Please help me for Bernie Man! My 87 y.o. Uncle may come

yorktown · Post by **yorktown** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 1:06 am

My 87 year old Uncle (Bernie), one of the sweetest guys in the world, is at a low time in his life. He's now in a Nursing Home after an accident a year ago. He can't walk and needs a wheelchair. He is getting divorced after 35 years.

He nearly jumped out of his seat when he heard about this and wants to come with us to burning man.

We're getting all the doctor permissions and medications to get him out of the home for a week, but our problem is getting him around. The streets and the playa pathways are not exactly level. On a bike you can easily motor over the small hills of sand, but it is untenable on a wheelchair.

What should I use for his mobility?

Does BRC have anything for disabled people? Are there any resources I can ask for aid?

Please help! I want to make his first 'BernieMan' experience an inspiration for his life to see there much more to live for, than sitting in a home waiting to die.

Thanks

yorktown

Roberto Dobbisano · Post by **Roberto Dobbisano** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 1:26 am

yorkown pennsylvania?

bring bernie...we'll find a way to get him around...if i personally have to build him a rolling platform, i will.

simon of the playa, and friends....Root Society, corner of 10th and esplanade.

bring bernie, dammit, bring bernie.

i'll help in any way i can.

it's that important.

yorktown · Post by **yorktown** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 1:40 am

I appreciate your spirit, but things need to be planned a little better here. He's 87. Not 19. I don't want to bury the guy on the playa in the event of an accident.

Standard wheelchairs would act like a backhoe.

Electric Wheelchairs may suck up too much dust and sieze. They may also not be powerful enough, or their wheel size may not be large enough to plow through the streets and paths. There is also a power issue, it will need to be recharged each night.

While he is most interested in the artists and ...ahem...the girls (remember he WAS married faithfully to one woman for 35 years), I want him to have a great experience. I have all his meds and sleeping arrangements planned out, but mobility at the Playa is the only variable remaining. So, I need the help of the community for ideas for me to plan with.

Absolut Jeenyus · Post by **Absolut Jeenyus** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:19 am

Theres hills?

Post by **Sham** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:30 am

Bring dear sweet old Bernie with you this year. The playa surface is hard as a rock and perfect for an electric wheel chair. You could even push a wheel chair over the surface if you had to . It's like a 7 square mile paved parking lot this year.
Yes, this may be uncle Bernie's last big harrah. As long as the sight of bare boobies won't kill him, he should be fine. And if it does, he will have a big smile on his face when he goes!

Absolut Jeenyus · Post by **Absolut Jeenyus** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:33 am

Be careful for the Lombard Street Camp... Its steep...

Deb Prothero · Post by **Deb Prothero** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:44 am

There was a camp called Hot Wheelz camp who assisted with these sorts of questions. They've changed their name this year and I can't recall exactly what the new name is.

Also there is a very large solar array (24kW) being installed by one camp called Snow Koan and they intend to offer free recharging for electric wheelchairs. They have the capacity to handle all the wheelchairs that are generally out there.

Will Kitloff (sp?) is the president of Koan Solar in LA and he first was invited to the burn to set up solar panels for Center Camp in 2006 as a supplier. He was so impressed he's been back ever since as a burner and as a gifter of solar panels to artists.

In addition, the Alternative Energy Zone often has excess power from various solar arrays in their area. You could possibly charge up there.

As for the different chairs and powered scooters that I've seen they've all been electric with largish wheels. I'm not sure where one acquires these or if you can rent them. Hopefully someone with direct experience can comment here.

Deb Prothero · Post by **Deb Prothero** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:47 am

Also when you bring Uncle Bernie, I'd like to interview him for the Black Rock Beacon so all the citizens can experience Burning Man through his eyes.

Black Rock Beacon camp is located at Evolution @ 5:30. This is the ring road around Center Camp. Please look me up or ask the day editor on duty to assign the interview to whoever is right there, if you bring Uncle Bernie around.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 4:16 am

yorktown wrote:Please help me for Bernie Man! My 87 y.o. Uncle may come

Is Jkisha your uncle ?

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 7:19 am

The camp you need to know about is the Black Rock City Department of Mobility:

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=29238

The playa surface this year should not be the dustpit it was last year.

Also, be sure he has a place with AC to retreat to. If you cannot provide it yourself, make friends with those who do have trailers or RVs.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:38 am

Absolut Jeenyus wrote:Theres hills?

It's always uphill to the esplanade.

H.G.Crosby · Post by **H.G.Crosby** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:52 am

WEEKEND AT BERNIES!

if you bring him, they will cum.

if bernie wants to go, then let him ride!

THREE CHEERS FOR UNCLE BERNIE!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:02 am

yorktown wrote:I appreciate your spirit, but things need to be planned a little better here. He's 87. Not 19. I don't want to bury the guy on the playa in the event of an accident.

Standard wheelchairs would act like a backhoe.

Electric Wheelchairs may suck up too much dust and sieze. They may also not be powerful enough, or their wheel size may not be large enough to plow through the streets and paths. There is also a power issue, it will need to be recharged each night.

While he is most interested in the artists and ...ahem...the girls (remember he WAS married faithfully to one woman for 35 years), I want him to have a great experience. I have all his meds and sleeping arrangements planned out, but mobility at the Playa is the only variable remaining. So, I need the help of the community for ideas for me to plan with.

If he has a state disability permit for parking, bring it.
If not, apply for it and bring all your paperwork if you don't have it when you leave.
Bring all possible documentation and him to the dmv when you arrive and try to get a disability permit for your car, if you will have something usable on the playa.
Smaller is better.
You are supposed to register before now.
Good idea to write the dmv and explain.
Bring a copy of the email with you.

Even some small scooters get around out there.
Some powerchairs are much stronger.

With a disability permit, you can drive him around to areas of interest.
Possibly you can drive him across large distances and use the wheelchair when you arrive, like the plazas, burns, different areas, etc.

Wide tires do help.
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 162#485162

Find people with generator capacity and help pay for their expenses.
The bigger issue is usually breakouts.
Bring a box with receptacles like the Woods inline device with multiple receptacles, yellow around $6 walmart.
Bring your own cords, 12 gauge or bigger.

geminiRanger · Post by **geminiRanger** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 12:43 pm

i'd be *really* concerned about the heat if i were you. Could be bernie's last outing.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 12:58 pm

geminiRanger wrote:i'd be *really* concerned about the heat if i were you. Could be bernie's last outing.

No kidding. As sweet of an idea as it is...I'd make Uncle sign several "I realize I may not come back" waivers, and have several plans of action (I mean, solid, serious plans, getting in touch with BM authorities, having a removal plan, etc.) to take, in the event of his death while on the playa.

Playa Tom · Post by **Playa Tom** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 1:09 pm

This is Serious Shit, the heat and low humidity on the playa are things to be very concerned about. As people age it becomes more difficult to regulate their body temperature. Talk with the physican and let him know what kind of environment your uncle will be in. Be very sure he remains hydrated and watch his body temperature. I hope he has a good time.

The weather report I watched last night said the humidity in Reno this week may be down in the single digits, that is fucking dry kids.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 1:30 pm

Absolut Jeenyus wrote:Theres hills?

DoriumLux · Post by **DoriumLux** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:55 pm

So sort of rickshaw? How much time and know how do you have on your hands?

Very cool for your uncle. I hope he has a wonderful, wonderful time.

DoriumLux · Post by **DoriumLux** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 4:01 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/RICKSHAW-PEDICAB-3- ... 286.c0.m14

$350

Not bad!

Post by **AntiM** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 4:14 pm

I've bought a trike from the same seller. Be sure to get insurance, and you get what you pay for.

We have a Rhoadescar, wonderful thing, but you could buy a small used car for the same price.

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 7:55 pm

Placement puts Black Rock City Department of Mobility at Center Camp at 6:45 position. AEZ is at DNA & 6:30. Black Rock Beacon (newspaper) is at Evolution (ring road) & 5:30. Medical clinic is at Center Camp & 1;15 position. Hope that helps a little.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 9:15 pm

My power Pride Quantum seemed to have survived the playa okay. I got stuck a couple dozen of times, but was able to find help. (They'd push while I gunned the motors and leaned in the direction that seemed least likely to be trouble.) Many people are happy to help out. The push chair was difficult, part of that being the general shape I'm in and the altitude and heat, but by no means impossible. With the surface much better this year, I expect to see more and do more.
Sadly, most art cars are not accessible.
The transition from Hotwheelz to Black Rock Department of Mobility may mean that they are finding their feet still.
I don't think that anyone's died from dehydration at the event. If Bernie watches his electrolytes and water intake he'll probably be okay. Yes, he, and you, should refresh his memory of symptoms of heat exhaustion, and probably find a shade structure to spend the heat of the day in, but death? Unlikely.

yorktown · Post by **yorktown** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:40 pm

Thanks for all your input. I will look at renting a powered wheelchair. I want him to be independent and on his own to some degree. I know the guy, he wouldn't ask me to rickshaw him anywhere, even though doing that in the playa would keep me in great shape.

So you can place a face to the help you are doing, here is what Bernie looks like:

That's him with his sister (Sally) 9 months ago. Sally and his brother (Lou) both passed away on June 11..yes...both on the same day. There were 8 brothers and sisters, now he's the last one.

Like I said, he's in a pretty low mental state.

As for water, I understand. I am a big fan of hydration and will be on him like a hawk on that...except the times he's with special company.

Thanks again.

yorktown (as in the USS Yorktown)

PS: Deb, I will bring him by if we can pull this off.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 11:20 pm

A golf cart might be an option too.

Be sure to light up anything mobile.

brcprincess · Post by **brcprincess** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:42 am

H.G.Crosby wrote:WEEKEND AT BERNIES!

if you bring him, they will cum.

if bernie wants to go, then let him ride!

THREE CHEERS FOR UNCLE BERNIE!

LOL. I can see it now.

Post by **Sham** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:01 am

You'll be doing a mitzvah for Uncle Bernie. He will have the most amazing time of his life and you will see him with a new spirit and spark. I will look for him on the playa. We are camping right near the Black Rock Beacon and I will keep an eye out for Bernie around that area and center camp. I will be sure to save him one of my laser cut BM necklaces!!

Please be sure to post here as to how he enjoyed himself. This is a great story that you have developing here!

Good luck with this adventure with Uncle Bernie.

Homiesinheaven · Post by **Homiesinheaven** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:41 pm

hurray for Bernie! i hope it all works out. there will be no shortage of help and love for him on the playa.

Boijoy · Post by **Boijoy** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:59 pm

also, there will be Omnibus this year. I'm not sure where the pick-ups are.. but it can get him out to the art if you can get him to the pick-up spot.

Post by **Sham** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 1:29 pm

You know yorktown, one of the most amazing things you will find with the burner community is the "can do spirit"! We can make anything happen. Look at some of the amazing art, the art cars and mutant vehicles. If you want to make this happen, you can easily do it. Just set your mind to it and go for it.
I took a photo a few years back of two older gentlemen who were in electric scooters. I think there were racing, but at vey least they were having a blast. Sure, they could have stayed home watching TV or going to earlybird dinners, but instead they got their saggy old asses out to the playa to enjoy life.
I hope you put a push on to get your uncle out there. You both will have the most incredible week of your lives.

viajera80 · Post by **viajera80** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:30 pm

:D Love it! I took my 75 year old mom in 2007 and she had a great time. However, she did not understand the map directions or where things were located. Show him where you are camping on the map and mark it for him. Have him carry the map with him at all times and in case he gets lost, have him show the map to a fellow burner. They will help him out.

Keep him in the shade during the hot times and take him out at night. He'll have a blast!