Holidays for those restricted by arthritis?

BML

I have a sister who is 59 years of age, lives in Oxford and quite disabled by arthritis to the extent that her mobility is very restricted and she is in constant pain. As a result holidays that would be no problem for healthy people are impossible for my sister as she can not use public transport. I know that she would like to go away for a break and she is not looking for a hand-out. Could you offer me any advice that would assist me in arranging a short break/holiday for her which would obviously include transport?

shandy4greenday

I came across a site that is great for disabled I am just trying to hunt it out for you

shandy4greenday

Finally found it I hope this will help you find what you need.Good Luck x
http://www.tourismforall.org.uk/

barbara12

Hi BML
And welcome from me
I am so glad shandy has come up with this link for you ..must say I will be having a look...and what a lovely sister you are xx

wynnie

hi BML , i came on these problems a few years back ,we had a caravan which was fine (static ) unfortunately couldnt afford the site fees and petrol costs to keep running back and forward ,then we got a tourer which i found hard getting in and out of some days due to legs ,knee and feet and there isnt much room in a caravan door ,i think a lodge or something like that would suit ,but can i just say the best holiday ever was a cruise round the med ,i went on a thomsons cruise and they cater for disabled ,you dont need to get off the ship if you dont want to ,the food was brilliant ,the shows excellent and best of all lovely weather ,i could never go a holiday abroad now to a resort i cant walk far and id hate to be trapped in a hotel all the time,hope this helps ,im living for the day i can afford another cruise best holiday ever ,wish my sisters were as caring as you are to yours and i hope you find a lovely holiday x

daffy2

There is quite a lot of help available now with rail travel. I think it was Jenny Murray(Woman's Hour) who I read recently uses the station buggy service to get her to the right carriage instead of having to walk across the concourse, and on my travels over the past 18 months I have seen many wheelchair users having escorts and ramps etc provided to enable them to travel.Planning and booking ahead, and using off peak services, will make things easier.

elnafinn

There may be some help for you here:

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Hotelsandholidayinformation

Elna x

elnafinn

Last summer my good friend took her lovely very disabled friend to a hotel in Eastbourne for a week. They went by taxi,(yes, expensive but worth it) took everything that this friend would need, liaised with the hotel. My friend had an adjoining room to her so was near at hand should she need assistance. My friend put her to bed as she has a set routine. It worked really well and a good time was had by both. They took her wheelchair to get around in the day. It was years since this friend had been away and she was so excited about the holiday, loved it and wants to go somewhere this year.Naturally my friend was nervous as to how it would all pan out but she need not have worried. My friend has a heart of gold.

Elna x

kentishlady

Hi BML. Can only agree with what Wynnie has said, a cruise is brilliant for those who have limited mobility. You can do as much or as little walking on board as you like and if you don't want to you needn't get off the ship, though the Cunard cruises my Son and I go on, have a range of shore excursions and always give details of what the Activity Level is, i.e. Low, Moderate or High. I go on the 'Low level' ones with the minimum amount of walking and my Son goes on the High ones. We do go on one or two together, but it means that he isn't then limited by my walking problems. It's ideal for us as we can each do exactly what we want on board - there are so many things to do - but you can be as lazy as you like. One further tip, if you do consider a cruise, try and get a cabin within close vicinity to the lifts to minimise the amount of walking.

We have now been on 4 Cunard cruises on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and have another booked for the end of this year - (can't wait!). We have both become cruise-a-holics!!!

Do hope you manage to get something sorted out.

Beryl

hileena111

Hi BML
I've never been on a cruise but I believe they are great for people with limited mobility.
My hips, lower spine, neck and one ankle have OA. I have spinal stenosis and Kypho scoliosis in my spine. I can only walk about 10 mins without help and thats it.
I find a rollator {4 wheel walker with a seat} is great. I can walk much further. I use a scooter if its a very big place or hilly place.
I'm going over to Northern Ireland {with my husband} at the end of the week. To visit my mam who has her 90th birthday on the 24th. I'll take the walker. We have quite a journey to get to the ferry but there will be lots of stops for coffee and a stretch.
Couple of months time I'm going to Scotland with our Arthritis Care branch for a week. We will stay in a hotel, we have trips arranged {you dont have to go if you dont want to} when we get there. We are all in the same boat so it helps a lot.
Then the end of July we are going to a Christian Camp down South. Thats going to be in the caravan. I cant use a sleeping bag anymore I've got a foam mattress for it, then I put a king size duvet on it, lie on it and wrap the rest of it around me. I cant manage anymore than about a week in the caravan now but at least its a break. I will have the walker and scooter to that one
Thats probably no help ...just my experience of holidaying.
I must check out the links that have been posted as well.
Love
Hileena