Travelling with Parkinsons

[Emmab159]

We are a party of 8 travelling with my dad who has Parkinson's and Parkinson’s dementia. Any tips on what we can do/request to make the trip easier for him? He cannot stand for too long

[speedwayfan]

My Dad had Parkinsons in his later life and travelled a bit before he couldn't anymore. I would be contacting the airline's special assistance to request bulkhead seats so he can get in and out more easily to access the bathroom.

My Dad had wheelchair transfers at both ends of the flight and we hired one in the parks when needed but your circumstances could be different.

Jill

[Emmab159]

Thank you for this. How did you cope in the parks and the queues for the rides?

[stanleycamel]

If you are travelling with BA here is the BA Special Assistance number

BA Special Assistance Telephone Number - Freephone 0800 408 1100 - it is a UK based department (Newcastle) and open 8 to 1800 Monday to Saturday.

As far as I am aware they are still operating during these hours.

[Emmab159]

We are travelling with Tui

[Gap]

rent a wheelchair at the parks to help with the lines

[DonnaD]

I would suggest buying a lightweight wheelchair in the UK and bringing it with you. You won't be reliant on waiting for Special Assistance at the airport and can simply head to the gate at your own speed. They carry them for free and will take it at the gate like a pushchair.

My daughter's first chair on ebay was less than £200. It will also be handy for the hotel, restaurants etc. The vast majority of queues are wheelchair accessible now. There is also special seating for shows etc.

My mother has suggested a motion sensor or door alarm if he wanders. My Dad made it 1/4 mile down the road in the middle of the night once after a stroke.