Anyone who is a wheelchair user themselves, has limited mobility, or has family members in wheelchairs knows how extensive and difficult it can be to go on holiday, whether it's a package holiday, a cottage, or something entirely different.
There can be both small and large issues such as:
- Are there ramps so I can get in/out of my accommodation?
- Is the environment level, are there stairs, or an elevator?
- Is my accommodation designed so I can move freely with my wheelchair?
- Can I bring my own wheelchair on the plane?
- How do I get around once we've arrived?
As a nurse (and former disability support worker), I have gained a lot of experience, which, combined with advice from good customers, has resulted in this small guide to the perfect travel package.
I would like to point out that this is a general checklist, as all our wonderful customers and their needs are individual.
Here are our 5 favorites for a good trip:
WHEELCHAIR USER - THE PERFECT TRAVEL PACKAGE
1) A good lightweight travel wheelchair can be a fantastic investment. Travel wheelchairs are easy to transport, easy to fold, and don't take up much space. Neither on board a plane, on a bus, or when you're moving around.
We highly recommend our smart and luxurious travel wheelchair "ACTIVE", which can be folded both in the middle and the backrest itself.
Read more about the "ACTIVE" wheelchair by clicking here!
2) Make sure you always have small foldable ramps and threshold ramps with you.
Many people don't think about this in their daily lives, as many cafes, shops, hotels, etc., are already wheelchair-friendly.
In other countries and smaller Danish towns, this can, however, be a challenge. Therefore, small foldable aluminum ramps and portable threshold ramps can be a good investment. They ensure that you can always get in and out of buildings, over high thresholds, and up any steps.
Read more about our different types of foldable aluminum ramps and threshold ramps by clicking here!
3) Make sure you have a good seat cushion that can be used both in your wheelchair and on regular seats.
Here in Denmark, our cars and roads are usually in good condition, which can be very important for people with chronic pain, back problems, and neurological conditions. When you are in a wheelchair, shock absorption is often extremely important, as all shocks from the surface you are driving on will often be felt through the wheelchair.
A good pressure-relieving cushion can work wonders. Especially an all-round seat cushion that can both ventilate and keep you at a comfortable temperature, and can be used in your travel wheelchair, as well as on various chairs and seats.
Here, there are especially 2 honeycombed/gel cushions we recommend. Namely, our XL gel cushion, and our XL gel cushion for tailbone pain. These two honeycombed/gel cushions are multifunctional, have washable covers, and can be hand-washed at 30˚.
Read more about our different types of honeycomb cushions and find your favorite by clicking here!
4) Make sure you get a good (pain-free) night's sleep
Most of us sleep best in our own beds. - They are chosen by us and adapted to our unique needs. When we stay overnight in hotels and holiday homes, the beds are adapted to the average person and especially to people without pain and back problems.
I know I'm not the only one who can find it very difficult to sleep optimally in unfamiliar beds, and I often wake up due to pain.
Uniquely, at Seniorpleje, we can offer a smart, lightweight, and portable pressure-relieving alternating pressure mattress, which helps you get a good and continuous night's sleep. It weighs only 2.5 kg and takes up no more space than a box of cornflakes.
Find your own alternating pressure mattress by clicking here!
5) Remember to bring your transfer aids
Many hotels have specially adapted accessible rooms, which offer extra space and where the furnishings are optimally arranged for wheelchair users. Unfortunately, access to either stand-up lifts or ceiling hoists is rarely available.
Therefore, transfers between a wheelchair and bed can become a challenge.
We recommend that you at least bring a good transfer board/sliding board, as well as a good transfer belt, so you can transfer easily, safely, and without too much effort.
See our smart and safe transfer belt by clicking here!
https://seniorpleje.dk/products/forflytnings-baelte-i-ekstra-slidstaerkt-materiale-60-x-23-cm-enkelt-sikkert?_pos=1&_sid=2a21533ad&_ss=r
_________ ❤️ __________
This travel package is a general suggestion for how you can best ensure yourself when going on holiday. If you need good advice or guidance on finding products that match you and your needs, I, as a nurse, am happy to assist you.
Finally, I would like to send you a link to the travel agency TUI, which has chosen to focus particularly on ensuring good conditions for wheelchair users:
https://www.tui.dk/rejse-med-tui/inden-rejsen/handicappede/
Best holiday wishes from the Seniorpleje team 😎☀️
Ditte Okkels Alici,
Nurse & Owner
www.seniorpleje.dk
ditte@seniorpleje.dk
mobile: 40563841
