Summer is here and most people’s thoughts turn to one subject: vacation! However, many people with disabilities may be hesitant to consider taking a vacation.
One of the primary reasons for that hesitation is fear of the unknown. Will there be assistance in case of emergency? Are there hotels, attractions, and flights that accommodate or cater to handicapped individuals?
To get a better idea of what is available for Parkinson’s patients as well as anyone with a disability, I went straight to the source; Candy Harrington, an expert on planning vacations for disabled people. She maintains a blog that has wonderful information regarding any type of vacation you may be considering. You can also e-mail her directly if you have a question not covered in the blog.
For those of you interested in taking a cruise, Harrington has some valuable information. If you have never been on a cruise before, Harrington takes all the unknowns out of the equation. For example, one reader, who is a caregiver for her father was anxious and concerned about being able to handle luggage and attend to her father while trying to board the cruise line. Harrington was able to advise her that she wouldn’t need to worry with the luggage at all. The ship’s crew is trained to take care of that for passengers. And, if additional assistance is needed for the patient, Harrington provides information on who to contact at the cruise line.
Harrington also provides ideas for road trips as well as vacations for couples and families. If you feel like you could use a vacation, you’re probably right! Take some time to plan your next vacation today by educating yourself on the various options.
Now that we know that there are vacations that are easily accessible for disabled people, the next order of business is to organize your trip.
Why organize? Organization takes the anxiety out of your trip and ensures that your caregiver or other family members will be able to enjoy their trip without any unexpected surprises.
First, what type of vacation do you prefer?
Some people enjoy cruises while others enjoy the mountains or perhaps park attractions such as Disneyworld or Six Flags. Once you determine what type of vacation you would like, you can start to plan the other parts of your vacation.
Hotel Rooms
If you are in a wheelchair or using a walker you will need a handicapped room that has a wide door frame. The bathroom will also need to be modified depending on your personal physical situation. For example, a raised toilet seat, a walk-in shower with shower seat etc. Call ahead and discuss your particular needs with the hotel management.
Activities for Wheelchair bound or Slow Movers
Ask the hotel staff to send brochures or any information prior to your trip. If you plan to visit theme parks, or national parks, call ahead as well and ask for information about accommodations.
Airlines
Be sure to call ahead and ask if there are shuttle services available with wheelchair lifts. If you need assistance getting from one terminal to another, be sure to let your airline know before your trip. Airline staff can be standing by to assist you to your connecting flights.
Travel Smart
Bring a carry-on bag with you on your flight. Be sure to pack any and all medication needed for your trip, just in case your luggage is lost. That way, you are never without your prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist for the phone number and location of the nearest branch pharmacy at your vacation destination, just in case prescriptions are needed. Don’t forget to pack important information such as your doctor’s phone number, allergies you may have, medications taken along with milligram dosage, and the name and phone number of an emergency contact.
With these simple steps, you can relax and enjoy your trip, knowing that you have taken care of the essentials to pave the way for a fun and relaxing trip!
Have a great vacation!
