Parents,Elderly and infirm- What to do with them here? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Parents,Elderly and infirm- What to do with them here?

36
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 14:34

Hoping for some advice as what, where and how best for my parents,(mid 80s, coming for 2 months in January ) to getaround Dubai, obviously with me as chauffeur.
Shopping centres out, as walk from the carpark will be enough !!!!!
Both find it hard to walk more than a 100 yards.
Mum has a disabled sticker so hoping this will help in some situations. Anybody else had similar situation on occupying parents of similar disabilities /age !!!!
All ideas gratefully received.
Thanks

485
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 08:48
Camel racing at Al Lisali. They have seating where they can sit and watch the finish line. A dinner cruise down the creek. Big bus tour. Musundam trip. A picnic/BBQ in a local beach or park.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 October 2012 - 08:34
Sorry to crash this thread, but for those with older visitors coming do you know who they get their travel insurance with? My mum is 72 this year, and quotes for insurance are coming in around £500 and over! She dies have Crohns Disease so obviously that has an impact, but just wondering if anyone can recommend a company they have used that are a little more inexpensive.. TIA
513
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 17:20
My parents recently did the big bus tour and really enjoyed it. I bought a 48 hour ticket so they split it between the beach/mall tour on one day and the old dubai sites the next. I also took them for high tea (at al qasr and the ritz), booked them for spa treatments and we did some weekends away. Spread it out though, one day out, one or even two days to rest if they are coming for a long time.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 October 2012 - 17:01
Thanks for your replies ladies. I'll look into rentacrib and do some more research. I'll start compiling a list of places myself and when it has been tried and tested I'll post it up on here for future reference.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 22:27
Take a look at www.rentacrib.ae They rent out mostly baby equipment, but also have wheelchairs for hire. I haven't used them myself, but have heard about them a few times. Good luck! :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 22:25
Burjuman may not be the most exciting of malls but it is very quiet and my old aunty loved it as there are comfy couches everywhere to take a rest break and watch the world go by-and the lifts aren't crowded so no pushing to contend with. They could also get on the water bus tour or big bus tours right at the door with minimal walking.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 22:16
Dragon -- when my elderly parents came they took their disabled card for the car with them so I used it here no problem --- so if they have one tell them to take it --
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 22:04
You can hire live in help for the short time they are with you - go through an agency - you can choose nationality, language etc. Set out their duties and the needs will be met (under supervision, of course). The Park Hyatt serves a wonderful high tea, not too expensive, and it is on the ground floor - drive up to to the and either walk slowly in or use wheel chair. I went there several times to the spa and high tea when I was wheel chair bound with a broken foot - the hotel staff are accommodating, helpful, and polite. I recommend it as a destination.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 18:23
Ask at any pharmacy. We bought a fairly basic one for my mother's visit, it cost AED350 and did the job for her. You are welcome to borrow it if it suits.
457
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 07 October 2012 - 17:48
I've tagged onto an older thread as I've got my parents visiting for the whole of December. (thanks for the ideas below ladies). My dad had a stroke 18 months ago and needs to use a zimmer frame with the little wheels which he will bring with him from the UK but he will also need a wheelchair as he can't walk more than 5 minutes. Does anyone know where I can hire a wheelchair here for a whole month? Is there a guidebook of sorts for disabled people in Dubai eg. best malls or restaurants with ramps (!), parking, etc? I'll enquire at the RTA to see if I can get a temporary sticker for my car but it sounds like it is more trouble than it is worth. Has anyone used the Mahaba service (?) at the airport? Or should I just contact the airline and get them to help with wheelchair assistance free of charge? Any tips appreciated! Thanks! TIA
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 10:44
Afternoon Tea's are always a winner, especially at Burj Al Arab and there aren't too many stairs, other than an escalator and I think there are also lifts.
69
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 09:33
The water taxi service is excellent. I took my parents on it on Thursday. We went from the Dubai Marina Mall to Al Fahidi, which is the stop for the Bastakyia area. Took about 90 minutes to get to the Creek. Look on the RTA website under public transport. They are not the big blue and white ferry but a 10 seater, silver boat. Comfy, airline seats that recline and seats at the back of the boat to sit outside. The customer service are excellent when you book and they also phone to tell you the taxi is on the way and then again to check you are in the taxi. They will stop at Atlantis and the Burj Al Arab so you can take photos. You just ask when you get on if it is possible. Cost 315AED for our trip but there are plenty of stops, it even goes down to Sharjah. Oh and you have to book a minimum of two hours before the trip.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 January 2012 - 08:33
Any updates on this? Trigg? Have parents coming soon and though it's their 4th time always lookign for ideas :-).
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 21:04
There is the new water taxi service that runs from Dubai Marina Mall, not sure of price but leaves at 11am and 5pm, maybe other times, it takes an hour and is all air conditioned and is only a short walk from the Mall. It looks really nice, nothing special if you have lived here a while so have not done it but think it would be great for visitors. There is also the club car taxi service down JBR Walk now as well. Cafe Roma at the Walk to watch the world go by.
108
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 November 2011 - 20:37
Make sure you call the airline with their booking reference number and request a wheelchair to meet them off the plane, there is no charge and they will be wheeled straight to your car. My Dad (mid 80s) loved Ibn Battuta the buggy idea mentioned earlier is great. I think it was only 5 dhms each way and so much to look at ! We borrowed a wheelchair at Dubai Mall. The problem is that you are supposed to take it back to the customer service desk you borrowed it from but my Dad didnt feel well enough to walk out to my car (I wasnt even sure exactly where it was!!!) Luckily a supervisor very kindly wheeled him to my car and then took the chair back. Dad also loved me driving out to Fujairah to see the mountains, tea at the Burj, we also parked by the beach so they could paddle and lots of time for just sitting in the garden because as he said he had really come to see me! I hope you have lots of fun!
36
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 16:59
Thank you sooo much ladies for all your ideas, its making it less stressful all ready. 'Shaks' Thank you for your kind offer for loan of seat walking stick, that reminded me think she has one so must bring it 'Trigg Beach' will look out for more details of how you have got on with your parents here in Dubai. I will look into getting a Dubai disabled sticker, thank you for pointing that out, saved me getting fined and Mother getting stressed! All the ideas of places to go are great think we will have a super time. Have bought a step already so Mum can get in and out of the 4x4, shes only little !!!!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 11:15
Zannie is right, it's the ferry service that goes to Atlantis.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 11:12
My 85 year old Dad and 77 year old mum arrived Tuesday. I took them to Festival City yesterday and mum loved it but Dad was constantly looking for a seat to rest on. I'll let you know what works and what doesn't as the next 2 weeks pan out. I'm interested to know about the 'big water taxi' Amelia spoke about and also the Abra taxi???? I've not been to the creek myself (fairly new here) do I just plug it into the satnav or is there a specific part of the creek I need to go to? Thanks with the walking in the malls here you really need to hire a wheelchair.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 11:05
jillp, Thank you for your suggestion re BIG bus and yes think it will be lots of coffees at hotels. plum2 Its a uk sticker, thought they were universal/ world wide hmmmm must enquire. Thank you for the infor re wheelchairs thats good to know, saves hiring one for the whole holiday period. And yes they are here to get away from the cold and damp of UK ! amel123 Hope you get some ideas from this post, will send you more if I think of anything else that would help. fyi the blue badge is not universal, you have to go to the special permits place in abu dhabi or the rta in dubai to exchange, and also if you go to florida you have to get and pay for a temp tourist one there, you cannot use your blue badge just anywhere. here if you park in the blue spaces you will get a 1k fine.
4747
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 11:03
Hoping for some advice as what, where and how best for my parents,(mid 80s, coming for 2 months in January ) to getaround Dubai, obviously with me as chauffeur. Shopping centres out, as walk from the carpark will be enough !!!!! Both find it hard to walk more than a 100 yards. Mum has a disabled sticker so hoping this will help in some situations. Anybody else had similar situation on occupying parents of similar disabilities /age !!!! All ideas gratefully received. Thanks if you have a blue disabled sticker you must go to rta in dubai to change for a uae one, if you use your uk one you will be fined 1k if you park in the disabled bays, do be aware they have just changed the rules that you can now only park in the blue disabled bays with a uae permit for 1 hour only!!!! so its basicially just somewhere you can pick up and drop off if you are going to need to park for longer than 1 hour. I have been talking to the guys in the police here in abu dhabi about it, and thats the new ruling!
1996
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 09:38
The abra crosses the Creek between the gold and silk markets and costs a dirham each way-just be sure the attendant pulls in close and helps them on. The water taxi-the cheap red and white ones-are enclosed and go between Baniyas Station (Deira side) and the Textile souk-they cost 4 dhs each way-there are also private one which cost a mint. You can also hire an abra for an hour or so for your own private Creek tour.Parking near the Creek is problematic-we always walk down- so best to take a taxi-the museum and Bastikiya are also near by.
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 09:31
My 85 year old Dad and 77 year old mum arrived Tuesday. I took them to Festival City yesterday and mum loved it but Dad was constantly looking for a seat to rest on. I'll let you know what works and what doesn't as the next 2 weeks pan out. I'm interested to know about the 'big water taxi' Amelia spoke about and also the Abra taxi???? I've not been to the creek myself (fairly new here) do I just plug it into the satnav or is there a specific part of the creek I need to go to? Thanks I'm guessing you mean the Dubai Ferry? http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal/dubaiferryContent <em>edited by Zannie on 11/11/2011</em>
506
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 09:23
http://www.rta.ae/wpsv5/wps/portal/DNH EU disabled parking permits are not vald here and you will be issued a ticket if you park in a disabled bay. Your parent's need to get a medical report from their doctor which needs to then be attested by the UK Embassy. When they arrive they have to go in person to Deira Traffic Department, Ittihad Branch and they will Issue a Yellow Tourist Disabled Permit there and then. See the above link.
161
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 November 2011 - 08:22
My 85 year old Dad and 77 year old mum arrived Tuesday. I took them to Festival City yesterday and mum loved it but Dad was constantly looking for a seat to rest on. I'll let you know what works and what doesn't as the next 2 weeks pan out. I'm interested to know about the 'big water taxi' Amelia spoke about and also the Abra taxi???? I've not been to the creek myself (fairly new here) do I just plug it into the satnav or is there a specific part of the creek I need to go to? Thanks
294
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 20:32
plum2 Its a uk sticker, thought they were universal/ world wide hmmmm must enquire as far as Im aware abroad issues disabled budges are not valid here, unless u bother with additional paperwork, doctor's notes, translation etc, try to google it this was info I got about a year ago when I enquired the same
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 20:31
I have seen buggies at dubai mall but not sure if you can hire/organise them.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 20:29
If you went to Ibn Batuta Mall, would they be able to walk from the carpark at Geant and into the mall ? You could then catch the buggy that goes from one end to the other. Get off in China Court, have a coffee or lunch at Lime Tree where you can sit outside and then get the buggy back to Geant end. That way they will see all the different courts and items of interest. Don't know if they have this buggy service in the other malls, but probably someone on here will have the answer. You could catch the big water taxi that goes out to Atlantis or take the monorail along the Palm which also stops at Atlantis. What about a dhow cruise with Captain Jack from by Spinney's in the Marina ? There are also vouchers in the family entertainer. Lunch at the golf club or the Boardwalk on the Creek. Both have nice terraces and there is always something happening on the creek.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 20:22
You could take them to Sharjah museum of flight, small museum in part of the original runway, fist in the middle east then go on to Qanat al Qasba to eye of the emirates and lots of nice cafe/resteraunts there. Can do an abra cruise for 10aed. Abu Dhabi mosque tour, go very early and buzz them to check for wheelchairs then afternoon tea at the emirates palace. My gran loved the hot springs near Ras al Khamaih, very cheap. Purpose built facility although segregated. Musandam boat tour, dont have to get off the boat, whole day out. Get them tickets for At The Top, you can park just outside the door and a very short walk. Dolphin show at the creek park. Dubai museum n a small wonder round Bastakyia, parking just outside FYI dont think disabled badge is transferrable think you have to take it to the RTA for a dubai version but cant remeber.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 19:21
If you are interested I have a walking stick that becomes a chair see link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NGKCRU/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details You are most welcome to borrow it
36
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 November 2011 - 16:06
jillp, Thank you for your suggestion re BIG bus and yes think it will be lots of coffees at hotels. plum2 Its a uk sticker, thought they were universal/ world wide hmmmm must enquire. Thank you for the infor re wheelchairs thats good to know, saves hiring one for the whole holiday period. And yes they are here to get away from the cold and damp of UK ! amel123 Hope you get some ideas from this post, will send you more if I think of anything else that would help.
 
 

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