My newly handicapped brother

[sweetbambi]

My brother recently had his second stroke and is weakened on his right side and has slurred speech as well as difficulty walking (but he can walk). We are scheduled for a three day cruise in January in the cheapest rooms available because he and his wife have suffered financially in the last few months. If he needs a handicapped room, how much more will that cost? How much would it improve his enjoyment? Can someone with a previous stroke or a mild handicap that affects mobility tell me how they did in a regular room? It will be my second cruise and DHs first--he is NOT excited about it, but my brother and his wife are so interested and I do want him to enjoy himself.

Kathy

 

[CM_Mom]

There are some handicapped equipped category 11 cabins shown on the deck plans - see the link below the U in Dreams Unlimited at the top of the page. I would contact DCL and see if one of these are available. They shouldn't be too much more that a cat 12. If you can't get one of the handicapped 11's, I think the next choice would be a "sideways" cat 11 (such as 6019). These cabins are rotated 90 degrees so you enter the cabin in the sofa area and have the bath on one side and the bed on the other instead of having a kind of "hall" between the bath and the closet as you enter the cabin. We stayed in one of these and thought they felt more spacious.

Also call DCL or your TA and explain the situation and see what they can help you with. Who knows, you might get an upgrade to a handicapped verandah!

 

[Mulan's Ma]

Can someone with a previous stroke or a mild handicap that affects mobility tell me how they did in a regular room?

Kathy

Kathy,

I do hope you get some responses because I am interested as well. My father has Scleraderma which limits his mobility. We are traveling on the July 9th West Coast sailing and I will report back afterwards. Because we booked before he was diagnosed, he won't be staying in a handicapped room. My wonderful TA has made arrangements for him to be taken aboard in a wheelchair (he doesn't need one for day to day activities) and a riser is being put on the toilet.

Best of luck!
Linda

 

[Mom2Belle&PeterPan]

Hi Kathy,

I cannot speak to mobility issues, but I wanted to send my good wishes that your brother's speech and mobility will improve by your cruise in January. As a speech-language pathologist, I know that stroke symtoms often improve over time. I hope that your brother is immersed in rehabilitative interventions - speech/language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, as well as emotional support for he and your family members involved.

I am PMing you the experience written by a friend on this board who suffered from a stroke as a young adult. It is enlightening, and it may give you some understanding of what your brother is going through and feeling. (Thanks to my friend who knows who she is and offered to share her story with others! )

Best wishes! A Disney cruise will be certain to bring your brother and his wife some magic.

 

[CM_Mom]

FYI, here's betting your DH will join the ranks of "when can we go again" like so many other DHs who have to be dragged on board.......then have to be dragged OFF after rebooking.