Wheelchair - hire or buy?

pipkin71

Due to problems walking I'm debating on whether to use a wheelchair rather than spend time confined to the house. At the moment, I'm managing to get out maybe twice a week but depending on how much I do, it can leave me exhausted for days afterwards.

I've been discussing with friends about the possibility of using a wheelchair so that I can get out more, and, especially with the warmer weather coming there are lots of places to go, things to do that I don't want to miss.

Part of me is hoping that my current health problems aren't permanent. Part of me feels 'down' about the fact that a wheelchair could improve things because it makes me feel useless, so I'm contemplating whether it would be better to hire the wheelchair over a few months or buy one outright?

I've been on elbow crutches for almost 6 months now and don't see an end to the difficulties yet but don't want to give in either and use the chair. Hiring would make it seem temporary, would mean if the chair developed a fault it would be replaced, ect but it would cost more to hire long term than it would to buy.

I have been thinking about this for a while and still haven't decided what to do yet, but it does keep coming back to the fact that it would make getting out and about easier on the days when I currently have to stay indoors due to my health.

I would be interested in hearing from other wheelchair users about any problems they face - I keep thinking what if I topple over at kerbside - that sort of thing and also if hiring or buying would be the way to go.

Thanks.

simpywimpy

Will you be looking at going out with someone to push the wheelchair?

Personally I think you can buy for a reasonable price whereas hiring can work out expensive. If you are struggling to that extent, can you not ask for an assessment with the OT dept to see if you qualify for a free one from the NHS?

pyrolizzie

Hi Pipki71 - before you go down the route of hiring or buying a wheelchair contact your local social services department - (we did this through the local council) and ask them to come out an do you an assessment - it can take a while to get them out to you and can take around 6 weeks to get any aids that you might require. They can also help with other things like putting in extra handrails and bath seats and grab handles - they were fantastic with us and suggested all manner of aids to help.

In the meantime, you might be able to borrow a wheelchair from your local British Red Cross (usually they loan them for about 4 weeks at a time and require a small deposit - our was £20). You can then renew the loan after 4 weeks for a further period. At the end of the loan term all they ask for is a donation.

With regards to using a wheelchair - they shouldn't topple over on the kerbside if you use a drop kerb or take it very steady.

If you are wanting to get out on your own you need a wheelchair with big wheels at the back - self propelling - so you move the wheels with your hands rather than the standard wheelchair that only has small wheels that someone else has to push.

pipkin71

I'm waiting on another OT assessment - their letter said it should be done before the end of March. They have made adaptions in the house and are looking to make it easier getting in and out the house when they visit, along with some other stuff to meet my needs.

I didn't know they could also supply a wheelchair, so thanks for that. Part of me really doesn't want to use one, and we've managed with friends picking us up, taking the girls out ect but I feel useless, and I'm relying on others so this will at least mean I can go out more than the two days a week I'm currently managing if I'm lucky.

Everything seems such an effort right now and I'm completely exhausted. Talking with friends, I will have someone to push the chair - they have agreed to take turns and I will be walking when I can so have some fold up sticks waiting for when I come off the crutches. I don't want to become reliant on the wheelchair.

I also need to get round to applying for my blue badge - I still haven't done that yet, even though it would also help when friends are picking me up when we go to home ed sessions. We went out today and I honestly feel really drained. My hands hurt from the crutches which doesn't help either.

Definitely something else to discuss with the OT though :beer:

wolfehouse

borrow one for free from the red cross

http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=89425

if you need one longer term, apply through the social work for an ot assessment and ask for one then.
in scotland disabled trust for scotland will loan wheelchairs free to people waiting for their nhs one to arrive.

daska

Your GP can prescribe a wheelchair without you having to wait for an assessment. I know, because that's how I got mine - even though I can't use it because I have no-one to push me!

If you're of an eligible age and housebound unless you use a chair then you should apply for DLA.

Mojisola

As others have said - borrow one from the Red Cross for a few weeks. It will give you the chance to try out being a "wheelchair user" without any commitment. The Red Cross usually ask for a £20 deposit and then, when you return the chair, ask if you would like to leave it as a donation - very hard not to agree to it!

bryanb

I volunteer at the Red Cross issuing wheelchairs etc. We have (Oxfordshire) many types of walking aid for loan in addition to wheelchairs. We don't pressure people to donate, in fact we sometimes refuse donations if someone obviously cannot afford it. Other districts may vary in this respect of course, but the principle is to help folks in need whatever the circumstances.

pipkin71

Thanks for that guys.

I get DLA for both care and mobility needs and thought I would cover the cost of hiring through that, but you've all given me some great advice. Thankyou :beer:

pipkin71

wolfehouse wrote: »

borrow one for free from the red cross

http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=89425

I'm going to give them a ring this morning wolfehouse. Thankyou.

Penny-Pincher!!

My GP sorted one for me to use and has been a god send as its so comfy. I also have a scooter type one but as my hands are so bad....I cant use the controls too well.

HTH

PP
xx