Camping in an RV with Special Physical Needs

Traveling in RV campers has become much more popular over the last few years. This is especially true among people who are over the age of 65. Because of this, it is much more likely that these travelers will have special needs and be physically disabled to some degree. Here are some tips to help make sure your travels are enjoyable no matter what your physical needs are.

It is possible to purchase RV campers that have been adapted for those travelers with special physical needs. Disabled people may find they have more travel options if they travel in their own RV camper. They can camp in most campgrounds. Many RV campgrounds have adapted facilities to meet the needs of these travelers. And, they will know that there is a place that is especially equipped for them and their disability waiting for them at the end of the day. If a larger RV is purchased, it will have bathroom facilities that are completely accessible.

Disabled travelers who need wheelchairs will be severely limited if they try to travel by air. They have to depend on the airlines to have chairs or rent a chair in the airport to get them around. This is not so in an RV camper. And, beds in hotels are not usually adapted for people with physical disabilities, much less bathrooms.

If you need to have oxygen tanks with you, air travel is, again, severely limiting. Personal air tanks are no longer allowed onto air planes. This is due to federal safety regulations. Because of these regulations, persons who need oxygen tanks will be forced to purchase or rent equipment when they reach their destination. If they were traveling in an RV camper, this would not be necessary.

There is an organization especially for travelers with special physical needs. It was formed in 1973 and is called the Handicapped Travel club. It was formed to help support and encourage people with disabilities to use RV campers for travel. This organization has rallies all over the US. There is also a newsletter published that has lists of RV campgrounds that have facilities accessible to handicapped travelers.

Since traveling by any other manner can be, in the least, inconvenient and, at most, impossible, RV campers may be the answer. The additional modifications that can be made are wheelchair lifts or ramps, lower kitchen counters and cabinets, wider entrances, roll-in showers, longer faucet handles, roll-under sinks, brighter lighting, and conveniently located controls. Any, or all, of these can make traveling much more enjoyable for people with special physical needs.

Traveling can be such a wonderful hobby. But, if you have given up traveling because you did not think it was possible for you, it can be very disheartening. Hopefully, these tips will help you get back on the road and into an RV camper developed especially for you.

SOURCE

Eure, Marian. 2005. "The Everything Family Guide to RV Travel & Campgrounds". Adams Media. Avon, MA. USA.