Walkers???

[disgram]

We have a friend that is coming to WDW this August who has Parkinson's Disease. He wants to know if there are walkers with seats available at WDW. If not, is there some place where he can rent one like you can the ECV and wheelchairs? He loves Disney as much as the rest of us and I am afraid that this will be his last trip so I want to make it as wonderful and easy for him that is possible. We thought about the wheelchair and the EVC but they won't work in his case as his wife cannot push the chair and the EVC is beyond his ability. Besides he is stubborn and tries to walk as much as possible. With the seat, he would still feel that his ability is not truly gone, if you know what I mean.
Any help that you can give would be greatly appreciated.

 

[peemagg]

I don't know of any place that rents walkers, but someone might know of a place.

Does he have one of his own that he can bring? If he is flying and bringing his own walker, it will not be counted as part of his luggage count. In fact I believe that he can have it stored inside the cabin of the plane for free.

 

[SueM in MN]

Care Medical actually does rent walkers of several different types, including ones with seats.

But, if he thinks a walker like that might be helpful for him in places, he shoulc check into getting one. His insurance or medicare (if he's older) might pay much of the cost of it. They range in price from right around $100 to $500 or so (the more expensive ones are fancier and have more features).

If he brings one on an airplane, as the poster mentioned, it would not count against his baggage allowance to check it and there would be not cost. Depending on the size it folds down to, it may fit in the overhead bins. Many airplanes don't have closets, but if the airplane does, a walker could be placed there. There is no cost to bring a walker on board or to baggage check it.

 

[disgram]

Thank you for your quick replies. I think that we are going to try and talk him into getting his own walker. (DH will try!) He is going to need one at home pretty soon. Thank you PeeMagg and SueM.

 

[Tiggerish]

A year and a half ago I was dx with MS and refused to get the rolling walker because I did not want to appear disabled. A year ago I gave in and got one just to use for getting through the airport on my vacation. I now use it whenever I am going to have to be walking for more than a block or will be standing for more than 5 minutes. Exactly what I was told I needed it for when I first refused it.

Please tell your friend, that the rollator with the seat is a true blessing when you are traveling. I am able to get through the airport without a skycap wheeling me which helps me feel I still have my independence. It also makes me able to go places and do things that I had given up because I was too unsteady or afraid I would not be able to find any place to sit down when I got tired. Now I just bring my seat with me.

Also, chances are his insurance will cover it if his Dr. writes a prescription.

At the airport you take it through security (actually I have gotten waived to a special shorter line each time so it has benefits). You get a gate check tag for it at the gate check in desk then wheel it all the way to the door of the plane and leave it with the strollers just outside the door. When you get off the plane, it is magically waiting there for you and off you go.

If you do want to use a sky cap wheel chair, they will take you in the chair and push or pull the walker for you also.

 

[disgram]

Thank you, Tiggerish for giving such a wonderful response. My DH went to see his friend this morning and convinced him, with help from you, he is going to buy one of the walkers, (with Medical help).

I also want to thank you for making me see that there is no reason for me not to get one of the ECV to use while at WDW. I had a cancer operation last May and Chemo for the last 17 weeks. I am clear now,but am going having another operation in a few days and I know that I am not going to be able to walk those parks without help. I understand now that I have no reason to be embarrassed because I have to use the ECV. You are a great treasure!!!