Scooter or Wheelchair for Mom??

[HazelsGenie]

Hello everyone..
I'm hoping your experience can help me. We are bringing Mom along for our trip this year. She has had one knee replaced and waiting for the second. She also has balance issues.
My initial thought was to rent Mom a scooter even though she doesn't use one at home. I'm just concerned that she will have issues driving it. We are going Easter week and it will be crowded. I don't want her crashing into anyone's ankles.
My second thought was a wheelchair so we can "drive" her around. Then, she can choose to walk (which she prefers to do) and push the wheelchair like a walker. She needs to hold onto something. Has anyone done this - use a wheelchair like a walker??
Also what would the DAS do for us? She doesn't plan to go on many rides. She would rather sit on a bench and wait for us, but I'm hoping to get her on some very basic rides.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Although we have been to WDW many times, traveling with Mom puts me in unchartered water.
Thanks!!

 

[lanejudy]

The DAS is for those with "invisible" disabilities directly related to ability to wait in a line. If your mom's only issues are her knees and balance -- mobility-related -- and resolved with a wheelchair or ECV, she will not be eligible for the DAS.

Does mom drive a car? Can she go to a local big box store or grocery store and try-out an ECV there? The ones at those places are more cumbersome than the rentals, but will give you/her an idea of whether she would prefer to "drive" herself or be pushed. It does take quite a bit of attention to people around you to drive one, so she may prefer to ride.

If the wheelchair is preferable, you have a great idea to let her walk/push it when she wishes, then ride when she needs a break. Many guests do just this.

Since you are going at a very busy time, I highly recommend renting from off-site so you are assured to have what you need. Wheelchairs don't typically run out in the park, but with an off-site rental she'll also have it for to/from transportation as well as around the resort. That can be wonderful after a busy day in the park!

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kscraig]

Hello everyone.. I'm hoping your experience can help me. We are bringing Mom along for our trip this year. She has had one knee replaced and waiting for the second. She also has balance issues. My initial thought was to rent Mom a scooter even though she doesn't use one at home. I'm just concerned that she will have issues driving it. We are going Easter week and it will be crowded. I don't want her crashing into anyone's ankles. My second thought was a wheelchair so we can "drive" her around. Then, she can choose to walk (which she prefers to do) and push the wheelchair like a walker. She needs to hold onto something. Has anyone done this - use a wheelchair like a walker?? Also what would the DAS do for us? She doesn't plan to go on many rides. She would rather sit on a bench and wait for us, but I'm hoping to get her on some very basic rides. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Although we have been to WDW many times, traveling with Mom puts me in unchartered water. Thanks!!

I am a firm believer in the freedom and pain relief of a scooter. Your mom is at WDW to enjoy herself and a scooter will give her the freedom to do what she chooses without the danger of getting totally exhausted, which happens easily with knee issues. She will figure out the driving quirks quickly, believe me. The scooter was a God send last year and when we go in October I already have one reserved. (Apple Scooter has good deals.)

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[powellrj]

Have you looked into buying her a rollator? I think that may work better for someone who hasn't used a scooter before during a busy time.

This is the one I use and I love it!
http://www.overstock.com/Health-Bea...Gateway-Folding-Rollator/6440147/product.html

 

[CJN]

I have toured WDW using both methods - some trips using an ECV and some with a wheelchair, using it both as a walker and being pushed by a family member. Personally, when crowds are larger in the parks I hate being pushed in the chair. My "pusher" is also trying to enjoy himself/herself and too often I find myself gasping at all the close calls with strangers ankles, even when he/she thinks they're being careful. As such, it's much harder for me to relax and have a good time. (Or maybe I just don't like not being in control )

Only you and your mom can decide what's appropriate for her but an ECV is my preference in a crowd because I have control over it versus a chair. If you end up with an ECV, getting some practice in ahead of time is a good idea as has been suggested. But if you end up using a wheelchair, IME the pusher needs to get in some practice time, too.

 

[HazelsGenie]

Thanks for such great responses!
I think we will rent a scooter for the entire stay and she can practice at the hotel too. If need be, we can rent a wheelchair and park the scooter. Yes, we will be the weird ones doing that. I like always having the scooter option.
CJN - You made me laugh with the control comment but you are SO right! I think my husband and I might make her crazy with our driving skills. I never even thought of that!
A scooter it is! So if you see someone practicing her scooter driving skills at Target -- that might just be us! LOL

 

[Bete]

If you have a local zoo nearby this makes for a perfect place to practice with a scooter ahead of time. You can rent a scooter at most zoos. The store scooters are a little different from park scooters. Most feel the park scooters are easier. You want your mom to gain confidence using a scooter. Also, a short trip around a store is not the same as using a scooter all day at a park. The zoo would be a real test and you could decide whether or not she could do a scooter day in, day out.

I feel you can be a big help with the scooter if you take over at times with the scooter, if needed. For example, if getting the scooter on and off the Disney bus (if applicable) is too much for her then you could do it for her. Sometimes backing up can be an issue; so, you can get the scooter turned around for her. The ride Soarin' is a challenge in that you have to use an elevator to get the scooter down to the level of the ride. Getting the scooter in and out of the resort room can be tough with the door in the way.

As far as crowds you can surround her and protect her and everyone else from her scooter driving, if necessary. It's really a great advantage to go to the parks early and avoid crowds. It does help especially if you use extra early magic hours. Watch the battery gage on the scooter to make sure you don't run out of juice. As a beginner on a scooter you can forget to shut off the scooter when you are watching a show, parade or fireworks. This conserves battery energy.

For getting on rides it can be a good idea that someone be in front and in back of her to help get on and off the rides. An extra arm/hand can really help with balance and leverage. I would get her close to the ride with the scooter and then someone else can park it for her and retrieve it when you get off the ride.

I would watch out for rides with moving conveyors. Unless, the walking conveyor can be completely stopped I would skip those rides. Some boat rides can have a large step up and down and out.

You may want to consider a foldable cane for when she walks and she is not on the scooter.

A scooter is a gift and it will allow her to enjoy a lot more at the parks. It will allow for great memories for all.