Manual Wheelchair

Anubis_2

Can anyone recommend the best place pkease? It does not have to be self propelled, has to be manual though. Mine has broke and is unsafe. I have a gel cushion, although it is 8 years old there is nothing wrong with it, but would like the wheelchair to be as comfortable as possible.

Large wheels are better as this allows better operability for my carer, we have had one with small wheels before that was bought by a friend but it was hard to push and steer for the carer.

Something strong, yet light and comfy would be ideal. There is no rush, but have a hospital appointment in a month and it would be good to get it for then.


I have been looking at Betterlifehealthcare - has anyone had any dealings with these and if so are they alright?

http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/products.php?search_filter=0&catID=6&subID=346&pg=1&set_records_per_page=10000000&show_offers=0&search=0&search_text=&gclid=CPzPo5XSnaoCFUoc4Qodnnnu6g


Was looking at thus one providing the company are ok to deal with? http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/view_product.php?prodID=8734

Torry_Quine

Surely if you need a wheelchair you would get one from the NHS? You should see your GP for a referral to the OT. Int he meantime the Red Cross may be able to lend you one.

Anubis_2

Hi Torry, I have always bought my own. I used to have an electric wheelchair which is in the shed still and before that a scooter and always paid on payment plans but electric is no good now. I have had three manual chairs, my favourite came with a tray and reclined back but sadly that got stolen although I still have the tray.

I am not very good at asking for things and as I can get one out of my DLA money - I have 200 saved, I would sooner just buy it. I just wanted to know if anyone had experience with that company.

Torry_Quine

Anubis wrote: »

Hi Torry, I have always bought my own. I used to have an electric wheelchair which is in the shed still and before that a scooter and always paid on payment plans but electric is no good now. I have had three manual chairs, my favourite came with a tray and reclined back but sadly that got stolen although I still have the tray.

I am not very good at asking for things and as I can get one out of my DLA money - I have 200 saved, I would sooner just buy it. I just wanted to know if anyone had experience with that company.

It sounds very noble of you and I can fully understand the not asking for things but you have every right to a wheelchair.

Anubis_2

Who would I see about one? Would they not tell me to get ot out of my DLA? I have to see my doctor every month, would I ask him? I have never asked before because I have always bought. I know my doc would be willing to help if I ask him as he is very good, but my wheelchair wasn't broke when I last saw him.

I am presuming there would be a waiting list? Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.

Torry_Quine

Anubis wrote: »

Who would I see about one? Would they not tell me to get ot out of my DLA? I have to see my doctor every month, would I ask him? I have never asked before because I have always bought. I know my doc would be willing to help if I ask him as he is very good, but my wheelchair wasn't broke when I last saw him.

I am presuming there would be a waiting list? Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.

As I said your doctor is the first port of call, they should then refer you to the OP department to fully asess you as to the best type of wheelchair. I really don't think they will say to use your DLA money. There may well be a waiting list but the sooner you get on it the better especially if you stress that your current one is not useable.

mum2one

Locally to us we have an assessment centre, you can do a self referral, or from an OT, physio, heath visitor etc, and its council based premises.

Within that they have a lock up of a house, you prebook an appointment, depending on your needs they may 2-3 hours, and there go through what you need and supply the items.

I get high mobility, low care, but you don't pay for your equipment.

Myself - I've had new crutches, they did offer me a walking device with a seat, I can't stand long, (2 bad car accidents, and my daughter), the weird thing was because I've been on crutches for 9 years, I lost all sense of balance, but had an aid to help me get inout of bed.

My mum - shes disabled as well, shes had a lot done through the OT, and as well as this location, she had disability aids, and its classed as long term loan, no cost.

I would def see about getting one that way, as your dla money is for you, simple things like extra petrol in car, parking etc etc. xx

Anubis_2

Thank you both, will look into it. Had new crutches from hospital a couple of times. Any bedroom or bathroom aids are out of the question where I am as my bedroom is 8 ft x 10 ft and my bathroom is the same length as a bath plus one foot, by just under three feet. You can theoretically wash your hands in the sink and soak your feet in the bath while on the toilet basically LOL.

I do have a memory foam mattress, second one in 5 years as I am in bed a lot the first one didn't last three years. All the bedrooms are roughly the same size, the kitchen is very small too, it was the reason my then landlord moved out as he said the rooms were too small but I love the house even though its in some disrepair, I have a lot of fond memories.

I am due to see my doctor again soon but will not be able to go without a chair but will contact the Red Cross for now and see how it goes. I could get a welder to perhpas weld the seat but I am not sure it would be safe enough. Thanks again

mum2one

Know the feeling about the bathroom, ours was originally seperate loo, then bath and sink, we couldn't even fit toilet frame, must say we've been really luckly as through the OT, we got the bathroom knocked into one, made into a wet room with walk in shower, for a small room looks massive.

The bed thingis, is almost like a kids cot side, but about a foot wide, and about 1ft high, it ties around the bed, and like a strong handle, but its a god send,

The Red cross - there help you out with wheelchair etc, but def ask for referall to OT. x

Anubis_2

Thanks. Not sure I could get alterations here because its privately rented. The assessment center you speak of, does it have a specific name or is it just provided by the council? I am trying to find similar locally.

devildog

Red Cross will loan you one-costs £20 for 8 weeks