He wants to travel. We would take his chair along. He only walks maybe 500 ft at a time, tires easily. He can't get prosthesis in sand or water. Wants to go to Florida. Are there accessible condos, seat in a shower, grab bars in bathrooms, even water wheelchairs. Dont know where to look. A travel agent maybe??
Yes, there are places in Florida like you describe. And if you're not on sand there, you're on water. But if he only walks 500 feet at a time, and he gets tired easily, what will you do while you're there?
If you do go, make sure you get a handicapped-equipped bathroom and hotel room. Also, you should take someone along to help him. I took my mother on some vacations when she was in a wheelchair, and it was miserable. My sincere no-nonsense advice is, don't go!
Call a few LARGE agencies in your area and ask.
There are wheelchairs that are designed for sand and "rough terrain" you might be able to rent one in the area you are going to be.
Personally I would look for a "resort" type place rather than a condo or other rental. (think some of the "all inclusive" type places.) Many of the pools have chair/hoist that a person can transfer from their wheelchair onto the seat then it is lowered into the water. So when you talk to a Travel Agent ask for places that have this type of set up.
**Another thought...if you have ever thought about moving to a Continuing Care Community you can ask if you could possibly "try on the community" for a week and you know that most of them would have all the accessibility features that you would need. this might give you an idea for your future and even if you would not consider it you don't have to tell them that.
I think your first visit would be to his doctor, with your husband and ask if this is even a good idea.
If you are planning this for the future you could even ask if a few rounds of PT might help increase his strength and ability to walk further. the trip might actually be an incentive for him to do well in this round of PT.
Personally I think this is not a vacation I would want to do unless I had a caregiver to help out and that increases your expenses unless you make arrangements and hire one at your vacation spot at least you are not paying travel expenses and if you do not need over night help it would be a 6 to 8 hour day for as long as you are on vacation.
Much of such a trip depends upon hubby's ability to do what he can for himself. If he is able to easily transfer from W/C and so on, then this can be done. But if he is truly disabled then WANTING a seaside trip and being ABLE to make one are two different thing.
He is in a w/c but there's nothing wrong with his head I am assuming. Have him begin to do research online. Tell him he is in charge of finding a place that can accomodate his disability.
Do not make this a LONG trip. One week max. Anyone can "live through" that; and it will let you know about what may or may not be possible in the future.
Good luck.
Give him a list now of places to check by doing "W/C and disability access vacations oceanside in Florida. A good place to start.
You really should ask his doctor AND his physical therapist about this.