tips on traveling with an elderly parent

[cajunmickey]

Happy Holidays to all!
I am planning a trip for my family again. This time I would like to include my mother. She has not been to Disney since my senior year that was 1983. My mom is in very good shape but is 73. I know I will need to get her a wheel chair because it will be too much walking. Any tips would be great.

[DisneyGiant]

What about an ECV that she can drive on her own? This will make her feel much more independent than having to rely on someone to push her.

We used to put Mom in the wheelchair, and she was always saying "I'm sorry you have to push me" the whole trip.

Also - please make sure to check on her as you would your kids - "are you thirsty, are you hungry, are you tired....." I found alot of times my parents were all those things, but wouldn't speak up because they kids were having so much fun.....

[kakn7294]

Work the attractions, shows, and meals to provide timed rest periods. If you are the type, take an afternoon break (we go commando - no breaks for us). My parents went with us last Dec and handled the trip just fine - no wheelchairs needed. They are about 3 - 4 yrs younger than your mother (well, really my mom is 36 ) and in good health as well. We also manage to stop in nearly every gift shop at some point or another. It's a good way to slow the pace and get into the A/C and out of the heat if traveling in the hotter months. We also make sure to drink plenty of fluids which of course means plenty of potty stops! Remind her to keep comfort in mind when planning her wardrobe as well - comfy clothes and shoes, not her Sunday best!

[PETE FROM NYC]

My Grandmother passed away at 90 yo.Her last trip to WDW was at age 86 or 87,with my sister .Grandma did everything on her own,no wheelchair or ECV for her.She was always independent,and lived alone,almost til the end.
Sis and Mom ,82,just got back a few weeks ago.Mom used an ECV due to a heart condition,but other than that she got along great.
It just depends on the individual.
Enjoy your trip!

[Tick-Tock]

I would also recommend an ECV if your mom is up to it. Pushing a wheelchair around is tough! But consider that it's also stressful to drive an ECV, especially if it's crowded. We had to "escort" my grandparents through crowds to help clear a path, and they had to make a lot of sudden stops.

[bleukarma]

My great aunt is 73 and we go over at least once a year. My aunt is not an ECV person so we either get her a wheelchair or nothing, depending on how she feels. Accept that fact that you are going to see the park at a slower pace. When my aunt and I go we normally see lots of shows and stick to rides like IASW, CoP, The Land, The Great Movie Ride and her favorite Spaceship Earth. Last time we went I put her on Soar’n and she is still cursing me today! (I honestly thought she could handle it! ) But really, it’s up to her with what she wants to do. Plan on doing a lot of resting. Even though we usually go at least once a year I still usually sit down with her with park maps and go over stuff with her. She’ll usually tell me what she really wants to see and what she wants to stay away from (“I don’t want you to take me on Soar’n again!”). But if there is a ride that I REALLY want to see then she is more then happy to wait for me to ride it. It took me awhile to not feel bad for leaving her out, but I realized that she would probably feel worse if I skipped everything that I wanted to do for her. Make sure she always has water with her. If there is something on the side of the path that you think she would like to see or try, like a gift shop or a treat, then offer to stop for her. When my aunt and I go we usually have good seats for the fireworks because we are usually sitting down at least an hour before it starts. We always take breaks in the middle of the day back at the resort for her (and me) to rest.
But most importantly, have fun!

[hubbyofadisneyholic]

My mother is 78 and has gone with us the last 2 yrs. We go in June so the humidity is an issue. She would not even dream of an ECV or wheelchair so we just pace ourselves. We take a little longer than necessary at mealtime and make a point of going back to our resort for a few hours during the afternoon to give all of us a chance to cool off and relax.
She really enjoys herself and I just wish we could have gotten her and my dad down there before he passed away in 2005...

[cajunmickey]

Thanks for the help. I feel the same way, my dad passed away in 2006. They were the first ones to introduce me to disney in 1977. I have been a fan ever since. We have taken mom to football games having to walk a good distance and she was winded. But this was walking at a really good pace. I realize we will have to slow it down, but I want to build memories for my children with there grandmother.

[biodtl]

Whether you go with an ECV or wheelchair, I would suggest renting one from an outside vendor. They will deliver it to the resort and you will have it during walks to and from resorts, buses and parks. Plus, you won't have to worry about a park being out of them when you arrive (which happened to us when DH needed it).

Does she use a cell phone? Either that or a walkie-talkie might be a good idea so you can stay in touch if she doesn't want to go on an attraction that the rest of you do.

[Mikey Piano 23]

My grandmother is 85 and I can never imagine her going to WDW so I just want to say it is awesome taking trips with several generations. Anyway this goes without saying but drink plenty of water rent a scooter type thing bring plenty of snacks and just have fun!

[#1donaldfan]

My mother went with us a couple of years ago and did fine. She has had several heart attacks and has slowed down quite a bit, but she did fine and had a good time (at least she says she did). We were WAY too fast for her, even with 3 kids, slowing us down some. Finally, my mom told us to go ahead and we would meet later on. This worked out real well, she did what she wanted and there were no feelings of "missing out" on anything. We continued on with this the entire week.....maybe you could set up a "routine" or "agenda" that would benefit you both.....just know that the pace will be slower and there will be a lot of shopping and stopping.....but you will have fun, I'm sure...

[AuntDJ]

I'll add my vote for the ECV...we have rented twice from Walker Mobility and have not had any issues. The ECV was there when we checked in and they picked it up when we were done.

It has been almost a year and the kids are still talking about our "family" trip. My Dad would never have been able to keep up if not for the ECV.

Also, another plus for the ECV is there is usually a basket on it so it is a great place to keep water bottles and snacks. We bought our own water bottles (the type that you can put on bikes or whatever), I would fill them with ice from the machine before we left our hotel and when we needed water..it was there.

We also left packages and stuff in them. Not money or purses, but if we bought a stuffed animal or small purchase, jackets, etx... we left it in the basket...never had anything taken (where else but Disney), not that I am suggesting it as I guess it could be stolen..but we have never had that problem.

Most of all~ HAVE FUN!

DJ

[Darin M]

Take her on some thrill rides. She will have the time of her life. If she is 73, she will love to experience the Twilight Zone ToT.

[andreallybadeggs]

Well-- I'm not so sure about the thrill rides unless she's clamoring for that. I thought my 76 year old Dad would enjoy Space Mountain. He got off, looked me right in the eye, and said "Well that was about as much fun as a trip to the dentist."
Ouch-- sorry Dad.