Portable seat options/thoughts?

[dawnball]

We have a party member who is has episodes of coughing, breathlessness and unsteadiness. The coughing sometimes means they need something to lean on and they'd like to the option to sit and catch their breath wherever they are, perhaps 3-4 times an hour. I wanted to gather people's thoughts so they can decide what's best for them on this trip.

So far I've come up with the following options:

Cane with seat - I think these are allowed now. $30-$50 to purchase, most seem to not be adjustable height, 3ishlb and kind of awkward to carry. Would be in-hand at all times, but would need to find and press release and possibly fiddle with the cane to sit. No transportation concerns, but I think most attractions want you to tuck it around your feet like any other bag

Rollator - $60-$150+ to purchase. This is adjustable height and angle and I think sitting should be as easy as turning around and sitting on the seat. I'm not sure if it's going to roll out from under them when they lean on it. These seem to be about 20lb and usually fold. There may be storage in the seat. They should be able to just roll it onto the skyliner, but might need to wait in the wheelchair loading zone for the bus? Do attractions handle this like a wheelchair, so it would be waiting at unload? If they're very tired at the end of the day, it doesn't look feasible for someone else to push them back to their hotel room.

Manual wheelchair - $10/day at the parks w/ multi-day, a smidge cheaper with scooterbug for a week. Push handles aren't adjustable-height, and they'd need to turn the wheelchair or walk around it to sit. The angles and extra weight might mean there's less roll-away risk when they lean on it. Closer to 40lb, and offsite rentals should fold for storage. No built-in storage, but a thin bag could be attached to the back. With an offsite rental they'll need to fold or use the accessible gondola for the skyliner and the wheelchair loading zone for the bus. If they're very tired, someone could push them.

ECV has been rejected. They're concerned they'll lose control when they cough, and that it's a lot of assistive device for an intermittent problem.


Is there anything reasonable I'm missing or any insights people could provide into using these options for occasional/intermittent support?

 

[lanejudy]

If they're very tired at the end of the day, it doesn't look feasible for someone else to push them back to their hotel room.

If this is a real possibility then wheelchair is the best/only option. Look locally, you may be able to purchase on for similar rate to a weekly rental.

 

[chrisney]

We have a party member who is has episodes of coughing, breathlessness and unsteadiness. The coughing sometimes means they need something to lean on and they'd like to the option to sit and catch their breath wherever they are, perhaps 3-4 times an hour. I wanted to gather people's thoughts so they can decide what's best for them on this trip.

So far I've come up with the following options:

Cane with seat - I think these are allowed now. $30-$50 to purchase, most seem to not be adjustable height, 3ishlb and kind of awkward to carry. Would be in-hand at all times, but would need to find and press release and possibly fiddle with the cane to sit. No transportation concerns, but I think most attractions want you to tuck it around your feet like any other bag

Rollator - $60-$150+ to purchase. This is adjustable height and angle and I think sitting should be as easy as turning around and sitting on the seat. I'm not sure if it's going to roll out from under them when they lean on it. These seem to be about 20lb and usually fold. There may be storage in the seat. They should be able to just roll it onto the skyliner, but might need to wait in the wheelchair loading zone for the bus? Do attractions handle this like a wheelchair, so it would be waiting at unload? If they're very tired at the end of the day, it doesn't look feasible for someone else to push them back to their hotel room.

Manual wheelchair - $10/day at the parks w/ multi-day, a smidge cheaper with scooterbug for a week. Push handles aren't adjustable-height, and they'd need to turn the wheelchair or walk around it to sit. The angles and extra weight might mean there's less roll-away risk when they lean on it. Closer to 40lb, and offsite rentals should fold for storage. No built-in storage, but a thin bag could be attached to the back. With an offsite rental they'll need to fold or use the accessible gondola for the skyliner and the wheelchair loading zone for the bus. If they're very tired, someone could push them.

ECV has been rejected. They're concerned they'll lose control when they cough, and that it's a lot of assistive device for an intermittent problem.


Is there anything reasonable I'm missing or any insights people could provide into using these options for occasional/intermittent support?

There are rollators which also can be used as a transport chair. They are larger and a little more expensive--I think the one I got for my husband was around 220. The obvious advantage is that it is more flexible in its uses. I would assume that your companion would be able to use the rollator function most of the time. If not, be aware that it is HARD to push a manual chair all day. I would recommend a good attitude and a good pair of gloves (blister prevention). I don't know for sure, but I would expect that you would need to do the accessible skyliner cars (which don't take that much longer) which also might be good for someone who is a little unsure about using assistive devices.

I would NOT recommend the cane with a seat. I have COPD and use an ECV, but I know that when I get short of breath, I am much less steady and much more panicky. SOB can really feel like you are drowning. Not the best condition to perch on a small but tall, 3 legged stool.

I did think of one other alternative. On Amazon: Neither heavy or large. Much more limited range of use, but it might work. Was recommended to me by a PT in case I got into trouble with breathing while I was out and about (before I needed the ECV).

Have fun!

Boreeman Upgraded Folding Stool​

​

 

[Bete]

With a wheelchair and someone pushing there will hopefully be less coughing and so forth. Plus they can relax and take it all in instead of using a rollator or cane chair. I believe the person will last longer in the parks, too.

Portable transport wheelchairs go for about $200 and they are lightweight about 20 pounds. They fold up, too. If you are flying you are not charged for a wheelchair.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We have a party member who is has episodes of coughing, breathlessness and unsteadiness. The coughing sometimes means they need something to lean on and they'd like to the option to sit and catch their breath wherever they are, perhaps 3-4 times an hour. I wanted to gather people's thoughts so they can decide what's best for them on this trip.

So far I've come up with the following options:

Cane with seat - I think these are allowed now. $30-$50 to purchase, most seem to not be adjustable height, 3ishlb and kind of awkward to carry. Would be in-hand at all times, but would need to find and press release and possibly fiddle with the cane to sit. No transportation concerns, but I think most attractions want you to tuck it around your feet like any other bag

Rollator - $60-$150+ to purchase. This is adjustable height and angle and I think sitting should be as easy as turning around and sitting on the seat. I'm not sure if it's going to roll out from under them when they lean on it. These seem to be about 20lb and usually fold. There may be storage in the seat. They should be able to just roll it onto the skyliner, but might need to wait in the wheelchair loading zone for the bus? Do attractions handle this like a wheelchair, so it would be waiting at unload? If they're very tired at the end of the day, it doesn't look feasible for someone else to push them back to their hotel room.

Manual wheelchair - $10/day at the parks w/ multi-day, a smidge cheaper with scooterbug for a week. Push handles aren't adjustable-height, and they'd need to turn the wheelchair or walk around it to sit. The angles and extra weight might mean there's less roll-away risk when they lean on it. Closer to 40lb, and offsite rentals should fold for storage. No built-in storage, but a thin bag could be attached to the back. With an offsite rental they'll need to fold or use the accessible gondola for the skyliner and the wheelchair loading zone for the bus. If they're very tired, someone could push them.

ECV has been rejected. They're concerned they'll lose control when they cough, and that it's a lot of assistive device for an intermittent problem.


Is there anything reasonable I'm missing or any insights people could provide into using these options for occasional/intermittent support?

My husband's rollator had brakes that locked when he was seated on it. Never used at Disney but used at other theme parks. Just make sure it has larger wheels. Small wheels get caught very easily outside

 

[Tatebeck]

There are rollators which also can be used as a transport chair. They are larger and a little more expensive--I think the one I got for my husband was around 220. The obvious advantage is that it is more flexible in its uses. I would assume that your companion would be able to use the rollator function most of the time. If not, be aware that it is HARD to push a manual chair all day. I would recommend a good attitude and a good pair of gloves (blister prevention). I don't know for sure, but I would expect that you would need to do the accessible skyliner cars (which don't take that much longer) which also might be good for someone who is a little unsure about using assistive devices.

I would NOT recommend the cane with a seat. I have COPD and use an ECV, but I know that when I get short of breath, I am much less steady and much more panicky. SOB can really feel like you are drowning. Not the best condition to perch on a small but tall, 3 legged stool.

I did think of one other alternative. On Amazon: Neither heavy or large. Much more limited range of use, but it might work. Was recommended to me by a PT in case I got into trouble with breathing while I was out and about (before I needed the ECV).

Have fun!

Boreeman Upgraded Folding Stool​

​

Folding/collapsing stools are on the banned list. Only cane seats are allowed if used as an accommodation as far as I am aware. Then its the upgrade to walkers and wheelchairs/EVCs

 

[chrisney]

Folding/collapsing stools are on the banned list. Only cane seats are allowed if used as an accommodation as far as I am aware. Then its the upgrade to walkers and wheelchair

Thanks. I wasn't aware that they were on the no-no list. Don't understand why since they are light, open and close quickly and are much more stable than the cane seats, but nobody asked my thoughts on the matter, I hope the OP has found way to make things work out.

 

[Tatebeck]

Thanks. I wasn't aware that they were on the no-no list. Don't understand why since they are light, open and close quickly and are much more stable than the cane seats, but nobody asked my thoughts on the matter, I hope the OP has found way to make things work out.

I think its because things like walkers with seats and cane chairs are mobility aids first that just happen to have seats, while just a seat itself is not allowed in the parks/queues

 

[TCRAIG]

With a wheelchair and someone pushing there will hopefully be less coughing and so forth. Plus they can relax and take it all in instead of using a rollator or cane chair. I believe the person will last longer in the parks, too.

Portable transport wheelchairs go for about $200 and they are lightweight about 20 pounds. They fold up, too. If you are flying you are not charged for a wheelchair.

Transport wheelchairs are not as comfortable or as smooth as ‘regular’ wheelchairs - I would go with a rollator- pushing someone around all day at Disney is no picnic.

 

[chrisney]

Transport wheelchairs are not as comfortable or as smooth as ‘regular’ wheelchairs - I would go with a rollator- pushing someone around all day at Disney is no picnic.

Having had all three types, I would agree if the transport chair were being used for a more frequent/longer periods. I use a scooter when out and about, and a transport chair around the house because it is narrower than a regular chair--less marking the walls. I have used walkers and rollators, but find them to be less flexible, especially outside of the house. You are absolutely right about the difficulty in pushing someone around Disney ALL DAY, hence the glove suggestion. That's why I suggested the "two in one"--the person in question could alternate between transport chair and rollator.

Healconnex 2 in 1 Rollator Walker for Seniors-Medical Walker with Seat,Folding Transport Wheelchair Rollator with 10" Big PU Rear Wheels,Reversible Soft Backrest and Detachable Footrests Blue
$199.99

 

[NotUrsula]

I think a rollator is probably your best bet if a wheelchair isn't going to work for whatever reason, but I do want to mention (more for everyday use than at a theme park) that a sling-style seat cane is more stable than the tripod kind, and normally does not have any latches to fiddle with.

 

[LuvMyEAR]

A rollator/transport chair combo as seen above is a wonderful solution if minimal pushing will be required. The small wheels make it harder to push, even on smooth ground. It is NOT difficult to push as a rollator, only when there is a passenger. There is almost always a storage compartment, and a cup holder is a handy accessory, too. These can be a game changer for anyone who is able to walk but may need a seat quickly, or cannot stand for long periods. They also give the user much greater stability.

Whatever is chosen, don’t forget a rain cover, and a small towel or other light fabric to cover the seat when the sun is shining. A disposable poncho and dollar store towel will do the trick. I pack a few clothespin to fasten the rain cover.

 

[gap2368]

We have a party member who is has episodes of coughing, breathlessness and unsteadiness. The coughing sometimes means they need something to lean on and they'd like to the option to sit and catch their breath wherever they are, perhaps 3-4 times an hour. I wanted to gather people's thoughts so they can decide what's best for them on this trip.

So far I've come up with the following options:

Cane with seat - I think these are allowed now. $30-$50 to purchase, most seem to not be adjustable height, 3ishlb and kind of awkward to carry. Would be in-hand at all times, but would need to find and press release and possibly fiddle with the cane to sit. No transportation concerns, but I think most attractions want you to tuck it around your feet like any other bag

Rollator - $60-$150+ to purchase. This is adjustable height and angle and I think sitting should be as easy as turning around and sitting on the seat. I'm not sure if it's going to roll out from under them when they lean on it. These seem to be about 20lb and usually fold. There may be storage in the seat. They should be able to just roll it onto the skyliner, but might need to wait in the wheelchair loading zone for the bus? Do attractions handle this like a wheelchair, so it would be waiting at unload? If they're very tired at the end of the day, it doesn't look feasible for someone else to push them back to their hotel room.

Manual wheelchair - $10/day at the parks w/ multi-day, a smidge cheaper with scooterbug for a week. Push handles aren't adjustable-height, and they'd need to turn the wheelchair or walk around it to sit. The angles and extra weight might mean there's less roll-away risk when they lean on it. Closer to 40lb, and offsite rentals should fold for storage. No built-in storage, but a thin bag could be attached to the back. With an offsite rental they'll need to fold or use the accessible gondola for the skyliner and the wheelchair loading zone for the bus. If they're very tired, someone could push them.

ECV has been rejected. They're concerned they'll lose control when they cough, and that it's a lot of assistive device for an intermittent problem.


Is there anything reasonable I'm missing or any insights people could provide into using these options for occasional/intermittent support?

I would not go with the cain set I have seen someone ( an elderly person) fall out and there arm was bend in a very unnatural way ( pretty sure it was broken) they are really not as stable as you would think. I think a cooler is the best option for you. then a wheelchair would be second for me

 

[Mirabell Rose]

I read you’ve ruled out an ECV because they are afraid of losing control when coughing. I’m wondering if that would be more of an issue with a rollator. When you start coughing if you let go of a rollator, will it wheel away on a slope? The ECV as soon as you stop squeezing the trigger on the handle, it stops and will not roll anywhere. Very different than a golf cart or car ‘driving’. I also found that if you feel unsteady or light headed, you are already seated and you can easily cross your arms across the handle bars and put your head down. Having coughing/breathing problems 3-4 times an hour is pretty frequent. If they weren’t having to exert themselves with all the walking by using an ECV, would they be able to avoid some of the coughing fits altogether? Just a few thoughts. I have pushed a 80 pound individual around the parks all day in a wheelchair. It’s exhausting, and if you are not used to being pushed around, it can be a struggle not to be able to move yourself where you want when you want. On an ECV at least you get to move yourself. Hope you have a great trip.