My DH and I are beginning to research RV's. We have 3 girls, aged 2.5, 4 and 7. Our oldest is disabled, cognitively and physically, and we are most worried about providing a safe sleeping area for her. She sleeps in an enclosed bed at home since she would bounce herself right out of anything else and doesn't understand danger. When we travel, one of us sleeps with her to keep her safe.
Right now we wouldn't need a lift though if we have many more AFO problems like we experienced on our recent trip to Yellowstone, it might come in handy. Usually she can walk though not long distances and climb stairs with assistance. Otherwise, DH and I are her lift and we get around with either her special jogging stroller or her transport chair.
If anyone can share their sleeping arrangements for their children with disabilities or can point me in the right direction for resources, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
not sure it's much help but I have came across several MH in the past when we were looking that had been set up for handicap access also looked a few with bunk beds this might help with the sleeping arrangement.
You didn't indicate if you had any kind of preference or how much you are willing to spend. But, a Toy Hauler with the double full size beds in the back end that lift up to the ceiling out of the way and then back down again for sleeping sound like something that might work for you.
Besides, the back end is a ramp when opened. There are hundreds of models and makes, each one unique. Some have the "garage" area sectioned off with a door as a separate room. Some have the garage section not sectioned off. Some have beds above the garage area accessible from the living area. There's even a new Toy Hauler with a second floor over the garage that pop-up like a tent. It was featured in Trailer Life magazine last month.
A Toy Hauler with the 2 lifting full size bunk beds would take no modification. It pretty much would be ready to go.
Toy Haulers do cost more than an average travel trailer. And they can be very extravagant or very simple, depending upon what you're looking for.
Welcome to the Forums! And keep asking questions. There's lots of good opinions on here. Don't be shy asking questions or giving your opinion too!
Good luck!
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
i was thinking that the bunk beds would be the best. you might be able to close one in to provide her with a secure spot to sleep. there are plenty of chair lifts out there to get in the motorhome. Good luck! and don't forget we have a search up on the left incase you want to find something out about a particular subject.
I have went back into nursing mode to see what I could figure out for you.
Maybe a toy hauler, if that would meet your needs for you and the rest of your family.
You could have the lowest bed removed, maybe some soft carpeting put down and even part way up the sides if need be. Then, you could add nice soft exercise pads on the floor. This is what we did, when it was impossible to keep a patient in bed. Prevented many injuries.
You could probably use this mod in about any RV, although, in some it would mean removing the main bed.
Feel free to send me a message if I can help.
Kudos to you for wanting to get your family out and about this great country we have.
We camp with two of our children, DD15 and DS13 who is mentally handicapped & autistic. Christian is pretty low-functioning, needs constant supervision and a lot of assistance in daily activities. He also has seizures at night. So we have always found that enclosed bunkbeds work best for him. right now we can manhandle him up into the bottom bunk and scooch him in there. We can change his diapers there or on our queen bed at the other end of the trailer. Our trailer has a large slide-out which has been wonderful for Christian. It gives us plenty of space to move around, especially when we are assisting him.
Good luck! Keep on camping!
"Those who dwell...among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."--Rachel Carson, environmentalist, 1956
I designed and built a slide-out patio deck to make it easier to get our daughter's wheelchair into the trailer.
We use the collapsable dinnette for her bed.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC "Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It"
My oldest son has minor physically disability and high mental disabled as well. For us, we have a normal TT (2006 Jayco 29FBS). He sleeps on the bottom bunk, and it has a safety rail on the edge of his bed. Thus, stopping him from accidentally rolling out of bed. Works great for him. Luckily, no other special setup is required.
BTW.... If you don't need certain appliances or trailer functions, do "pull its fuses", flip its breakers or re-locate their switches. We had to buy a clear plastic cover for our TT's furnance/AC control panel. And, we had to pull the fuses for our TT's push-out slide. My son loves playing with buttons. Especially buttons that are within arm's reach. If you don't need that electrical item active, then pull its fuses or protect its controls. Learned that the hard way - many times over...
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