Where can I rent a wheelchair?

[pepperlandgirl]

For short-term use.

I'm going to the Wilco concert on Friday night, and it's general admission. Between my achilles tendons and my toenails, I can barely walk, much less stand for hours on end (and Wilco's concerts are long. Last time they played for nearly 3 hours, and that doesn't count the opening act).

So I was thinking I'd just bring my own chair! The only problem is, I have no idea where to find my own chair. Maybe a medical supply store? I know there's one down the road. Is that my best bet?

Comments

[fishsanwitt]

Try the Red Cross or a local hospital.

[pepperlandgirl4.livejournal.com]

Since you're here, do you know why I feel vaguely oogey about the whole plan?

[fishsanwitt]

No, actually I don't. I think it's a very good idea. I know the Red Cross rents out crutches (I used them when I sprained my ankle). You might also want to check stores that sell/rent hospital equipment (not necessarily a medical supply store).

[thisficklemob.livejournal.com]

I can take a stab at that... I'm guessing it's because you know most people associate wheelchairs (outside hospitals), if not with paraplegia, then at least more generally with disabilities in the lower body. Unless a person using a wheelchair is wearing a cast or something that indicates the impairment is temporary, people assume it's permanent. (Author Nancy Meirs, who uses a wheelchair due to MS, has commented that people think it's ok to bump into her feet because they think she can't feel them – she can, she just can't move them.) You're probably uneasy because, however justified your use of a wheelchair is, you feel it's dishonest in some way. Or maybe the issue touches on anxieties you may have about becoming paralyzed or otherwise disabled and needing to use a wheelchair on a long-term basis.

I can't talk you out of those feelings, but I do know many people who can walk, such as those with chronic illnesses, use wheelchairs when they can't handle the amount of walking or standing a situation calls for. You're not lying, so you should do whatever you need to to enjoy the concert.

Medical supply stores are worth checking out... if you happen to be friendly with a university theatre's props department, or know somebody who is, you could check with them. We borrowed a wheelchair for a musical in high school once, and I think we might have gotten it from the college's props collection. I only mention it because it may be difficult to rent a chair for a reasonable amount for just a day.

[curetpillargirl.livejournal.com]

I'd go with medical supplies or a hospital perhaps. Or ask your doctor.

wheelchairs

[babs6219.livejournal.com]

A few months after my dad's first stroke, we went to the State fair, and the Alamo. He could normally walk at that time, very slowly and with a limp, at home he used a cane. On a trip like that, obviously he needed a chair...we called the theme park, and they referred us to several places, and they were very reasonable. This was in 2001, and I'm thinking it was about 25.00 a day. There was a deposit, but I believe it was waived since I put it on a credit card. Hope that helps, and that you feel better!

Bobie