I'm posting on behalf of my Dad and my Mam. They currently have a caravan, and my Mam has rheumatoid arthritis which she copes with. Anyway just over a week ago she had a brain haemorrhage which has left her paralysed on her left side (arm and leg). We are hopeful that she will regain some strength back to allow her to walk in a fashion, but is it possible to still go in the caravan with such a high level of disability? Are there any aids that we should be looking for?
Any advise would be most welcome. My Dad has only just retired and their retirement years were going to be going of in the caravan.
Sorry to hear about your Mother, hopefully thing will improve over time with some physio.
There are lots of aids available to help those with various disabilities carry on camping. Can I suggest that you do a search for "caravan disability aids" on the web, I think you will get some ideas for what you may want.
All disability aids are expensive however,you dont have to buy new.The first link is for companies who deal with people who have a disability and a caravan..the second is for people selling second hand like a step lift..hope this helps''
Thank you for your replies they are very much appreciated.
I think we have got our heads around the fact of her having this new disability, but i think they (my mam and dad) would find it very difficult if they couldn't go in the caravan.
A 'Boot scooter' type of mobility scooter is a real boon to caravanning, not only will she be able to get around the site and visit the shop ect without the need for someone to push her in a wheelchair, it will help them get around and do a bit of site seeing without your Dad getting tired out from having to push her chair.
I have taken my scooter around Windsor castle and a lot of the Natioal trust properties before, used it to start my Christmas shopping around Scarbrough last week, and scooted down to the local pub in the evenings to have a drink and a meal in the gardens. they really are worth the money and take only a minimum amount of electricity to charge them up every 10 miles or so depending on model.
My other essentials are a double wide tread step, and a raised 'V' memory foam cushion for my side of the bed, so that i can sleep more upright
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
I also suffer from RA, but my wife manages to do most of the work even though she has oestoarthritis. I woudl imagine that it woudl help your mam to go caravanning as it may help her overcome her new disability.
Hi my wife had a stroke and it took 2 years of physio to get her walking in a fashion
But now we go carravaning all summer we have a "boot scooter" and walking aid
We also fitted an outside handel to the caravan and use a twin step
Its just knowing what you can do and what you can,t But over the course of the summer we see lots of disabled people caravaning There is no reason why you can,t go other than hospital trips etc
I just wanted to thank you all for your advise and your kind words. I've shown my Dad the links and he has 'plans'. He's quite handy, so can alter the caravan if required and seeing the step thing has got him thinking of how to make one cheaper (he used to work in engineering).
As they say, 'where there's a will there's a way'.
Hi Mrs Q, My wife has severe R A. also and can do little to help setting up etc, luckily I am still able to cope on my own although the awning does test me, what I would say is that if your dad can't manage then if someone could be there for 'set-up' and decamp,I,m sure they would appreciate it, as for aids most advice has been given, the general aides from home that she uses should be taken, one thing I am considering is steps with handrails as she is very unsteady on her feet. Being long time Caravaners and knowing well the suffering she goes through throughout the year, I know how important it is for us to 'get away' and she has never been a Hotel or B&B fan. The fact that you are seeking advice shows how caring you are so I amm sure they are in good hands, give them both our best wishes and good luck for the future. John.
------------- Life is our Holiday enjoy it before its time to go back!
just watched caravan finder and seen the most amazing caravan called an axess i think or something simular to that they are made by adria and modified by frys in hull
frys also supply a raised toilet seat to fit your cassette loo which i am sure could be invaluable
i am a nurse and was totally blown away by how much thought and detail had gone in to these vans
My wifes aunt has an axess caravan, they used to use an avondale van. With theirs, the door has been widened so that it can take a wheelchair, and the entire rear of the van converted to a bedroom with wetroom area. The front of the van still contains the kitchen and living room so in effect it is now a 3 berth. Weighs around 1400 fully loaded.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: disability and caravanning
