Traveling with a 90 year old

[Mary Anne]

actually TWO 90 year olds

I'm posting this on the Disabilities board as I figured that most of you would have more experience with dealing with airlines and wheelchairs.

How far in advance do I let them know we'll be needing wheelchair assistance? We'll have wheelchairs availble for the whole time at Disney so it's just the airport I'm concerned about. They can both walk short distances are fine inside, it's just the long walking at Disney I am concerned about.

We're using ME to get from the airport to the OKWest (We're DVC and have a two bedroom and an extra sudio for 9 of us) but then will have a car available if needed to get them to the parks. Our plan is to use buses for the MK only but we'll use a car to go to Epcot (We are DVC so we are eligible to valet park for free by the BWV and BCV) and then we can walk into Epcot or take the boat to MGM. Fairly easy with them in a wheel chair. I'm not sure about AK, although it is usually so hot there, I doubt we'll go more then once with them.

For the record, they are really looking forward to this trip, we are not dragging them and have planned a very laid back trip with them leading the way on what they want to do an how much time they want to spend just relaxing at the Villa.

There will be 7 able bodied adults to help with the 2-90 year olds, so someone will always be there to help with everything.

 

[Chuck S]

Both MGM and EPCOT have pretty convenient handicap parking, I would not valet at the BCV or BWV to do the parks. AK handicap parking is roughly the same distance as the bus load area, but we do prefer to drive it so we are able to come and go as we please. We also find it less time consuming than having to wait for the busses to properly secure the wheelchair. A reminder, be sure to pack a handicap car placard, it is an easy thing to forget in the hustle and bustle of packing.

I absolutely agree with taking the busses to MK.

When you check-in at the airport, have the gate agent or skycap arrange for wheelchairs at your final destination and any connecting airports along the way.

If they are able to walk in and out of the restrooms in the parks, Mom usually finds that easier than taking the chair into the restroom with her.

 

[Mary Anne]

A reminder, be sure to pack a handicap car placard, it is an easy thing to forget in the hustle and bustle of packing.

We already have that on the packing list but I agree one of those things you can easily forget.

 

[Hannathy]

I always let the airlines know when I was booking the tickets that my Mom needed wheelchair assistance and it was always on her reservation and the chair and attendant would be at the connection and destination. I would call the airline they will know what to do. The curbside skycaps I think can only take you to the check-in-counter, they would then call for a different person to take her to the gate.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would also let the airline know when you book the tickets that you will have people needing wheelchair assistance. They should mark it in the computer. For people with disabilities, you can also get seats assigned at the time that you book the tickets.
Pre-boarding is nice because it allows you to take your time getting down the jetway. For someone with their own wheelchair, you need to ask about preboarding (they don't always automatically do it, but assume you will ask if you want to do it). I have seen people using the skycap preboarding with skycap/gate agent assistance.

I agree with Chuck about the parking. I would not valet park at BC or BW unless you actually plan to do something at those resorts. You will be parked closer and lots less hassle by parking at Epcot. If you do go there, the entrance to BW hotel is actually one flight above the Boardwalk. When you enter the lobby, go down the hall to the right. Just before you get to the stairway, there is an elevator to your right; it's around the corner and is easy to miss.

Two other things I thought of -
1) We have not used the DME bus, but other members of our party did. There are several (I think 3) fairly steep steps to get up on the bus. With all your helper, you should have people to help them get up, but just wanted to make you aware.
2) You said you will have wheelchairs and a car. Are you sure the 2 wheelchairs will fit in the car trunk? I'm assuming your 90 year olds will be mostly pushed around, not propelling their own wheelchairs; you may want to look at transport chairs, which have 4 small wheels instead of 2 big and 2 small wheels. They fold smaller than wheelchairs do.

 

[Mary Anne]

Good point about the 2 wheelchairs fitting in the trunk. I will need to check with my nephew and make sure he's getting a car that will hold two chairs. I was thinking more of using the Boardwalk area to drive to as we'll be eating a few meals in the world showcase and I thought that would be easier from that end. I guess, if we're doing Future World, it will be easier if we just drive to the front. I hadn't thought about that. Yes we'll be pushing them and I had thought the transport chairs. Are they as comfortable for the person being pushed as a regular chair is?

...and just because life is interesting my DH is now talking about getting a motor chair for himself for at least Epcot as he's been bedridden for the past 11 weeks with a broken ankle (had surgery with pins and a plate put in). Dr. has not let him put any weight on it yet. I was assuming he'd be up and about by then (late June) but I guess I shouldn't count on that either.

It'll be a interesting trip, I'm sure.

I am going to call Jet Blue tomorrow and ask about what kind of assistance we can get for boarding and getting off the plane. We'll only have one 90 year old with us on our flight so that should make it easier. The other 90 year old is going on a diffenent flight so I'll make separate arrangments for him.

 

[SueM in MN]

Are they as comfortable for the person being pushed as a regular chair is?

Transort chairs and the regular rental wheelchairs generally have sling seats - sort of like director's chairs. I can't speak about comfort myself, but the seats look pretty much the same.
Some people suggest a pillow or a chair cushion (like you can buy in the housewares department of stores like Target or Walmart) to make the seat softer and more comfortable.

...and just because life is interesting my DH is now talking about getting a motor chair for himself for at least Epcot as he's been bedridden for the past 11 weeks with a broken ankle (had surgery with pins and a plate put in). Dr. has not let him put any weight on it yet. I was assuming he'd be up and about by then (late June) but I guess I shouldn't count on that either.

Even if he's up to walking on it, he may not be up to walking on it as much as needed to tour the parks. He should probably let the doctor know how much he might be walking and plan from there.
The "motor chair" is generally called an ECV. They can't be reserved ahead of time for use in the parks, so it's kind of pot luck of whether one will be available when you get there or not.

Good luck on your trip.