Nonnymus wrote:
> Becca wrote:
>
>>
>> Many of us, here, have cruised with Lori K., who travels alone and she
>> uses a wheelchair (ditto with Mary F.). If Lori can not get off the
>> ship, she enjoys the swimming pool, the hot tub, she plays trivia
>> games, she watches the ocean go by as we sit around and chat.
>
>
> Both ladies are class acts, as you say. We also use a 3-wheeler for
> Mrs. Nonny and I agree with much of what's been posted. I have a few
> thoughts that might be of direct or indirect benefit to the person
> making the inquiry. Of course, these are just my opinions, so others
> might disagree.
>
> The lightest, safest and most maneuverable device is the 3-wheeler.
> It's far handier than even a wheel chair. You can buy a darned good,
> rugged, dependable and functional 3-wheeler for $530 on Amazon.com. The
> one we have, after having had several, is the TRAVEL PAL. I could go
> into my reasoning for this specific recommendation, but suffice to say
> we like it enough that we just bought a second one to keep as a spare
> for if/when the first one dies and in the meantime, to keep in the other
> car for lunches out.
>
> With a wheel chair, many people require someone to push them. With a
> 3-wheeler, you are independent except for times that would require help
> despite the method of conveyance. If you are totally bound to the
> wheelchair or 3-wheeler, then you will have very limited opportunities
> going ashore. Yes, tender ports present more problems than docked
> ports, but even docked ports have steep gangways on occasion or gangways
> that are not smooth, but like stairs that have treads that flatten out
> as the slope decreases. Even with the smooth gangways,, the ramp up to
> it or at the shoreline might present problems.
>
> What I strongly suggest you avoid (assuming that you can from a medical
> standpoint) are the big scooters, motorized chairs or devices requiring
> wet cell batteries. Get gel cells at the minimum and NiCd or Lithium
> ion or Lithium Polymer batteries. They're light, hold one heck of a
> long charge and the battery doesn't have to be disassembled and packed
> away when traveling by air. The larger chairs can turn on a dime, but
> unless there's a medical necessity for one, I'd sure save the weight,
> add maneuverability and safety by going with a 3-wheeler. If you Google
> about them, you'll find a lot that Tobie and I have written in the past
> that might be of use.
>
> If your conveyance can turn sharply and is >22" wide, then the chances
> are good you could get by with a regular cabin. Mrs. Nonny can move
> about some by holding onto furniture, walls etc., so the smaller size of
> a non-handicapped cabin can sometimes be a benefit with closer access to
> things like the bath. If you require a roll-in type facility, then you
> obviously need the handicapped cabin.
>
> You'll find that on most ships, nowadays, the inside corridors, cabins
> and public areas are flat and accessible. The only times we've had some
> problems is when Mrs. Nonny goes from inside to outside. There, you
> might find steep ramps, thresholds or heavy non automated doors.
>
> In a dining room or even the buffet area, there are plenty of staff to
> move the wheelchair or scooter to a nonobtrusive area once you dismount.
> Most cruise lines will also volunteer (or you can request) that steward
> accompany you at the Lido buffet to get food, carry it to your table,
> and to help you into your seat. . . or move aside a chair so you can
> wheel to the table.
>
Dear Nonny,
You wrote - "If your conveyance can turn
sharply and is >22" wide..." I hope you mean "<22"
wide. [Less than 22" wide].
Cheers,
John in LALALand (On the Left Coast) |
