A person can develop mobility issues for many reasons. Despite what many assume, mobility problems aren’t restricted to the elderly.
Regardless, if you do struggle with limited mobility, you know that this problem can impact your life in a variety of ways. For example, traveling with limited mobility can be quite difficult. This doesn’t merely prevent you from easily taking vacations. It even makes it challenging to travel throughout your own community.
If you are considering any form of travel that may put your safety at risk due to mobility issues, consult with your doctor beforehand. The information in this general overview isn’t meant to replace professional medical advice.
That said, the following recommendations can potentially make getting around and taking trips with limited mobility much easier and safer:
Use the Right Equipment
It’s important to not push your body beyond its limits when you have limited mobility. You run the risk of seriously injuring yourself if you do.
For example, perhaps you want to walk to the store, but it’s somewhat far away. This could be risky. You might be better off using an electric wheelchair.
Similar types of equipment can also facilitate bigger trips. There are many mobility products designed to be train-and-airplane-friendly. Research your options, as well as the policies of any airlines or railways you’re considering taking a trip with, to learn more.
Bring Company
Travel is almost always more fun when it involves other people! If you’re thinking about taking a trip, consider who in your life you could invite. You want to bring along someone with whom you’re close who understands your mobility issues and is qualified to keep you safe and injury-free throughout the length of your trip.
This is a wise idea to consider even if you’re not taking a particularly long trip to a far-off destination. Depending on the severity of your mobility issues, whenever you leave the house, you might want to bring someone with you if that’s an option. It’s always best to err on the side of caution whenever putting yourself in what has the potential to be a somewhat risky situation.
Contact Hotels
This is a very important tip to remember any time you are taking a trip that will involve staying overnight at a hotel or motel. Don’t just review a hotel’s website to determine if it’s designed to accommodate people with limited mobility.
Before booking a room, contact a hotel directly. Describe the nature of your mobility problems, and ask the representative to thoroughly describe the various features the hotel may have to accommodate someone like you.
You might also start by letting the person with whom you’re speaking know this is an important issue to you, and you’re willing to wait if they have to find someone qualified to honestly answer your questions on the matter.
Once again, this isn’t meant to replace seeing your doctor to discuss your ability to travel safely. That should always be your top priority when making travel plans. These additional tips can simply help make the idea of taking any sort of trip, whether it’s to the store or to another country, less intimidating than it may be.