Grants or discount for Disabled Buggy

thriftymiss_2

My nan is in her mid eighties and has cronic arthritis and as such can walk (barely) but is too unsteady to go more than a few metres. We want to get her a disables scooter (buggy) but they are rather pricey. Are there any discounts or grants available. My nan does not have any savings and unfortunately her bungalow was put in an equity release scheme in the late 80's by her late husband and is pretty much not hers anymore. We have enquireed with British Legion and they will pay either 1/2 or 1/3 toward the cost which is great. But does anyone know of anything else that could help with the remainder of the cost (hundreds)?????

Ted_Hutchinson

First you have to be sure she will be able to manage one.
If you look in your local paper or Scooters and Buggies or Disability Equipment Register or Disabled Drivers mobility Sales you will find no end of scooters that are nearly new, used only 3 times, etc etc that are obviously bought for people who try them once or twice and say never again. Easy way to lose a lot of money quickly so maybe it would be worth borrowing one from a friend for a few days just to be sure she can cope with it.

Having assured yourself that she can manage on and that new is the only option, do have a look at the discount providers. I'm not certain that youreable are always the cheapest but they are a reputable company, they offer good service and reasonable prices and you may find that if you can show you can buy one of their scooters cheaper than their advertised price, that they will match that price and offer a better service.

Apart from that I think it will be the local charities and your library/cab might be the best place to start asking.

noratw

go to your local wheelchair service which is part of your primary care trust, they should do a full assessment and provide a wheelchair, motorised or other that meets your needs, completely free non means tested.
In the short term, shopmobility hire all sorts of wheelchairs and buggies out in local shopping centres.
Nora