CHECK LIST Travelling with MS

Transcription

1 CHECK LIST Travelling with MS HOLIDAYS Offering families respite away from your daily routine It is important that we all enjoy life to the full. MS Queensland recognises that everyone needs a break at times from the daily routine. As a person with MS, planning a holiday or taking a short break may mean a little extra research. Often the more time you spend planning, the better your experience will be. Whether you are mobile but fatigue easily, are affected by climate and temperature, or need mobility or specialised equipment to allow you to do what you want to do, there are people and organisations that can help. Here are some important questions you and your family can ask to help plan your next holiday break.

2 Tip 1: Remember to take your disabled parking permit and/or your discount taxi card (if you have one). If travelling interstate, make sure you check it can be used with that State s taxi discount scheme, or get interstate vouchers before you leave home. Tip 2: When travelling, think of your pace of travel and do not overcrowd your itinerary. Allow plenty of time for rest breaks. Tip 3: Allow extra time between flights, and time to get over Jet lag if applicable. Booking a wheelchair to get through airports, even if you don t normally use one, may help conserve energy for more interesting activities and reduce travel stress. Tip 4: Cruising has many advantages for people who are less mobile. For example you sleep in the same bed each night, you have your own bathroom, no luggage to pack and carry each day, etc. and you are still travelling to different places each day. Tip 1: Plan your travel around your known MS symptoms. For example if you get heat fatigued, travel in the cooler months. Tip 2: Plan for the change in temperature and potential weather conditions. For example heat, storms, and cyclones. Tip 3: Travel in the quieter times of year to avoid waiting times in queues and to get better seats on flights and transport etc.

3 Tip 1: The ideal travel companion is one with an understanding of MS and a relaxed attitude. Discuss limitations and strengths with travel companions, hosts and visitors well ahead of time. This reduces awkwardness because you have communicated your potential needs before the holiday begins. Tip 2: There are travel companies who specialise in travel for people with a disability. For example Tip 3: Check out discounts for carers like the Qantas carers card administered by Nican How much can I spend? Tip 1: Well before you travel, make sure you also plan and save for a budgeted amount and try not to go over it! Tip 1: Think of how equipment may make your holiday more enjoyable. E.g. if you know you get fatigued, the hire of a wheelchair or electric scooter may allow you and your companions to go places you may not be able to if walking. Tip 2: Maybe use a cooling vest or umbrella or keep to the shade. Tip 3: Think if you ll need mobility equipment, personal care equipment, bed rails, hoists, etc and plan ahead.

4 Note: when travelling overseas or on a cruise, even off the coast of Australia, travel insurance is strongly recommended. It is advisable to fill in the pre- existing medical condition form and disclose your MS. The insurance company will assess your risk, and advise on whether they will insure you for MS. They may also request extra payment to cover you for your MS. MEDICAL MATTERS Tip 1: Medications - always take enough for more than your holiday, in case of unexpected delays. Keep medications in their original pharmacy packaging. Tip 2: Always take a copy of a letter from your GP regarding your medications and medical history and prescriptions, especially if travelling overseas. Tip 3: Remember your MS Identification card or medical alert bracelet may be useful for emergencies. Tip 4: Always carry medication and associated equipment on board with you. Inform airline, etc beforehand. Check with your carrier. Tip 1: Seek advice from fellow travellers when planning your trip. Tip 2: There are many ways to get information these days, with social media sites and websites such as Trip Advisor just be aware that not all advice may be suitable for you and your MS.

5 ACCOMMODATION Accommodation options are many and varied so have a good think about where you would like to stay. Considering all of the above, where will you stay? Other things to consider Accessibility means different things to different people. Check out the website of the accommodation you want to stay at. Look at the photos and reviews and ring and ask the managers or hosts if the accommodation will meet your specific needs. If you

6 have a friend that can check out the accommodation before the holiday, all the better. Have a list of questions ready for your chosen accommodation when you enquire about it. Check the public areas: car park, main entrance etc. Do they have ramps? How far do you need to walk to your room? Are their accessible toilets? How far is it to the other areas at your accommodation: restaurants, bars, the pool, beach etc. What is the terrain and paths leading to it like? Rooms the doorway width, size of room. Is it wheelchair accessible? Will you be able to fit mobility equipment into you room? Measure your equipment and ask for specific measurements if necessary. Bathrooms are they accessible? Are there steps to the shower? Is the shower inside the bath? Will a hoist fit in the room? Are there rails around the toilet, bath, shower? Will you need a shower chair for safety? Bed will you need to take/hire bed rail, hoist, etc? Do they recommend a local equipment hire supplier? Are there local personal carers available? If thinking of a cruise where is the closest lift, does it go to all floors? Where is it in relation to the restaurants, bars, entertainment areas? What equipment does the ship have? e.g. rails etc. Once you ve considered all of these things, then you can choose appropriate accommodation which suits your individual needs. Links and handy resources A good place to start in Queensland is: bility.com/accesstravel/ able.com

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