Posted by Chelsea Shaffer on 11/8/2018 to Sitting, Standing, & Transfer Aids

Every year it seems like the holidays are coming sooner, as soon as November comes around it’s a race of back to back holidays. For a lot of families, they’re in separate cities or even different states, so traveling becomes another tradition each year. Traveling for able bodied people is a hassle in itself, but traveling for those using wheelchairs or walkers is a completely different hassle. Here’s a few tips to make traveling a little more bearable this year.

Packing, Transporting, and Comfort

We all have a relative that packs two weeks worth of clothes for a two day trip, it’s safe to say that packing light is the easiest, most convenient way to travel. Unfortunately, it’s a little harder for those with disabilities to pack “light”. There’s medications, possible mobility aids, wheelchairs and lots of other special items that may or may not be required for a trip. Not everyone has ample trunk space, so something’s gotta give, right?

A nifty tip for traveling light when using a walker as a daily mobility aid is to buy a “travel walker”. The idea behind a walker made specifically for traveling purposes is to get something compact but still useful for short periods of time. Something like an Easy Fold and Go Walker would be perfect for this scenario, easy to transport and reliable to use.

Another problem that may arise during travel is transport, moving from wheelchairs into the car repeatedly can be a pretty timely hassle. A Transfer Board is used to safely transport from these areas without all the hassle, there are several types with different material and different design to maximize comfort. Find some more common and useful transporting aids below.

  • Car Caddie - A portable handle that can be installed easily to aid in getting in and out of the car.
  • Auto Swivel Seat Cushion - Weakened legs or damaged joints can cause pain and discomfort when exiting the car. This cushion offers a smoother way to exit the vehicle without any harm.
  • Auto Handy Bar Car Transfer Aid - Another portable handle used for getting in and out of the vehicle with little hassle.

Another major, useful tip for traveling is comfort. A little bit of comfort can go a long way when spending lots of time in the car. Proper seat cushions, pillows, blankets, and positioning can make a worlds of a difference for your traveling experience. There’s no price on being comfortable and relaxed, so investing in proper seating is a must.

Don’t let the travel time put a damper on your holiday spirit this year, plan accordingly for the trip and take periodic breaks. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends but not at the expense of your comfort. Safe travels and happy holidays!

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