Newly disabled would like info (1 Viewer)

Dec 23, 2012
41
19
colchester
Funster No
24,044
MH
van conversion
Exp
40 yrs
Hi i find myself increasingly more relient on a wheelchair due to my MS and our I.H. motorhome (PVC) which we love is now not working for me very well so decided to buy another Fiat PVC and have it converted to our needs. It is a very time consuming job finding out whats available out there! We have an appointment to visit Coachbuilt GB but would like as much info as possible.. As the steps are now extremely difficult for me i am trying to find out ways of getting into the van. I know of the power step but we have no storage for it in this van. Guess the new van will have a wheelchair lift but its not always possible to use them! I have seen on line a transfer seat that fits onto bottom of passenger seat and takes you to the top (electric). Does anyone use this? I have thought of a hoist running along centre of roof but not sure if it could be used if i sat on the side floor area? would love to hear about how others manage to get in and move around inside their panel vans??
 

SuperMike

Free Member
Apr 28, 2010
2,477
7,593
St Albans
Funster No
11,285
MH
Winnebago Sightseer
Exp
11yrs, but many years a tugger.
Can you stand at all June ? There might be something here, they will ship to the UK and are very good if you need spare parts.

https://www.mobile-lifts.com/handy-lift-hd/

Difficult to see, but here's Managements with the bin on it. :rofl:

P1020077 (600 x 450).jpg
 
Oct 2, 2008
4,434
7,886
Salopia
Funster No
4,247
MH
Duro 6x6 Overlander
Exp
since 1968
This might be of interest to you

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Langtoftlad

LIFE MEMBER
Apr 12, 2011
8,832
148,802
Langtoft, South Lincs
Funster No
16,024
MH
WildAx Aurora FB [PVC]
Exp
Since 2015
@MyrtleGuru beat me to it but as a Wildax owner, I was going to suggest you take a look at their Callisto...

If not that actual model - it shows potential layouts and what is possible in a 6m panel van.

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OP
OP
J
Dec 23, 2012
41
19
colchester
Funster No
24,044
MH
van conversion
Exp
40 yrs
Thanks a lot for your suggestions, very helpful, have approached brookmiller and have emailed Murvi a week of so back but no response as yet and they are a bit far from us but their web page was interesting may make inroads into trying to contact the writer of the report sent to MMM seems he uses a hoist to get his wife onboard so that could be one answer. Thanks again all.
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Hi i find myself increasingly more relient on a wheelchair due to my MS and our I.H. motorhome (PVC) which we love is now not working for me very well so decided to buy another Fiat PVC and have it converted to our needs. It is a very time consuming job finding out whats available out there! We have an appointment to visit Coachbuilt GB but would like as much info as possible.. As the steps are now extremely difficult for me i am trying to find out ways of getting into the van. I know of the power step but we have no storage for it in this van. Guess the new van will have a wheelchair lift but its not always possible to use them! I have seen on line a transfer seat that fits onto bottom of passenger seat and takes you to the top (electric). Does anyone use this? I have thought of a hoist running along centre of roof but not sure if it could be used if i sat on the side floor area? would love to hear about how others manage to get in and move around inside their panel vans??
Hi June, sorry to hear about your MS progression. Sue has PPMS and I have adapted our 6 metre coach built Autocruise Star Spirit. We use an Autochair Milford hoist to get Sue into the passenger seat. You can google it. We bought it on eBay for £350 and it cost about £400 to fit. We have a transfer stand to transfer Sue to a wheel chair which I can push the length of the van. I use a false flloor and the transfer stand to get Sue on to the loo which is also the shower. We get away a lot. We tow a trailer with a TGA Breeze and a small Pride Apex Rapid. Sue has an indwelling catheter which makes life much easier for me. Please feel free to ask any more questions or to give any suggestions. Martyn.
 

meanders

Funster - Life Member
LIFE MEMBER
Jun 28, 2008
2,458
7,839
Ipswich, Suffolk
Funster No
3,075
MH
C class
Exp
Since 2004
June. Given your location you might chat to Ransomes mobility in Ipswich. They specialise in cars but also do bigger stuff and may be able to help.
 
OP
OP
J
Dec 23, 2012
41
19
colchester
Funster No
24,044
MH
van conversion
Exp
40 yrs
Sorry for delay in reply but been away for few days. Thanks Martin nice knowing the autochair would fit a van thought they were for cars. Did not know about transfer stands so will consider that and will keep ransome in mind. As a short term thing have bought on gumtree a bath chair lift which works well sitting on floor inside sliding door and considering ceiling hoist for new van. Thanks to you all again
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Hi June, we started off with a bath chair off eBay, and then our wonderful OT got Sue an ELK which is an emergency inflatable cushion for when she falls. It's brilliant and I have picked her up many times. BTW we are on the paleo diet with DR Terry Wahls and Sue has responded remarkably, losing her brain fog and tiredness. We are gluten and dairy free and have learnt so much about the gut and MS. Terry Wahls was comatose in a recumbent wheel chair and now cycles 20 miles a day and lectures all over the world about food as medicine. Best wishes. Martyn and Sue.

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OP
OP
J
Dec 23, 2012
41
19
colchester
Funster No
24,044
MH
van conversion
Exp
40 yrs
Well I never you also starting off with a bath chair! I must do some enquiries about that ELK never heard of one and it would have been wonderfull recently when I fell in the motorhome and cracked my pelvis Richard had such a job lifting me up in such a confined space. Getting on okay but can not get into the motorhome without the bathchair. Its very interesting about that diet I am going to google it today! Went gluten free a year ago and that made some difference. Thanks martyn you have given me much to think about very gratefull to you. I googled your motorhome and its the identical layout to ours only bigger! we have an I.H end lounge. Still I wonder how sue manages to get into the bathroom? or have you adapted the door?
Thanks again for all the info
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Well I never you also starting off with a bath chair! I must do some enquiries about that ELK never heard of one and it would have been wonderfull recently when I fell in the motorhome and cracked my pelvis Richard had such a job lifting me up in such a confined space. Getting on okay but can not get into the motorhome without the bathchair. Its very interesting about that diet I am going to google it today! Went gluten free a year ago and that made some difference. Thanks martyn you have given me much to think about very gratefull to you. I googled your motorhome and its the identical layout to ours only bigger! we have an I.H end lounge. Still I wonder how sue manages to get into the bathroom? or have you adapted the door?
Thanks again for all the info
Being a tight Yorkshire man, we first tackled the access through the shower door. Ours has the door and wall running parallel with the inside of the van. We got our local dealer to hinge the entire wall so that the whole wash room is exposed for entry. Then, the next problem was how to get Sue from the corridor onto the loo. I used some substantial interlocking seed trays which are the same height as the lip of the shower tray. They sit in the corridor, I can then use Sue's transfer stand to sit half in the washroom and spin her onto the loo. Hope this makes sense. I can shower Sue and then transfer her to her w/c. Having MS has brought us much closer together and we often go away in the van. How about you?
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
this might help. Our OT got it for us because Sue kept on falling. We still use it.

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Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Terry Wahls MD
27 May 2015 ·


From Wahls Warrior Michelle
Many of my health issues have been eliminated and/or have improved due to the Wahls Protocol. Blindness and double vision all gone, balance, leg function, neuropathy pain gone, numbness and tingling gone, my mouth was numb and was unable to taste all gone, energy was so low could barely even shower or feed myself, now I'm back to normal levels and can walk 2 miles. Right arm and hand didn't work well, all gone. Last 2 MRIs stable and one shows reversal of damage. Have been doing protocol 100% for 2 years + Just finished school for holistic nutrition as I was inspired to share the healing power of food!!
For more details on the diet and program Wahls Warriors are using please see www.terrywahls.com
This is the Lady Doctor with PPMS who's book we follow.
 
OP
OP
J
Dec 23, 2012
41
19
colchester
Funster No
24,044
MH
van conversion
Exp
40 yrs
Thanks martyn for info much appreciated am looking into the diet sounds good think i would like to give it a go if i can persuade Richard! Had never heard of that lifting cushion would be a god send if I fell and i did go through a patch when if fell often but my O/T never mentioned it! Phoning Autochair tomorrow to see about a home demo might just be what I need in the new van.
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Thanks martyn for info much appreciated am looking into the diet sounds good think i would like to give it a go if i can persuade Richard! Had never heard of that lifting cushion would be a god send if I fell and i did go through a patch when if fell often but my O/T never mentioned it! Phoning Autochair tomorrow to see about a home demo might just be what I need in the new van.
We've just had roast sweet potato and parsnips cooked in coconut oil, with leeks, cabbage and carrots and apple sauce. We love it and try not to eat carbs. Glad to be of help.

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OP
OP
J
Dec 23, 2012
41
19
colchester
Funster No
24,044
MH
van conversion
Exp
40 yrs
Sounds delicious just the kind of meal I love but I would miss my gluten free pasta and cheese. We are having autochair up for a demo in couple of weeks just taken delivery of new power chair hoping it will make life easier but will have to get two doors widened!! as struggle to get from hall into bathroom (bungalow) to tight a turn! always something sent to try you isn't there! june
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Sounds delicious just the kind of meal I love but I would miss my gluten free pasta and cheese. We are having autochair up for a demo in couple of weeks just taken delivery of new power chair hoping it will make life easier but will have to get two doors widened!! as struggle to get from hall into bathroom (bungalow) to tight a turn! always something sent to try you isn't there! june
We do cheat and make gluten free lasagne. It sounds like you are real troopers. We salute you both.
 
Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
Thanks martyn for info much appreciated am looking into the diet sounds good think i would like to give it a go if i can persuade Richard! Had never heard of that lifting cushion would be a god send if I fell and i did go through a patch when if fell often but my O/T never mentioned it! Phoning Autochair tomorrow to see about a home demo might just be what I need in the new van.
How did you get on June? Auto chair have an extension for the extra height of a van. there are a few s/h Milford hoists on eBay and other sites. Keep in touch.

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Jan 2, 2017
592
607
Norfolk
Funster No
46,709
MH
Autocruise Starspirit
Exp
7 years
I love my breeze, you should see where I take the dogs.:)
I have RRMS and have seen friends get worse with it, such an unknown isn't it.:(

All the best @june in finding everything you need and when you do, enjoy.(y)
Sue has progressive MS, and she takes the 2 dogs, one on each side of her Breeze. Each MS is different, we just feel blessed that Sue seems to have plateaued over the last 4 years. All the best to you and family.
 
Mar 18, 2018
43
48
Congham , Near King's Lynn, Norfolk
Funster No
52,876
MH
C Class
Exp
Since 1967
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We have a specially adapted custom made transfer plate fitted to the passenger seat in our Ducato based Swift Bolero 714SB this was fitted by Des Gosling Mobility in Derby www.desgoslingmobilityltd.co.uk Phone number: 01332 863742 Speak to Sid or Bill and they will send you pictures. They have also fitted a number of grab handles at strategic points throughout our MH this includes a custom made grab handle bar which is fixed between our kitchen worktop and a ceiling anchor point beside the internal step in the floor which separates the front dinning area from the kitchen & bedroom area, which has a custom made half height step to make negotiating this internal height transfer much easier & safer. I also have an electrically operated step fitted on the cab side door which also makes it much easier for me to get in and out of the drivers cab door which was also fitted by Des Gosling. Sid first met me, by arrangement, on site at Brownhills and talked me through exactly what he thought we needed to do, we cannot speak too highly of this very helpful and knowledgable guy. The whole team at Des Gosling are really great to work with, very caring and committed to helping you, their workmanship is of the highest quality, it took them a week to do our modifications and they kindly provided me with a loan car, for the period, so I dropped our MH off at their workshop in Derby, borrowed their car and returned one week later, whilst the work was being done they gave me regular updates. We also have had a disabled buggy platform fitted at the back of the MH which was fitted by Armitages of Ferry Bridge www.armitagetrailers.com speak to either John or Wayne both very helpful Tel:01977 607157 also very caring and experienced. On this platform we travel with an Electro Kart all terrain Lithium powered disabled buggy www.electrokart.com Tel: 01233 666000 this is built around an articulated Golf Kart chassis which can easily be split into three parts and transported in the boot of our Volvo S80. This is great when wild camping as frankly nothing phases it no matter how rough the ground is! We have also fitted VB full air suspension & VB levelling jacks - speak to Mick at SAP very helpful Tel: 01302 215 296 www.sap-ltd.co.uk this means that we can drop the suspension when not travelling which make entry & egress much easier + the jacks ensure that the vehicle is not buffetted & rocked by the wind which also helps to make access & egress easier and safer plus the added bonus of the air suspension is that it rides like a dream, when travelling. My wife also suffers from COPD so we have a Dometic 2200 Freshjet roof mounted air conditioning and assosciated DC pack (inverter) fitted by Vanbitz which means that we can travel with the habitation air conditioning running plus can have it on whilst wild camping with the engine running. The inverter also powers all the mains sockets and appliances so we can use the Microwave Cooker and our Humax Sattelite box, plus charging the disabled buggy battery etc etc whilst ‘off the grid’. Speak to Eddie at Vanbitz (a very helpful and Knowlegable guy) Tel: 01823 321992 www.vanbitz.com Hope you found all this info useful.

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May 3, 2016
2,154
20,254
Ayrshire, UK
Funster No
42,868
MH
Swift Kon-Tiki
Sue has progressive MS, and she takes the 2 dogs, one on each side of her Breeze. Each MS is different, we just feel blessed that Sue seems to have plateaued over the last 4 years. All the best to you and family.
Mine is a breeze, they are great, mine is always muddy.

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