Wheelchair supply or loan

RAGSTORICHES

I am a wheelchair user. I was given my original wheelchair many years ago and replaced it last year with a "new" one from boot sale. I used it on beach while on holiday and it has gone rusty and looks awful.I need a wide chair as I am a large lady and wondered if anyone knows if I would be entitled to one from Social Services or anything like that.We already use my mobility for car on motability.

somebody_else

You'd need to contact social services and request an OT assessment before they'd issue you with a wheel-chair. Not sure how long it will take, different areas have different waiting lists.

The Red Cross also do wheelchair loans and hire - http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=75

You should be able to locate your nearest office from the link.

Bart

Your GP should refer you to wheelchair services, or OT could refer you. Alot depends on your condition and if they think you need one.

CatherineS

Have you thought about asking on freecycle.org.uk?

You join your local group, then ask if anyone has one they no longer use. You never know, someone may have one lying around unwanted in the garage.

Worth a try, and it would be free.

Andromeda

Whilst you are waiting for social services, you could ask for a loan of one from your local ShopMobility - you have to register with them though, so make sure you take along some indentification.

Babshubbie

Andromeda wrote: »

Whilst you are waiting for social services, you could ask for a loan of one from your local ShopMobility - you have to register with them though, so make sure you take along some indentification.

But, presumably, you also have to pay?

The freecycle group suggestion is a good one.

somebody_else

Babshubbie wrote: »

But, presumably, you also have to pay?

The last time I used them, they only asked for a £2.50 deposit. This is refundable, but I suspect a lot of people don't ask for it back.

RAGSTORICHES

Thankyou all for your replies. I have put an ad on Tendring Freecycle for a start and will be looking into the other options. I did have a wet room put in about five years ago and I am on High Mobility and High care rates so if you can get one I should be entitled I will let you all know how I get on.

almar_2

I got my wheelchair free by ringing my local hospital. Some hospital provide this wheelchair service, a GP's letter was required. The hospital then decide which type would be best.

They also come and maintain / service it, once a year.

Babshubbie

almar wrote: »

I got my wheelchair free by ringing my local hospital. Some hospital provide this wheelchair service, a GP's letter was required. The hospital then decide which type would be best.

They also come and maintain / service it, once a year.

It would be helpful if you would amplify, please. What part of the hospital did you ring? Perhaps the occupational therapy dept? Were you an in-patient recently, and if so how long ago? My wife was offered a wheelchair when she was discharged but felt she could manage without. Now she feels that a push type (not self wheeled) might help but she has been too long discharged (15 months) to qualify.

sportage1kia

Hi there
When my wife needed a temporary one a few years ago it was over the xmas period where everywhere was closed. I phoned my local radio station and received over 20 calls of offers, just a suggestion, we did eventually get one from our hospital. Best of luck
Regards