Buying a wheelchair

zolablue25

Hi

My wife's health has deteriorated slowly over the last few years to the point where we could really do with getting a wheelchair to use if we want to go out as a family. I have 2 questions really. 1)Is any help available for purchasing these things? 2) where is the best place to look at buying one?

Thanks

HB58

I don't know what criteria your area uses when it comes to supplying wheelchairs. Have a chat to your GP who should know and can refer your wife to the local wheelchair service if appropriate.

ttlowton

Bought mine off EBAY only £80, did have a NHS chair but far to heavy, good luck with your choice,

T.

Parva

ttlowton wrote: »

Bought mine off EBAY only £80, did have a NHS chair but far to heavy, good luck with your choice,

T.

I phoned the hospital that provided my wheelchair to see if I could get it changed for a lighter version. They gave me an appointment to go up and see them, showed me a couple of very light wheelchairs and then I chose one. It will be here in 4-6 weeks at which point they will take mine and give me the new one.

bryanb

The Red Cross in this area will loan a wheelchair while you wait for NHS one. Could be worth trying your local branch although not all areas do it.

luminated

zolablue25 wrote: »

Hi

My wife's health has deteriorated slowly over the last few years to the point where we could really do with getting a wheelchair to use if we want to go out as a family. I have 2 questions really. 1)Is any help available for purchasing these things? 2) where is the best place to look at buying one?

Thanks

I live in South Devon and found there was no help through my GP, surgery or anywhere else the Doctor could refer me. So I went to the Independent Living Centre in Exeter as per link below and spoke with an Occupational Therapist. I then went to the Red Cross in Exeter (link below)and bought a Wheelchair for £195. I had looked at Ebay but felt I wanted a brand new one. Also some facts sheets on last link below you may find useful.

The ILC can advise retailers but I was being impatient hence a quick decision to buy one from the Red Cross but little choice.

Good luck as you may find better luck than me and if you do please let us know ready for me if I need to upgrade or change.

http://www.devon.gov.uk/ilc

http://www.torcom.org.uk/groups/british-red-cross-devon-branch

http://www.dlf.org.uk/content/full-list-factsheets

jeanmd

Sorry, I didn't see this post earlier.
I spoke to the local Gateway to care about a chair for my OH and they told me to ask my Dr to apply to wheelchair services. The Dr's said they didn't know anything about it, but contacted the local W/S for a form. Even though the Dr should have filled the form in they asked us to pick it up and fill most of it in, then just completed the signature requirements etc.
We had to go see a physiotherapist and four weeks on we have a lovely new chair, free of charge.
Wheelchair services are run by the NHS so should be national. I'm not sure where you are in south Devon, but here's link to Exeter mobility.

http://www.rdehospital.nhs.uk/patients/centres/emc/default.html

P.S. The Dr's surgery also has a brand new wheelchair now when they didn't have one a few weeks ago.

zolablue25

Thanks for all of your replies. Most helpful.