What are your options if you have a physical disability, maybe you have limited walking ability or you just can’t walk for long periods? Many elderly people or physically disabled people face this issue.
They don’t need a wheelchair for daily use but at places like museums, amusement parks etc where lots of walking is involved, what options do you have? It will depend on how active your loved one is. Do they like to travel to public places and events? Then a manual wheelchair, small power wheelchair or a scooter might be the perfect solution.
Power Wheelchair Etiquette
With the power wheelchair or scooter option, there are a few things you need to be aware of. The user of the power device must have good coordination and good enough vision to be aware of their immediate environment. You might think that getting or renting mom that electric scooter or wheelchair is a great idea, but unless mom is familiar with HOW to use it, the situation can become stressful very quickly.
If transportation comes into play be aware than these power chairs or scooters need lots of space or even a portable ramp which can range in price from $150-$350.
If mom can’t handle the power device, a used manual wheelchair might be the better option.
Rental or Purchase
If the wheelchair is only needed occasionally, then buying one wouldn’t be the most cost effective option. Depending on your destination, renting a power wheelchair, scooter, or manual wheelchair might be your best options.
Many companies in the larger cities and popular tourist spots offer rental options where they deliver the chair to wherever you need it and pick it up when you are done. In less popular areas, this will be more of a challenge.
If your destination has good public transit, then getting around will be relatively easy. You might also look into renting a wheelchair accessible van for the duration of your trip. You will have to make that decision when you take all of your planned activities into account.
Here are a few helpful websites that can make your wheelchair excursion easier, wheelchairgetaways.com or accessiblevans.com
Renting a Wheelchair
If your destination isn’t popular then you will need to do a bit of planning ahead of time. Contact local medical supply stores to see if they rent wheelchairs that suit your needs. If they don’t they will probably be able to direct you to who would in that local area.
Hopefully you found these tips helpful and you can enjoy a stress free trip.
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