Handicapp travel

[dsfritz]

My brother in law is a quadrapalegic. He just turned 65 and is interested in doing the "snowbird" think with my sister. The problem is that he need special equipment to travel (machine to transfer him from his wheelchair to bed) Do any of you tuggers have any experience traveling as/ with a handicapped / ? Even hotels/ condos designated as "handicap" units may not work, since the bed frame has to be off the floor to allow the lift to fit under the bed.
Thank you for any advice you can give.

 

[DeniseM]

I would narrow their travel down to an area, and a group of resorts, and then call the front desk or concierge and find out what they offer.

Another option is to rent the needed equipment locally, and have it delivered to the resort, rather than transporting it.

 

[cyntravel]

Travel

Hi I have traveled with my Mother who is handicapped. I agree always call the Resorts you are interested in. Ask all the questions such as are they ADA compliant, measurements of doors, toilet seat measurements, roll in shower or tub, layout of property and pictures and sizes of rooms.

I always use local medical supply companies. They are always helpful with delivery and pickup so you don't have to move the supplies yourself. I have rented lift chairs, electric wheelchairs and various equipment that was needed.
I also rent a handicap van when we travel.

I find that your name brand resorts are more ADA compliant but have also found other resorts that will work with you if you ask the right questions.

Remember TUG is always helpful with getting you pictures of the rooms.
I hope this helps.
Cyn

 

[dsfritz]

Thank you for those suggestions. We thought about the equipment rental, but what to do staying in hotels along the way. I don't think he can fly.

 

[DeniseM]

Thank you for those suggestions. We thought about the equipment rental, but what to do staying in hotels along the way. I don't think he can fly.

I see people in wheel chairs on every flight - the airport will even provide the wheel chair, and someone to assist them.

 

[Passepartout]

I see people in wheel chairs on every flight - the airport will even provide the wheel chair, and someone to assist them.

There is a difference between needing a wheelchair' and a quadriplegic. A quad would require full assistance. In order to fly commercial, one needs to at least be able to transfer wheelchair-to-seat and vice versa, and be able (with minimal assistance) to depart the aircraft in case of evacuation.

What does his caregiver say about his ability to travel? This person would have final say in the matter. He expresses a desire to 'snowbird'. Is he or his caregiver familiar with timeshare living? Perhaps they could find an assisted living apartment for his stay. They would have the necessary room for his equipment and staff trained to help with a quadriplegic 'guest'. That's what they do.

It seems like a very difficult desire to fulfill.

Jim

 

[cyntravel]

Hi We have traveled by Southwest Airline with my Mother from the east coast to out west in years past. You just have to call the airline and tell them what assistance you will need to travel. They were the best airline for my Mom. She couldn't use her legs and they put her in a isle chair, rolled her to a isle seat at the front of the plane and easily slide her in. You just need to be clear in what assistance you need. People will be there to help you out.