Portable Grab Bars...please help

[Tinkhyatt]

When using the restroom in the parks, I have to use a companion bathroom with my husband's help to transfer from my wheelchair. However, it is extremely difficult for me to get back up without having handrails on both sides to lift with my arms. We bring portable bars for our resort bathroom but they aren't something that can be carried in the parks. Do you know of anything portable that can be carried easily into the parks for this purpose? I have searched websites and have found no such thing. Surely I'm not the only person who needs this.

 

[Disturbia]

When using the restroom in the parks, I have to use a companion bathroom with my husband's help to transfer from my wheelchair. However, it is extremely difficult for me to get back up without having handrails on both sides to lift with my arms. We bring portable bars for our resort bathroom but they aren't something that can be carried in the parks. Do you know of anything portable that can be carried easily into the parks for this purpose? I have searched websites and have found no such thing. Surely I'm not the only person who needs this.

Would an adjustable cane work? Just a thought. Saw this on QVC:

 

[Tinkhyatt]

Hmmmm....that's a thought. I'm not sure but it might be worth a try. Thank you! I'm open to any ideas.

 

[lanejudy]

Would a walker provide you with enough leverage for both arms? Maybe if pulled in close to your knees and your DH holding it steady. Though it would be more cumbersome to carry around the parks than a cane.

 

[Disturbia]

Canes are allowed and can be kept secure in your wheelchair. A cane with a seat is not allowed (can be considered folding seat).

But rollators are allowed (not sure if both would be allowed).

https://diz-abled.com/folding-seats-canes-rollators-at-disney-world/

 

[lanejudy]

A cane with a seat is not allowed (can be considered folding seat).

Actually, it is allowed into the parks to be used as a cane. It is not allowed to be used as a seat because they are typically unsteady with just 3 legs and easily tipped off-balance when in use.

 

[Disturbia]

Actually, it is allowed into the parks to be used as a cane. It is not allowed to be used as a seat because they are typically unsteady with just 3 legs and easily tipped off-balance when in use.

The post above (2022) mentions someone being denied being able to bring in a cane with a seat and they had to go back to the resort to return it.

Others have been able to take it in. OP probably needs the wheelchair plus something else to get up. There should be a folding handle on the non wall side (wall side usually has a handle bar). The sink is probably too far to use to prop up.

I don’t think all restrooms are this wide. Could the wheelchair be repositioned and locked on the open side? Per allears:

https://allears.net/walt-disney-wor...sted-restroom-locations-at-walt-disney-world/



Also, I would recommend a scooter and not a regular wheelchair as there are a lot of uphill places (esp. AK). The person pushing gets exhausted and dehydrated very quickly.

 

[lanejudy]

The post above (2022) mentions someone being denied being able to bring in a cane with a seat and they had to go back to the resort to return it.

Sorry they had that experience, but it is not typical and is not the rules. People do bring cane-seats into the parks and are told to use it only as a cane.

However, it wasn't suggested for the OP so really is irrelevant to this discussion.

Thanks for the picture of the companion restroom -- I never cease to be amazed at the photos DISers have!

 

[Disturbia]

Sorry they had that experience, but it is not typical and is not the rules. People do bring cane-seats into the parks and are told to use it only as a cane.

However, it wasn't suggested for the OP so really is irrelevant to this discussion.

Thanks for the picture of the companion restroom -- I never cease to be amazed at the photos DISers have!

That was from allears. I’ll edit my post

 

[Tinkhyatt]

Would a walker provide you with enough leverage for both arms? Maybe if pulled in close to your knees and your DH holding it steady. Though it would be more cumbersome to carry around the parks than a cane.

A walker would certainly provide more leverage than the cane. I'm just not sure how I could carry one on my wheelchair. I wouldn't want somebody to have to carry it. Maybe they have a lightweight foldable walker I could strap to the back somehow?

 

[jo-jo]

.

 

[jo-jo]

A walker would certainly provide more leverage than the cane. I'm just not sure how I could carry one on my wheelchair. I wouldn't want somebody to have to carry it. Maybe they have a lightweight foldable walker I could strap to the back somehow?

I don't know anything about this but just starting looking on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VWK08W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Looks like it folds up somewhat smallish and has a bag.


or maybe a cane like this. Husband can help brace with a foot on the base and on handle, while you hold the other handle.

https://www.amazon.com/HealthSmart-Stand-Walker-Adjustable-Handles/dp/B009UCE6XG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=F7W5QNRT4FTF&keywords=four+footed+cane&qid=1685039589&s=hpc&sprefix=four+foo,hpc,101&sr=1-5


Hope you find what you need and have a great trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

The post above (2022) mentions someone being denied being able to bring in a cane with a seat and they had to go back to the resort to return it.

Others have been able to take it in. OP probably needs the wheelchair plus something else to get up. There should be a folding handle on the non wall side (wall side usually has a handle bar). The sink is probably too far to use to prop up.

I don’t think all restrooms are this wide. Could the wheelchair be repositioned and locked on the open side? Per allears:

https://allears.net/walt-disney-wor...sted-restroom-locations-at-walt-disney-world/

View attachment 762945

Also, I would recommend a scooter and not a regular wheelchair as there are a lot of uphill places (esp. AK). The person pushing gets exhausted and dehydrated very quickly.

Almost all the Companion Restrooms have space next to the toilet to park a wheelchair next to the toilet. There are standards that dictate that so someone using a wheelchair could transfer from their wheelchair.
So, the sink would be at least 30 inches or more away.
I would suggest NOT trying to use the sink to hold onto even if it is close. They are not designed to support someone’s weight.

I think a walker would be your best option. Anything else portable may not be stable enough.

 

[elvispursley]

Not sure how much you “pull upl on the grab bars, but using a walker/roll at or For anything other than balance during transfers can be dangerous, As an OT, we never recommend anyone use a walker like that, even with someone “supporting” the walker, because it’s a huge fall hazard. Can you transfer from the wheelchair and sit backwards on the toilet and then use the grab bar behind the toilet to pull up on? We often would use this technique for patients who had a stroke or spinal cord injury.

 

[mamabunny]

The post above (2022) mentions someone being denied being able to bring in a cane with a seat and they had to go back to the resort to return it.

Others have been able to take it in. OP probably needs the wheelchair plus something else to get up. There should be a folding handle on the non wall side (wall side usually has a handle bar). The sink is probably too far to use to prop up.

I don’t think all restrooms are this wide. Could the wheelchair be repositioned and locked on the open side? Per allears:

https://allears.net/walt-disney-wor...sted-restroom-locations-at-walt-disney-world/

View attachment 762945

Also, I would recommend a scooter and not a regular wheelchair as there are a lot of uphill places (esp. AK). The person pushing gets exhausted and dehydrated very quickly.

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I second this idea: Position the wheelchair or scooter on the "open" side of the toilet to grab on to. I do this regularly, and once you find the best position for you, it works well.

Failing that, you can easily carry a "Liberty Lift" or similar that might be helpful (since you will have a companion with you in the restroom) Our daughter (who is shorter than I am) can easily help me up from anywhere with it. I carry one on my mobility device at all times now.

Also, not sure if any mentioned this to you, but you always have the option of using the restrooms at First Aid if they are closer than a companion bathroom.