disabled rooms in good hotels seem to be very few in number

[jillannf6]

hi i like to stay in good hotels wiht my partner but disabled rooms seem very few on the horizon

( jsut got back from a holidayin scotland )

it was in one on the groudn floor( good no stairs) but it only had a handrial in the shower - it was a good large shwower and was a step in one - all of which i managed ok but nothing els einh the bathroom to help me

but i was falling too much and had difficulty getting myself up

scotladn is a great plac efor a holdiday (flyign anwhere is now not easy for me_)

any thought sbecause as the population ages we shall need more adapted rooms if we are to get away and have similar facilities liek a thome

lol Jill

[Kathy]

Hi Jill,

Glad you managed to get away

Sadly most places seem to think that putting a grab rail in is all that is needed to make a place "Disabled access"

Last time I took Mum away we had to use the Gents toilet in one pub because we couldn't get the wheelchair into the "Disabled" ladies loo!! They had just fitted grab rails in an ordinary sized cubicle and thought that was ok!

Hope you continue to manage to have holidays

love Kathy x

[shasha]

PREMIER INNS SEEM TO BE QUITE USER FRIENDLY - I STAYED THERE FOR A COUPLE OF NIGHTS WHEN WE CAME OVER TO THE UK FIOR A WEDDING

[shasha]

IT IS PRETTY BAD TO BE DISABLED HERE IN FRANCE THOUGH - AS NOT EVEN THE SUPERMARKETS HAVE GOOD WHEEL CHAIR FACILITIES LET ALONE CARTS FIR SHOPPING

[SharonAB]

Fortunately I have noticed a great improvement with hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, paths and accommodation in Western Australia over the last fifteen years.

So if you ever feel you could endure that long, long, long exhausting flight (Yes,I figure you are not that foolhardy....but then again......)

Mind you there are still lots of improvements required here - For example how is anyone in a wheelchair meant to open a toilet door so heavy (fortunately more are becoming automated) or able to cross a road and re-enter the footpath - the angle of path entries can sometimes give you a real jolt for your money.

Why I say 15 years ago with the changes I've noticed - Well I deliberately tortured myself about 15 yrs ago - and used a wheelchair to find out what it was like (Put body into another shoes etc) and I was not a pretty sight - spent most of my time cussing and so frustrated at not being able to reach things.

so to Jill and Shasha - My hat off to you - Keep smiling and moving along...

N.B. I've noticed the biggest changes have happened through local government administration and funding - It seems the best of way of ensuring amenities are put in place - People contact their local member of parliament with areas of concern, get signatures, atteend meetings - and things then start to happen - Eg. widening of paths, public toilet amenities,and then the private sector seems to follow suit - planning permission approvals granted as long as provision for services for 'disabled' are catered for.

Regards,

Alana - Western Australia

[shasha]

THANKS ALANA FOR YOUR COMMENTS - IT SEEMS THAT THE FRENCH ARE OBLIVIOUS T O DISABILITY BUT ARE REALY NICE AND HELPFUL IF ONE GETS INTO DIFFICULTYS

[Peter3]

I agree with Jill's comments about facilities or lack of facilities around the country has been our experience. However, if anyone is going to Alnwick in Northumbria, Holly Lodge is the place to stay. The owners have really made an effort and the bathroom in room 1 is very well kitted out.

Two of the best countries for facilities are Malaysia and Singapore.

Best wishes to all you travellers

Peter3.

[rainbow33]

Tudor Lodge in Cornwall Looe is Fab for disabled people but it is self cattering.

[NannaB]

Another good self catering flat is BOD in Boscombe. Everything anyone could possibly need. Sleeps 6 with 2 completely kitted out ensuite wetrooms. Wheelchairs, hoists, commodes etc etc available. 2 rise recliner chairs in lounge. Even use of beach hut. I took my husband with PSP and 96 year old dad (brother and sister in law came as well) and we all had a brilliant time. It even had full details of all wheelchair accessible walks, pubs, restaurants etc. Only downside...it's fully booked now til end of year.

Nanna B

[marytea13]

I am back from a house swap Perth to Thirroul NSW - a northern suburb of Wollongong. The exchange went well although their house was not suitable for me - steps no shower facilities that suited me we got a chair from the bar b que into the shower & I tried using that problem is chair moves over shower floor. But I visited friends who had marvellous shower so did get one there! The purpose of this visit was to see family & that worked well many members visited us. The flight over 5hours Virgin air bus ok except vomited on descent but back same aeroplane but had problems with balance did not vomit this time! Arrived back Monday 1 am after 5 hours flight too long I think. have had problems until today very shaky difficulty coordinating but I did take my Sinemet tabs! I see my neurologist tomorrow! cheers Marytea13

[marytea13]

I am back from a house swap Perth to Thirroul NSW - a northern suburb of Wollongong. The exchange went well although their house was not suitable for me - steps no shower facilities that suited me we got a chair from the bar b que into the shower & I tried using that problem is chair moves over shower floor. But I visited friends who had marvellous shower so did get one there! The purpose of this visit was to see family & that worked well many members visited us. The flight over 5hours Virgin air bus ok except vomited on descent but back same aeroplane but had problems with balance did not vomit this time! Arrived back Monday 1 am after 5 hours flight too long I think. have had problems until today very shaky difficulty coordinating but I did take my Sinemet tabs! I see my neurologist tomorrow! cheers Marytea13

[marytea13]

I am back from a house swap Perth to Thirroul NSW - a northern suburb of Wollongong. The exchange went well although their house was not suitable for me - steps no shower facilities that suited me we got a chair from the bar b que into the shower & I tried using that problem is chair moves over shower floor. But I visited friends who had marvellous shower so did get one there! The purpose of this visit was to see family & that worked well many members visited us. The flight over 5hours Virgin air bus ok except vomited on descent but back same aeroplane but had problems with balance did not vomit this time! Arrived back Monday 1 am after 5 hours flight too long I think. have had problems until today very shaky difficulty coordinating but I did take my Sinemet tabs! I see my neurologist tomorrow! cheers Marytea13