Taking elderly people who are fragile and with restrictions, would you do it and how?

[Bete]

I've been to WDW well over a dozen times and I long to share the experience with my mom who is 85. She's on heart and blood pressure pills and she's very thin. She can't walk too much and will need help walking to places that are not wheel chair accesible. We would be taking turns wheel chairing her around the parks. She can walk very short distances only. She's also not too adventureous. I want my mother-in-law, who is 87 to come, as well. At this time, she's pretty fit for her age but, she can't walk long distances and she's a very slow walker. We want her to scooter through the park because she still drives; so, we figure she can handle it. We would practice with her on it. Neither one has ever been to WDW and neither one travelled too much in their time. By the way, we are in our sixties and we have a few health issues but we do travel a lot; so, we are experienced with the ups and downs of being away from home.

I think we will take an afternoon break everyday and make use of resort restaurants which will make eating easier; I think. We may even do room service at times or carry out to the rooms. I think for the evening we may go out on our own, if we are not exhausted by then. I figure the moms will be company for each other. Also, they can get more rest this way.

I'm concerned that it might be too much for them or/and us. We've never done a trip like this anywhere. I plan on a longer stay then usual; so, we can take it slow. Since this may be the one and only time there for them I'm really hoping to go early December of next year. My mother-in-law loves Christmastime and Disney is the best being all decked out for the ocassion. Both moms get cold; so, I'm concerned about temps. I've been three times and it's always on the colder side for early December. We would bundle them up with blankies and try to avoid the parks at night; unless, it's for something special like CP or MVMCP or fireworks at MK or Epcot. We would do many hot cocoa drinks on those ocassions. As a second alternative, I'm thinking about the Flower and Garden time in May and June but my heart is really with early December. If they are only going to see it once, I think the Christmas holiday time is a keeper.

I would love to hear how others handled a similar situation. It's not just an age consideration here because there are some health issues, too. If you had to do it over again with your older parents would you do it? What was your stragedy? Please help. I appreciate any hints you can give.

 

[Selket]

I have no advice except I think you would get a lot of good advice on the disAbilities board here because there are many folks who use wheelchairs and ECV's. They have recommendations to offer about where to rent them, maybe the type to rent and so forth and how easy they are to drive and handle on the busses and so forth.

I think most places are wheel chair accessible but if you can think of particular sites and attractions you want them to visit ask about them directly on the disAbilities board for some good info.

 

[Magic2000]

We've gone twice with my in-laws (they weren't quite as elderly and were able to get around well). Once was in Oct and the other time, it was August. The heat really did them in.

I would definitely recommend the December trip! We love seeing all the Christmas decorations - and nobody does it better than Disney! I think you have all the right ideas - bringing blankies, time for cocoa, taking it slow, etc. I think they'd both enjoy Candlelight Processional and MVMCP (the snow down Main St!!!)

Hope yall all have a WONDERFUL trip!!!

 

[Stricky22]

I can't be of any help, but I just wanted to say that I think it is GREAT that you want to share WDW with these ladies!!! I think they will have a wonderful time. Just dress them for the weather and take it slow. Good luck!

 

[Jenn]

December would be a good month to go. The heat and humidity in the summer would probably be too much for them.

Cost should be considered - the wheelchairs are about $8 or $9 per day, the scooters are $40. That can really add up.

Last summer, we traveled with my FIL who had lung cancer. We stayed at Old Key West. They gave us a wheelchair at check in and he used that during the whole trip. The heat was too much for him. He and my MIL usually headed back to the room at lunchtime and we caught up with them later.

 

[Eeyore2003]

I really think that if you don't plan too much and don't care what you do, you will do just fine. When my MIL was 79 she went with us. She did TOT, Splash Mountain, Test Track and all rides in between. She opted out of RNR and Space Mountain. This was in August!!!!

She's now 82 and you can really tell a difference, but I think I would still consider taking her, especially for Christmas, physically she's in wonderful health, but since then, she has gotten a colostomy and her Alzhiemers has progresses to the point where it would be difficult, she would also need a wheelchair, which would be OK though, if it weren't for the other things.

She did do all the walking at that time on her own also. She needed that break by noon. I think you would do fine with the rides also. The attractions that you would see with them will probably not be crowded. The CP is a must. I'd be a little careful about MVMCP because it might get cool. We wore sweatshirts last year. (We're both 50)

I think it will be a wonderful memory for them and you and you will not regret it at all. I know we are so glad we took my MIL. It was us and our 16 y/o son also. Wonderful times for all of us and wonderful memories. I know it's something special my 16y/o will always remember that he did with Nana.

I'm not sure what your price range is, but the Boardwalk Inn is very very nice for older couples in December. It was quiet and the room decor would be nice for them. You're also so convenient to EPCOT which is open later in the evening for just walking around and looking at things. The Boardwalk is beautiful too, for just sitting and looking at the lights and people watching. The atmosphere at EPCOT during the holidays is wonderful. You would also have really ALLOT of nice restaurants right at your fingertips. Between the Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin and of course EPCOT. Both EPCOT and MGM are both a short boat ride away.

We only experienced one cooler day where we had on our sweatshirts last year. Older people do get colder, but I think it's more tolerable to bundle up than try to stay cool.

 

[homeschooler]

We have taken my mother in law twice now and my sister in law one. MIL is 86 and went this year and 84 her first time. SIL in very overweight and has two bad knees and ankles and has braces and needs the wheelchair. They rented the motorized ones.

We ALWAYS take a lunch break and a sit down meal in whatever park we are. We have always done that and it has worked well for us. That gives time to rest and be out of the sun and heat, etc.

The first year, MIL said she was tired and didn't want to go to Epcot for the second time. We told her she wouldn't see any of the same things. She went and didn't miss a day of the trip. The last day, we went to AK for a 1/2 and then left for home from the park. As we were wheeling her out, she demanded that we stop and she pointed down a trail and said she hadn't seen that trail yet and we needed to go there. She didn't want to miss ANYTHING.

She told us on the way home that she was happy we took her with us but she didn't think she would do it again. Well, we gave her a year off and asked her again this year. She was so excited. She said she was afraid she slowed up down too much. She had a blast and really liked the house we had this last year. She was talking about wanting to come again this next year.

I say go for it. Lots of fluids (water, which MIL complained about the first two days that drank well the rest of the trip), sun blocker, sit down meals, you will have wonderful memories when it is no longer an option.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is a link in my signature that will take you to the disABILITIES Board. One of the threads at the top of the board is a FAQs thread with information about renting wheelchairs, ecvs, etc,
BW, BC of YC are very good choices as was already mentioned because you can easily go between the resorts, Epcot and the Studio.

 

[Montana Minnies]

Thanks for the topic, Bete
We will be taking Mom,84 years young with us in just a few days. It's been 19 years since her last visit to WDW and that time it was in June. We realize it will be hot, but it was the only time the rest of the family could get together.
She too, is slower than what she use to be and with the rest of us being there I hope at least one of us will walk along with her or if she gets to tired, or will push her in a wheel chair if needed. Maybe even rent an EVC, from what I understand they work well also.
We chose OKW to stay at because we heard it was a relaxing type of resort and thought at least if she wanted to she could stay there and rest if us younger ones wanted to keep on going.
But,she has already informed me that she too, will be going along to the different parks, and if she gets too tired she will find a place to sit and watch, while the rest of us do our thing!
We leave on Tuesday. She is as excited as the rest of us "kids" to go!
This is not so much a tip as just to give you some encouragement. It sounds to me like you have a good idea as far as the time of year to visit and taking things at a slower pace.
Happy Planning

 

[babylisa4]

It sounds like you have the right thoughts in mind. We took my parents and my in-laws when they were in their seventies and they had a great time. We did leave them in the room a couple of times in the evening and they were perfectly content. They like the things that you might not even think. Last year we took my 85 year old mother(she's the only one still alive. She brought her own wheelchair although she only uses it for long walks. (By the way, our Dr. gave us a prescription for one because she needed it. She just can't go very far at all. Anyway we used it in the airport and rolled her right down to the plane nd then she walked on. We would always gate check it. they would give it back to us when we were making our connections and then we would just gate check it again. (anyway- we liked having our own and I do think think that medicare and her insurance paid for most of it- we use it a lot for the distance thing.)

This is a time when if you realize that they might spend more time in the room that you splurge on the room and view a little. If we stay at Old Key West (have more room and a kitchen) we get a view that has water, ducks, bunnies, golfers etc. At the boardwalk or beach club- get a view of something that has a lot of action. Any monorail hotel- get a view of the lagoon. Wilderness Lodge- they could probably sit in the lobby rocking for hours. Or if you splurge for concierge- where they just get dressed and go down to the lounge in their house shoes for breakfast, afternoon lemonade etc. (We really got our money's worth on concierge because we were in the room more and it saved the hassle of eating out another time. Something about growing up in the depression, they like getting that "free" food in the concierge lounge.

My mother enjoyed eating, watching parades people etc.
When my mom was in her seventies she even did splash mountain but at 85 it was a struggle to even get her on the rides like haunted mansion. We didn't do the entire handicapped thing thinking that if we held on to her we could just walk on. Doing those moving sidewalk things and jumping on the ride was NOT easy and we learned quickly that that wasn't a good idea. I think my mom was kind of frightened because she wasn't sure she was actually going to get seated in the ride quick enough. Things like stepping into the Pirates ride were sort of exhausting even with my husband and me and teenage sons holding on to her. So I would plan on doing rides the "Disability" way where they stop the ride for you (or however they do it) or not doing many rides. Even if they can't do all the rides, I agree that they will find Disney magical. If you are lurking on these boards you must know that many people who concentrate on the rides miss some of the magic anyway. If you go at Christmas maybe you can go before so it won't be as crowded. I agree with the others onreading all of the "disability" stuff and then plan your meals, place to stay and most of all don't be frustrated- if you sense they would be happy going back to the room- then they might.
I agree tht they would like the candlelight processional. (Also with that if you do the dinner package- you have reserved seats. Also, my mom loved watching the little kids. Her own kids and grandkids are all grown up but she loved watching the little ones at Disney. And do a character meal- she loved showing all of her friends all of her up close encounters with the characters. At the character meals, she just had to sit there and all of the characters came to her. Also 50's Prime time diner was a big hit with her because that is what her kitchen looked like. They also need their own bed I think so they can rest well. We just got back from Hilton Head Disney Vacation club and asked for a "shower chair or stool" so mom could sit down in the shower. They had them there and brought one to our room when we checked in. Another time we bought a folding shower stool and packed it in a big suitcase and just took it with us. We didn't think to ask that time. Just anything that is kind of not set up the way they have it at home makes it a little harder for them so we tried to think through their routine at home and take care of the minor details so they don't become major frustrations. But it is so worth it. It builds my mom's confidence so much to think that she could still do that! (even though it took a lot of support from us.) Also if its close to their birthday or something- tell people at the restaurants- my mom liked the extra attention! We also had some of those "official photographers take our picture when we went inside of the park. They told my mom to hold her arm up in the air and when we got the picture back- "Tinkerbell" is sitting on her hand! That Disney magic is always at work! Good luck.

 

[babylisa4]

A girl I work with just got back from Disney and had a sick child and needed a dr. Rather than going to the clinic tht is about a mile away- there was dr. that made house calls to their hotel room! Always ask cm if there is anything tht might make it easier for you. My mom was like a kid- we didn't have her ever having to fuss about getting out money to pay for anything- we took care of everything for her- didn't make her in charge of her ticket or anything- just nothing at all for her to worry about except gettin herself to her chair. (Also at restaurants, she always got out of her wheel chair and sat in a regular chair- those wheel chair seats aren't the most comfortable.

 

[Bete]

I'm feeling more comfortable about the idea. I will visit the disabilities board, as well. Thanks to all for all the great hints. I especially liked the comments on the doctor who makes house calls and the prescription for getting a wheel chair. This is very good information to have for such a trip. I appreciate hearing about the good and bad of taking our older parents.

Keep the comments coming; it has really helped me.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by babylisa4
Anyway we used it in the airport and rolled her right down to the plane nd then she walked on. We would always gate check it. they would give it back to us when we were making our connections and then we would just gate check it again. (anyway- we liked having our own and I do think think that medicare and her insurance paid for most of it- we use it a lot for the distance thing.)

To gate check a wheelchair, ask when you first check in for your flight. They may give you a gate check tag right then, or tell you to talk to the gate agents. Do that before boarding begins and ask if you can pre-board (they don't always automatically preboard just because someone has a wheelchair). If you have a connection, make sure with the airline that there is enough time to get the wheelchair to the gate and make your connection. If there isn't, you can arrange for an airline wheelchair to be at connecting city gate and have your wheelchair at the gate at your final destination. Sometimes wheelchairs don't get delivered to the gate until most of the passengers are off, so let the flight attendants let you know that you want to stay in your seats and be called when the wheelchair arrives at the gate. Or, after the first class people have gotten off, you can go to the front of the plane and wait in their (now vacant) seats.

This is a time when if you realize that they might spend more time in the room that you splurge on the room and view a little. If we stay at Old Key West (have more room and a kitchen) we get a view that has water, ducks, bunnies, golfers etc.

One of the things we (and my elderly FIL and MIL) enjoy at OKW is the huge outdoor deck for each room. There is a table and 4 chairs and plenty of room. They really missed that when we stayed at VWL.

When my mom was in her seventies she even did splash mountain but at 85 it was a struggle to even get her on the rides like haunted mansion. We didn't do the entire handicapped thing thinking that if we held on to her we could just walk on. Doing those moving sidewalk things and jumping on the ride was NOT easy and we learned quickly that that wasn't a good idea. I think my mom was kind of frightened because she wasn't sure she was actually going to get seated in the ride quick enough. Things like stepping into the Pirates ride were sort of exhausting even with my husband and me and teenage sons holding on to her. So I would plan on doing rides the "Disability" way where they stop the ride for you (or however they do it) or not doing many rides.

Here's a past thread from the disABILITITIES Board about getting on those moving walkway rides. If you use a wheelchair or ecv in line, they will automatically board you the "disability way". Most lines are wheelchair accessible.

We just got back from Hilton Head Disney Vacation club and asked for a "shower chair or stool" so mom could sit down in the shower.

If you are staying on DVC points, special needs requests (for things like shower chairs, specific room needs, etc) are taken care of by Member Services. If you are staying in a Disney resort (or cash basis on a DVC resort), then you can call Customer Service for Guests with Guests with Disabilities 1- (407) 939-7807
or TTY 1- (407) 939-7670