Wheel chair for elderly parent

[Edisto Pluto]

Mom will be joining us for our trip to WDW this Christmas. As she is 78 we suggested that we rent a wheel chair for her during our visit. She is in good health and is certainly mobile but during our last visit she seemed to tire quickly. We feel that if we cut out a lot of the walking she will enjoy the trip more and have a longer day in the parks. Any suggestions on convincing her that this will not compromise her independence or in any way l lessen her enjoyment. BTW, this is her 10th trip to WDW and she continues to ride everything with her grandchildren in tow.

 

[celebrat]

I would suggest asking her if she wants to use an ecv. At least she would have control of it herself, and no one has to push her. If she doesn't want to use an ecv, let her walk and tell her if she gets too tired that you can always go back and rent one.

 

[Edisto Pluto]

Thanks, she said no to an ECV.........I'm thinkng maybe we have the chair available pre rented and let her be her own gauge. Heck, I wouldnt mind if the 18 year pushed me around.

 

[Laura]

Honestly, if she doesn't want a wheelchair then maybe you should just accept that you'll be going at a slower pace and fit less into each day.

It sounds like you have the best of intentions, but the wheelchair seems more a convenience for YOU (so that she won't slow you down). I completely understand too, because we had my mother-in-law with us a couple trips ago and she's really short with little legs and it was SO hard for me to go at her slow pace. I did learn a lesson with that trip though - if you invite someone along you're gonna have to go at THEIR speed, not yours.

 

[The Mom]

Unfortunately, the invitation to join you was already issued, so you really can't attach any strings to it now. Unless, God forbid, her mobility decreases to the point that her doctor advises a wheelchair.

I've been through this twice with my own mother. One was a planned trip but my mother had cardiac problems shortly before it and her doctor would only allow her to go if she was in a wheelchair if she had to go any distance.

The second was her last trip, and she was already using a walker when outside of her apartment. The condition on the trip was that she would have to use a wheelchair if I took her. I pushed her around the parks without very much difficulty; it was just the two of us.

I would take Laura's advice and time your pace to hers. Since you will have more than one adult, you could send someone back to the wheelchair rental if she became too tired. I would let her make the decision; she might change her mind after the first day.

BTW, if you're staying at a WDW resort, they used to have a limited amount of free wheelchairs available for your use during your stay. I haven't needed one for a while, so don't know if they still do.

 

[beanbunny]

We've taken my elderly parents numerous times. It was hard at first to convince my dad - now 89 - that he needed to ride in a wheel chair. Of course he balked at first but soon realized that for everyone - including himself - to have a good time, he needed to concede. Once he got over his initial "embarrassment" he loved all the attention he got - plus he loves my daughter weaving him through the crowds - she is a master! We always brought the chair from home - flew it right on the plane. Before he got his own, we always borrowed one from the local fire department. No need to bother with rental fees or the hassles of renting! Have a wonderful trip - you'll always treasure those times when grandparents join you! :wave:

 

[Edisto Pluto]

Thanks, we are at the BC for the week. We would never dream of asking her to do something she is uncomfortable with. We would also not go without her. As long as she wants to go we will accomadate her needs.......whatever she decides those neds are. Thanks again for your responses.

 

[WTBAD]

When you get to the gate just go ahead and rent a chair. Tell your mom it's for anytime she gets tired and to carry all of the bags. She can get in & out of the chair whenever she wants. Renting a chair at each park will be a little more expensive then getting one for the whole trip, but should make for a more congenial vacation.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

Honestly, if she doesn't want a wheelchair then maybe you should just accept that you'll be going at a slower pace and fit less into each day.

I absolutely agree with Laura. I'm sure you really are thinking about what's best for your mother. Let her walk around for a while and try it out. If she gets too tired or sees that she is slowing you down, maybe she'll be more apt to use the wheelchair. I think that she needs to think the use of the wheelchair was HER decision.

 

[jamieelara]

I think you’re already approaching this with the right mindset—it’s clear you want your mom to be comfortable and still enjoy every bit of the trip. At her age, even being in good health, the amount of walking at Disney can be a lot, so just having a wheelchair available as a backup is often reassuring.


Sometimes it helps to frame it less as “limiting independence” and more as an option she can use when she feels it’s needed. That way, she stays in control of the decision. I’ve seen people use the chair part of the day and walk the rest, which seemed to strike a good balance.