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Rollator question, especially for KrazyKruizer


NMLady
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KK has mentioned rollator in previous threads so this is especially to you, but anyone with rollator, feel free to answer.

 

Hubby is thinking of getting rollator for using on next cruise.

 

Do you own one or rent one for cruises?

 

If you own one, what kind or what are some helpful hints ion kind to choose.

 

If using rollator of your own and flying, do you have to stand in security line or can you go to head of line like wheelchair escort does?

 

Do you gate check your rollator when flying or baggage check it?

 

Is it difficult to use on gangway inclines/declines?

 

Does a rollator fold so doesn't take up too much space in cabin?

Do you request a handicapped cabin or just a standard size for rollator.

 

Can you take it when tendering?

 

How is it on cobblestone streets?

 

Any other advice on traveling with a rollator?

 

Thanks.

Edited by NMLady
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My mother and I did a lot of traveling together. As she got older, walking distances became difficult. So I bought the Hugo walker/wheelchair. She could use it as a walker, but then when she became too tired, it turned into a wheelchair, and we were able to continue on, allowing us to do much more sightseeing. I pushed her. Now my husband uses it.

I usually push him through the airports; early boarding; leave it at the bottom of the ramp (gate check); they load into plane, and we pick it up as we step off the plane. Sometimes we go through security ahead of the lines, but we don't mind waiting either. Being that he is in the 'wheelchair', he probably could go straight through.

We'll take it with us on our upcoming cruise. And we'll use it while off the ship to tour around town - mainly in 'wheelchair' mode. If we didn't have it, I doubt we'd do much (if any touring) since his balance is so poor, and it takes him a long time to walk short distances. He won't use it while on the ship. He uses walking poles around the ship.

It doesn't go over cobblestone roads very well.

It does have hand-breaks, so going up and down the gangways is doable. We've found the crew very helpful if needed.

All the legs collapse, making it quite compact. But it's a bit of a pain to do this, so we just leave it as is. We don't need a handicap room just for this device. We need it for the safety features in the bathroom.

Any other questions just ask.

Caroline

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I rent a walker/rollator from Care vacations. It is in the cabin when we get on the ship.

I don't need one for walking around the house. I push the grocery cart -- that is my rollator. Most places we go to are a short distance to go from car to restaurant.

When I book our flights, I check off the area indicating that I need wheelchair assistance in the airports. Our biggest problem is getting the luggage inside our airport as US Airways does not have porters to help with luggage. The connecting airports -- some I have to use the golf cart to go from terminal to terminal and some I have a wheelchair.

I thought about getting my own walker/rollator, but I read too many stories how they were banged up in the luggage hold.

In you are flying in a couple of days early and staying in a hotel, you can arrange to have the rollator delivered to your hotel.

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I rent a walker/rollator from Care vacations. It is in the cabin when we get on the ship.

I don't need one for walking around the house. I push the grocery cart -- that is my rollator. Most places we go to are a short distance to go from car to restaurant.

When I book our flights, I check off the area indicating that I need wheelchair assistance in the airports. Our biggest problem is getting the luggage inside our airport as US Airways does not have porters to help with luggage. The connecting airports -- some I have to use the golf cart to go from terminal to terminal and some I have a wheelchair.

I thought about getting my own walker/rollator, but I read too many stories how they were banged up in the luggage hold.

In you are flying in a couple of days early and staying in a hotel, you can arrange to have the rollator delivered to your hotel.

 

My Dad insisted that he did not need a walker. Whenever he went to the store he would park near an empty bascart and use that to walk the big grocery store - he was just too proud.

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Yes, grocery carts work great - just not so much on cruise ships ;-)

As far as the Hugo getting 'trashed' in the cargo hold of a plane: We've used it countless times the past 5-6 years and no problem! It does come with foot rests (for use as a wheelchair). I do secure those inside the seat, because one time they came up missing. Thank goodness we checked right when we picked it up, and the plane crew went right back and found them.

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Remember that if embarkation and disembarkation on the long ramps is physically difficult you can request wheelchair assistance from the cruise line. They will also assist with one's own powerchair

 

We email the Access & Compliance Department after final payment and ask for that assistance in embarkation and disembarkation. HAL provides a wheelchair at the curb and a staff member does the pushing right to check-in and then drops him off in our stateroom. For me it's well worth the tip money I give out for DH to be able to easily board as he doesn't get around well (or quickly) any more. On board he uses a cane but if you rented a wheelchair or rollator to be waiting in your cabin it'd be there when you arrive.

 

Without the assistance I don't believe we'd be able to cruise any more ... so I'm quite thankful. :)

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My Dad insisted that he did not need a walker. Whenever he went to the store he would park near an empty bascart and use that to walk the big grocery store - he was just too proud.

 

 

Between very bad knees and severe spinal stenosis, I have a handicapped card for our cars and that gets me closer to the grocery stores.

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Remember that if embarkation and disembarkation on the long ramps is physically difficult you can request wheelchair assistance from the cruise line. They will also assist with one's own powerchair

 

We email the Access & Compliance Department after final payment and ask for that assistance in embarkation and disembarkation. HAL provides a wheelchair at the curb and a staff member does the pushing right to check-in and then drops him off in our stateroom. For me it's well worth the tip money I give out DH to be able to easily board as he doesn't get around well (or quickly) any more. On board he uses a cane but if you rented a wheelchair or rollator to be waiting in your cabin it'd be there when you arrive.

 

Without the assistance I don't believe we'd be able to cruise any more ... so I'm quite thankful. :)

 

Our TA fills out the proper forms for me to have wheelchair assistant getting on and off the ships.

Only had a problem one time when somehow my name was not on the list for disembarkation even though it was on the list for embarkation.

 

 

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Between very bad knees and severe spinal stenosis, I have a handicapped card for our cars and that gets me closer to the grocery stores.

 

I always wondered why you need a rollater but thought it would be rude to ask. Thank God your mobility problems did not force you to stop cruising!

 

What exactly is a rollater, anyway?

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I always wondered why you need a rollater but thought it would be rude to ask. Thank God your mobility problems did not force you to stop cruising!

 

What exactly is a rollater, anyway?

It is a walker with wheels on it so that you don't have to keep picking it up, setting forward of you, putting it down and repeating the entire process. That was all that was available years ago when my mother had to use one. Then they came with 2 wheels and sliders on the back legs.

The one I rent also has basket to put items in -- it is removable. And it has a seat for when I get tired and need to sit down.

We have only 2 cruises left and don't see anything else in the future. It is just too darn hard getting through the airports and we have no direct flights to any ports to make things easier.

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I rent a walker/rollator from Care vacations. It is in the cabin when we get on the ship.

I don't need one for walking around the house. I push the grocery cart -- that is my rollator. Most places we go to are a short distance to go from car to restaurant.

When I book our flights, I check off the area indicating that I need wheelchair assistance in the airports. Our biggest problem is getting the luggage inside our airport as US Airways does not have porters to help with luggage. The connecting airports -- some I have to use the golf cart to go from terminal to terminal and some I have a wheelchair.

I thought about getting my own walker/rollator, but I read too many stories how they were banged up in the luggage hold.

In you are flying in a couple of days early and staying in a hotel, you can arrange to have the rollator delivered to your hotel.

 

Does Care Vacations rent folding rollators. We rented from Special Needs at Sea last cruise and they delivered to the cabin one that did not fold up - very inconvenient in the cabin.

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Our TA fills out the proper forms for me to have wheelchair assistant getting on and off the ships.

Only had a problem one time when somehow my name was not on the list for disembarkation even though it was on the list for embarkation.

 

(Pssssttt .... whispers to KK ... Our TA actually sends in the info for DH's assistance .... but I didn't wanna start up that mess about using a TA vs DIY ,,, and a DIY'er can do it themselves :D:D )

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Thanks to all of you who replied. So much useful information.

 

I laughed when I read the remarks about using the grocery cart as a walker. That is exactly what my husband does. He has a state-issued handicap placard so parks close to the store, gets a nearby cart, and is ready to shop.

 

KK, I know what you mean about the hassle of connecting flights. There are very few ports that we can fly directly to and, as you said, getting luggage to the check in is often a problem.

 

DCSam, we had never heard of a rollator that can also be used as a wheelchair. What a perfect solution! Joe and I just spent half an hour reading various online descriptions for that after reading your post and then googling Hugo rollator/wheelchair. He has a Dr appt June 4th that is near BEK medical supply in El Paso TX. They have all kinds of wheelchairs and rollators so might have one of those or could probably order one if we decided to purchase one.

 

KK, thank you for the rental info. I'll compare costs of renting vs purchasing since it is probably not an item Joe needs, at least at this time, at home, and budget-wise we won't be taking many more cruises.

 

We hadn't thought of contacting Special Needs desk for wheelchair at embarkation since, using a cane, he can walk okay. But the distances are now getting to be too much for him as he discovered on our cruise last month. We are looking at a possible 23 day b2b cruise next April so wanted some kind of rolling walker with a seat.

 

All of your information has been very helpful. Thanks again.

 

Mary Kay

Edited by NMLady
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Some thoughts...

  • rollators come in different widths. Wider ones are more comfortable but may be difficult to in narrow hallways or corridors.
  • I think a folding transport chair is more compact than a rollator.
  • is it steel or aluminum? I like lightweight models as it's easier getting in/out of a car. It's worth paying the premium.
  • I now see combo rollator/wheelchairs. This hybrid version may be more flexible as the rider can walk or get pushed when tired
  • my transport chair would not fit through the standard doorway of cruise ship cabins. Mom had to walk the 10 feet from the hallway into the room while I collapsed the transport chair to get it into the room. I expect similar issues as the transport chair is roughly the same width of a rollator.

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Thanks to all of you who replied. So much useful information.

 

I laughed when I read the remarks about using the grocery cart as a walker. That is exactly what my husband does. He has a state-issued handicap placard so parks close to the store, gets a nearby cart, and is ready to shop.

 

KK, I know what you mean about the hassle of connecting flights. There are very few ports that we can fly directly to and, as you said, getting luggage to the check in is often a problem.

 

DCSam, we had never heard of a rollator that can also be used as a wheelchair. What a perfect solution! Joe and I just spent half an hour reading various online descriptions for that after reading your post and then googling Hugo rollator/wheelchair. He has a Dr appt June 4th that is near BEK medical supply in El Paso TX. They have all kinds of wheelchairs and rollators so might have one of those or could probably order one if we decided to purchase one.

 

KK, thank you for the rental info. I'll compare costs of renting vs purchasing since it is probably not an item Joe needs, at least at this time, at home, and budget-wise we won't be taking many more cruises.

 

We hadn't thought of contacting Special Needs desk for wheelchair at embarkation since, using a cane, he can walk okay. But the distances are now getting to be too much for him as he discovered on our cruise last month. We are looking at a possible 23 day b2b cruise next April so wanted some kind of rolling walker with a seat.

 

All of your information has been very helpful. Thanks again.

 

Mary Kay

 

I use my HUGO everywhere at home but a wheelchair which my DH pushes if we are in the move outside!!

 

As far as airport transportation we have found (after trying many other options) that the Airport Shuttle works best for us. We reserve one that is strictly for wheel bound passengers & no other stops are made. Our home to the airport & that is it. Thy have a power lift that they use to place me & my chair in, pack the luggage in & my DH & off we go! I think it takes about 30 mins depending on the time of day & we are dropped off at curbside. They & the airline people unload me & all my luggage & wheel me into the gate. It costs about $60.00 (give or take) & I Love it! no stops - direct to the airport & that is it.

 

We have tried taxis but they are very expensive & most don't have power lifts unless you request a van.

 

I hope this info will be helpful to some of you. I feel it is worth the extra $ because I want to continue to cruise as long as I can!

 

Any questions feel free to ask!

 

Faith

 

(Quendryth)

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Does Care Vacations rent folding rollators. We rented from Special Needs at Sea last cruise and they delivered to the cabin one that did not fold up - very inconvenient in the cabin.

 

 

All the rollators that I have rented from Care Vacation do fold up. That also makes them easy to get on many buses as the drivers just put them behind their seats or in an area next to them - mini vans. I leave the basket in the cabin when we are using buses.

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(Pssssttt .... whispers to KK ... Our TA actually sends in the info for DH's assistance .... but I didn't wanna start up that mess about using a TA vs DIY ,,, and a DIY'er can do it themselves :D:D )

 

 

I never mind mentioning that we use a TA to book our cruises. Many here know that we have been fortunate to have had the same TA for over 25 years and she knows all our likes and preferences and takes care of all the small details that I now need. Never have to remind her.

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I use my HUGO everywhere at home but a wheelchair which my DH pushes if we are in the move outside!!

 

As far as airport transportation we have found (after trying many other options) that the Airport Shuttle works best for us. We reserve one that is strictly for wheel bound passengers & no other stops are made. Our home to the airport & that is it. Thy have a power lift that they use to place me & my chair in, pack the luggage in & my DH & off we go! I think it takes about 30 mins depending on the time of day & we are dropped off at curbside. They & the airline people unload me & all my luggage & wheel me into the gate. It costs about $60.00 (give or take) & I Love it! no stops - direct to the airport & that is it.

 

We have tried taxis but they are very expensive & most don't have power lifts unless you request a van.

 

I hope this info will be helpful to some of you. I feel it is worth the extra $ because I want to continue to cruise as long as I can!

 

Any questions feel free to ask!

 

Faith

 

(Quendryth)

 

 

 

You are fortunate that Sky Harbor Airport offers such shuttles.

Nothing like that here in Pittsburgh. In fact we don't live near the airport and have to drive and stay at a hotel near the airport before we fly out.

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As far as airport transportation we have found (after trying many other options) that the Airport Shuttle works best for us. We reserve one that is strictly for wheel bound passengers & no other stops are made. Our home to the airport & that is it. Thy have a power lift that they use to place me & my chair in, pack the luggage in & my DH & off we go! I think it takes about 30 mins depending on the time of day & we are dropped off at curbside. They & the airline people unload me & all my luggage & wheel me into the gate. It costs about $60.00 (give or take) & I Love it! no stops - direct to the airport & that is it.

 

Any questions feel free to ask!

 

Faith

 

 

(Quendryth)

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this.

We live in Mesa and have used several different shuttle services to Sky Harbor and it seemed that each was worse than the one before. Last time there was not even a step to help you enter a very high interior and instead of helping us after loading the luggage the driver told us we were taking to long.

 

I went to the Airport Shuttle Sky Harbor website online and I want to make sure this is the one you were referring to. We do not need a lift to enter the shuttle yet but do require some assistance. Do you order the exlusive non-stop van service?

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You are fortunate that Sky Harbor Airport offers such shuttles.

Nothing like that here in Pittsburgh. In fact we don't live near the airport and have to drive and stay at a hotel near the airport before we fly out.

 

There used to be an airport shuttle in our area but not one that could accomodate mobility impaired.

It went out of business years ago.

 

We are like you and need to drive to airport (88 miles) and spend the night before our flight at a hotel near the airport. Luckily the Armed Services Hotel near ELP has a very reasonable rate for veterans and we can leave our car there free, any length of time, taking a taxi to the airport just a few miles away.

One advantage of renting a rollator and having it in ship cabin is that we wouldn't have to find room for it in taxi trunk along with our luggage for a 23 day cruise including a CPAP case and backpack of Rx, cameras, ipad, chargers and other valuables in addition to a suitcase each and my travel purse.

Edited by NMLady
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All the rollators that I have rented from Care Vacation do fold up. That also makes them easy to get on many buses as the drivers just put them behind their seats or in an area next to them - mini vans. I leave the basket in the cabin when we are using buses.

 

Joe and I are still discussing rollator vs wheelchair/rollator, renting vs purchasing. The easier mobiliy of a rollator is a good argument for that. It's a good thing we have a lot more months to make our decision.

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All the rollators that I have rented from Care Vacation do fold up. That also makes them easy to get on many buses as the drivers just put them behind their seats or in an area next to them - mini vans. I leave the basket in the cabin when we are using buses.

 

Thank you KK. When I book with Care Vacations I'll confirm it folds.

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There used to be an airport shuttle in our area but not one that could accomodate mobility impaired.

It went out of business years ago.

 

We are like you and need to drive to airport (88 miles) and spend the night before our flight at a hotel near the airport. Luckily the Armed Services Hotel near ELP has a very reasonable rate for veterans and we can leave our car there free, any length of time, taking a taxi to the airport just a few miles away.

One advantage of renting a rollator and having it in ship cabin is that we wouldn't have to find room for it in taxi trunk along with our luggage for a 23 day cruise including a CPAP case and backpack of Rx, cameras, ipad, chargers and other valuables in addition to a suitcase each and my travel purse.

 

In the morning we still have to drive to a secure garage where we leave our car. Insurance will not cover anything should something happen in the hotel's unsecure parking area.

A couple of the hotels we stay at give me a walker to use if we wish to walk to a nearby restaurant -- this isn't available for everyone. We just happen to stay at the same hotels both pre and post cruise. It is hard to get even a folded walker into a taxi with 4 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, a back pack and my large traveling purse. One large suitcase always ends up in the front seat.

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