Tips for queueing?

Ames

Hi all.

I use an elbow crutch and have trouble standing and walking. For most things I get help if I'm going to be in a queue for a while.

In a few weeks I'm going to Hay Literature Festival. I'd like to get books signed, but last year that meant a lot of standing in queue which led to lots of pain, and I'm not sure I can manage it this year. Plus, the queues are likely to be much longer due to the people appearing.

I've thought about hiring a wheelchair, but I'm not sure I can self propel, and getting it in and out of the car would be difficult.

At other events I've sat at the side and moved back into the queue when I would have got to the front - a member of staff has explained to the person behind me. But they've been a lot smaller than this.

There's no way I can afford to pay a carer to be with me 24/7 for the whole festival, and I don't think I have any friends who'd be willing and able to spare a week away, in a tent.

I thought about taking a folding chair with me, but having to get up and move it forward every minute or two would be even worse than just standing.

So, can anyone think of a way around it?

HB58

I also have problems queueing. I have always been able to ask the person behind to keep the place for me, or got a member of staff to do the same - but I can see that this would be much more difficult in the situation you mention.

Please report back if you find a suitable solution, I'm sure I'm not the only other person who would find it helpful!

Lum

If you can move around for a short distance on crutches then it should be possible to carry a wheelchair in the boot.. works best if you have an estate car but maybe manageable with a saloon or hatchback too.

If you're unsure if a wheelchair is suitable for you, then have a go on one of the Tesco ones (if you can find one that actually works) before spending any money on it.

PlasticMoose

Have you thought about something like this?

I do sympathise though. I either take my wheelchair or one of those little tripod folding stools I can sling over the handle of my crutches if I know I will have to queue.

mazza111

Was going to suggest the same as above, really great for this kind of thing.

Ames

Thanks so much - that does look good - and I can hang the bags of book on the handles!

Would shopmobility have some that I can try out for size?

PlasticMoose

I'm not sure about that. I think it depends on where you are. My nearest doesn't but I'm pretty sure one of the shopping centres I go to has them.

Ames

Thanks, I've found a shop nearby that sells them for £40-50 so I'm going to go there and have a look at what they've got.

It's so sad that I'm so excited about getting one of them, I can see how great it'd be for all sorts of things.

Savvy_Sue

I showed one of those to my Mum, and she said she'd tried one but didn't get on at all well with it. I'd think it would be the kind of thing you'd need to have well adjusted to fit you or it might only make things worse, so be prepared to spend time fiddling with any adjustments available!

crystalgenie

Hi all. What about a "shooting stick"? My dad used to use one of these when his leg was bad. Essentially a rubber tipped walking stick with a handle that opens out into a broad strappy seat that you can perch on and take the strain off. About £30 should buy one.

v0id

Hire one of those motorised scooters?