voice) or (407) 939-7670 (TTY). They can help you with the distances from rooms to buses, etc.

And links to the various places that rent wheelchairs and ecvs (Scooters).
CARE Medical Equipment - 1-800-741-2282
www.caremedicalequipment.com

RANDY'S Mobility in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://www.randysmobility.com/

Walker Medical - 1-800-334-9501
www.walkermobility.com

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

I don't know how you convince someone to use a wheelchair. We have been working on my FIL for years because of his bad hips and knees; at least now he says he will rent one, he just doesn't. If she won't use anything but the cane, at least it is possible to take it slow. There are benches at fairly close intervals all over the parks.

 

[teri]

Click on the link in my signature.. there is a section in the FAQ about convincing people to use wheelchairs and ECVs when they need them.

 

[Alaska]

Perhaps a walker with a seat for her to sit down when she is tired would be agood compromise between a cane and a wheelchair. They are made in many different colors and styles. Some have wheels and hand brakes. Some come with baskets to hold personal items. Many folks believe that a little exercise helps kee them mobile. You may not be able to convince her to use a wheelchair or ecv, but at least she would have a seat whenever she needs one.

 

[IvaLynn]

Here's a suggestion...rent a ucv with the intentions that you will all use it. For whenever anyone gets tired or to help carry stuff(they come with a basket or two). Then ,maybe, you will find that she feels more comforable as long as its not just for her. My brother- in- law is a parapalegic and has one of these .The little kids love the rides their Uncle gives them . It's hard when you start to feel like you're at the mercy of your body and its limitations. She sounds like a strong woman who has a wonderful and caring family. HAVE A GREAT TRIP !