Disabled caravanning
My wife and I haves been caravanning for more than 50 years. It is an important part of our lives. She has just had a leg amputated we are seeking advice from those who have faced a similar problem. We would be grateful to any one who can tell us of aids or give us any other useful information
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That's bad news and hope she can carry on while adapting to her new way of life. With the advance of prosthetics I would say she will adapt fairly quickly, just look at all the unfortunate service personnel that come back from war zones with limb loss and what they can do. Amazing. Good luck.
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I hope you get some useful info, 1F.
Have you seen the step lifts advertised in the magazine on occasion?
Incidentally, I have reported your post to bring to Rowena’s attention the ‘moderator’ banner on your avatar which I’m guessing is incorrect. It won’t be anything you’ve done but a quirk of the system.
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I am afraid I little but there was a chap that I was speaking to a few years ago that used a wheelchair (but also a hand cranked recumbent cycle that went like a rocket). He had a lift device to access his large motorhome in his wheelchair
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I hope Peedee won't mind me mentioning his travel blog, where there is lots of information and links to help anyone travelling with disabilities. I've had to search around for a link and I found one in the story section, Peedee has put a few travel stories on there. LINK
My very best wishes to the OP, I do hope you can both enjoy your van travels in the future.
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Each individual is different, some can cope easily with disability while others struggle.
If your wife is hoping to remain walking after she has gotten used to her new leg then I see no reason for any adaptions to your caravan except perhaps one of those double steps with the handrail. She will adapt, as lornalou says. However, if she is going to be in a wheelchair then some thought has to be put into it.
Vicki is in a chair and the previous two caravans we have owned we had a wider door fitted (Coachbuilt GB) to allow me to push her straight into the caravan via a ramp, we also had the rear bathroom altered to a wet-room.
We now have a swift Basecamp and we have not had to alter it at all as the rear door is wide enough for one of her wheelchairs.
You will see problems. You will overcome them (one way or another).
Good luck with you future caravanning, long may it continue.
Dave and Vicki
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No problem Bru, thanks for the plug.
I am just in the process of updating and correcting it after a long trip away. While it is written from the perspective of someone who is non ambulent I hope if you have a look Faledger there is something there which can be of assistance.Best of luck in finding what you need to carry on caravanning.
peedee
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Hi 1F,
My husband and I too were seasoned caravanners until he had a stroke over two years ago (and then another more severe one this time last year). Nothing was going to stop me though.
For ease, I chipped in the caravan for a motorhome. My boy was severely restricted in movement but I figured we would have more quality time away if I had the courage to drive a motorhome: I certainly didn’t have the guts to tow.
I guess what I am trying to say is, you adapt. Don’t let it stop you. Take things slowly and if it takes you several hours to setup and make the beds etc it just does! 😬 it’s not the end of the world that Mrs 1F doesn’t have a leg anymore- it’s just the beginning of another chapter.
one of the reasons I find the motorhome so much more user friendly is that everything is on board. I can pull up and plug in and settle. Boy can just about get himself in the back now without my help so things are looking up. Onwards and upwards.
Do let us know how you get on
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Meant to add that you will soon get used to setting up on your own while Her Majesty sits in the car telling you where you are going wrong.
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14 years ago I suffered a severe brain injury which has left me partial paralysed down my left hand side, One of the biggest things I noticed how much the floor flexed, when you abled bodied you don't notice, but try to maintain your is so difficult, you also find yourself trying to grab on to things for things for support.
However the good news you will be surprised how well your body will adapt, now I can drive and with help from the wife put up the awning.
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Oneputt I do hope that's a spelling mistake 'canning' rather than caravanning 😂😂.
I think one has to adopt a positive attitude in such situations it ain't always easy as I'm finding out 😢. I'm hoping that given time we can resume a near normal life that will include motor-homing again. I know I can drive the motorhome, just need to be kind to myself when the time comes!
Speaking as one who's OH has recently had a triple bypass following a heart attack and suffered a stroke during or soon after the OP I take inspiration from artyboo.
Please remember your posts do help and inspire others, any tips are welcome. I know artyboo travels across the channel 😃. My dad lost a leg in his 70's and had to use a wheelchair it's not only how the amputee copes but how those around adapt too, sadly some don't/won't and that doesnt help the situation. What's a few chips in the paintwork or rearranged furniture???
There but for the grace of God go I 😉
I shall be watching this thread and I wish you both a speedy recovery and long and happy days/months/years caravanning.
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Oneputt I do hope that's a spelling mistake 'canning' rather than caravanning
Perhaps it's a reference to Corners having a purge on discipline.
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