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Having a holiday with the person you care for
Holidays for people who are ill or who have disabilities, and their carers, often need detailed arrangements. When planning a holiday it is advisable to explain your needs to any travel agent or organisation you are using before you make a booking. Be sure to confirm all the details in writing to avoid any misunderstanding.Here are a few tips:
If you are going on a plane journey with an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker, bring your device identification with you. You can ask the Pacing or ICD clinic for one. Tell the airport staff you have a device inserted so you can bypass any security systems, which may affect the device. If you have a coronary stent, you can walk through the security devices as normal.
Most heart patients can fly safely without risking their health, according to new guidance from the British Cardiovascular Society. The British Heart Foundation has a four-page information sheet - IS39 Air Travel - which can be downloaded from www.bhf.org.uk/publications
You may require specialist travel insurance or equipment for the journey and at the destination. Be sure to include these in your plans.
Some specific disability organisations operate holiday accommodation, arrange group holidays or provide their own information about suitable holidays or holiday accommodation. If the person you care for has a diagnosed disability, it may be worthwhile contacting the related disability support group or organisation to find out more.
Blitz Holiday Funding Grant (added 24.5.11)
Over the years, The Bond Holiday Group have spoken to many people either living with or caring for someone who has a disability and one of the main topics of conversation is the lack of funding available for holiday. In the current economic climate, a holiday is becoming a luxury rather than an essential. This grant is supported by The Bond Holiday Group to raise money to subsidise short breaks in Blackpool and St Anne's. For a Funding Application form contact: Blitz Holiday Funding, 120 Bond Street, Blackpool FY4 1HG, Tel: 01253 341218 or email: [email protected]
Disabled and Reduced Mobility Airport Guide - this guide covers multiple accessibility issues at UK airports. The guide has been created to help relieve some of the stress and worry which is very common among disabled persons when travelling through unfamiliar environments such as an airport. There is information on travelling with visual impairments, breathing problems, flying with guide dogs, travelling with autism, wheelchair access, help at the car park and much more. The guide can be read at: www.parkat.co.uk
Tourism for All provides information about holidays for people with any type of disability or care needed, both in the UK and abroad. The information covers details such as suitable accommodation, transport, equipment hire and accessible places to visit. www.tourismforall.org.uk
React - Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal illness, is a charity working to improve the quality of life for families for financially disadvantaged children with life-limiting illnesses. They can provide one week breaks in mobile homes. Although not wheelchair adapted, they can help source a suitable alternative. For more details phone 020 8940 2575 or visit www.react.org
Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
This guide contains details of over 175 of the UK's attractions catering for disabled people. It is arranged in geographical regions with more off-the-beaten track attractions included. Reviews feature easy-to-follow information about the range of accessibility features. The guide is free to Blue Badge holders by phoning 0800 953 7070 or visiting www.accessibleguide.co.uk
Insurance
New travel scheme with The Stroke Association launched (added 11.2.11)Heath Lambert Insurance Services has extended its partnership with The Stroke Association to offer travel insurance for stroke survivors, their families, carers and supporters. Read more at www.privatehealth.co.uk
If you are organising your journey without an agent you can find out about specialist travel insurances from many organisations including:
- Age UK Insurance Services
0845 601 2234 -
Europ Assistance Ltd
www.europ-assistance.co.uk - Specialises in a range of international travel insurances, motoring breakdown cover in the UK and Europe. - www.direct.gov.uk - travel insurance for disabled people
- www.direct.gov.uk - information about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which has replaced the E111 form.
For more information on organisations that may be able to help with specific concerns:
Call the ICIS enquiry line for help by telephone 0800 859929 (open Mondays to Fridays 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm)
Fax: 01903 777601
email: [email protected]
Or visit the ICIS website
You can get more information from:
National information about Holidays from Carers UKwww.radar.org.uk - Website for Radar, a national campaigning network of disability organisations and disabled people, who publish a 'Guide to Holidays in Britain and Ireland', which you can purchase direct from Radar, or which you may be able to obtain through your local library.
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You can use this facility to search the Carers Online database for organisations in West Sussex that may be able to help you.
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