Occupational Therapists, wheelchairs with motor, etc

luminated

My wife is finding it more difficult to push me as she suffers from arthritis which is not expected to get better so she discussed this with our GP. The GP said they would arrange for an OT to make a home visit to make a full assessment of my (and wife's) needs so I had a few questions.

I know it varies a lot but how soon should I expect the visit and after how soon before action is taken.

Does the OT do a report to the GP to enable the GP to approve supply of suggested items.

Does the OT just talk to us, or carry out physical examinations and then is a report done.

The main reason for discussing with the GP is after meeting someone in a similar position who was being supplied with a wheelchair with motor. This would mean my wife being able to get me further and to dare try some of the less level routes.

I am on HRM and MRC and still dithering about mobility scooters :cool:

zaksmum

luminated wrote: »

My wife is finding it more difficult to push me as she suffers from arthritis which is not expected to get better so she discussed this with our GP. The GP said they would arrange for an OT to make a home visit to make a full assessment of my (and wife's) needs so I had a few questions.

I know it varies a lot but how soon should I expect the visit and after how soon before action is taken.

Does the OT do a report to the GP to enable the GP to approve supply of suggested items.

Does the OT just talk to us, or carry out physical examinations and then is a report done.

The main reason for discussing with the GP is after meeting someone in a similar position who was being supplied with a wheelchair with motor. This would mean my wife being able to get me further and to dare try some of the less level routes.

I am on HRM and MRC and still dithering about mobility scooters :cool:

When you say you're dithering about mobility scooters - do get one if you can! Using one has made the world of difference to me - just to be able to get around without pain and struggling is brilliant!:)

michelle67

i also have a mobility scooter and it has given me a new lease of life as i am able to go out and about without being in pain i thinks its great

sunnyone

The NHS is very fixed on what they can/will supply and a wheelchairs with a motors are not available on the NHS, neither are scootesr nor any other motorised add ons to manual wheelchairs.

There are none motorised aides available such as drive levers but these are rarely prescribed by wheelchair services.

I would love synergy wheels for my NHS manual wheelchair, I would even give up my NHS powerchair to have them so it would be cheaper by far for the NHS but they are not available.

HB58

I don't understand the difference between a powerchair and a chair with a motor. Can someone please explain? Thanks

luminated

HB58 wrote: »

I don't understand the difference between a powerchair and a chair with a motor. Can someone please explain? Thanks

First link is what I was taking about a small power pack for my existing wheelchair that can be used or not on the day. A system where someone needs to still steer and control it. And second link for the powered wheelchair that can be driven by the actual wheelchair user with no other person needed to get you there - as it were.

http://www.discountmobilitydirect.co.uk/wheelchairs/wheelchair-accessories/wheelchair-power-pack.aspx


http://www.discountmobilitydirect.co.uk/wheelchairs/powered-wheelchairs/enigma-energi-power-chair.aspx

luminated

An update and I am really upset.

Had my OT assessment and because I had already bought a wheelchair I am not eligible for any form of power pack or indeed an electric self drive wheelchair. I could of been issued with probably a wheelchair with power pack if I had not bought my wheelchair.

Not fair, am fuming, am trying to work out who I should take up the matter with any help would be good as to where to go to complain.

luminated

sunnyone wrote: »

The NHS is very fixed on what they can/will supply and a wheelchairs with a motors are not available on the NHS, neither are scootesr nor any other motorised add ons to manual wheelchairs.
.

Here in Devon via Exeter Mobility Centre electric wheelchairs, or wheelchair with power packs, are issued. My son works elsewhere in Social Services and confirms it varies around the country.

snoopy89

contact your mp, that is what hes for, make him/her work for the 1000,00 they earn and see if they can sort it. its a lottory in the uk.:mad: after all as the conns say, we help the disabled. haha. sorry. best of luck.

luminated

snoopy89 wrote: »

contact your mp, that is what hes for, make him/her work for the 1000,00 they earn and see if they can sort it. its a lottory in the uk.:mad: after all as the conns say, we help the disabled. haha. sorry. best of luck.

Yes MP is on the list thanks but first I will wait and see if the OT gets back to me as she knows my strength of feeling.

gregg1

luminated wrote: »

My wife is finding it more difficult to push me as she suffers from arthritis which is not expected to get better so she discussed this with our GP. The GP said they would arrange for an OT to make a home visit to make a full assessment of my (and wife's) needs so I had a few questions.

I know it varies a lot but how soon should I expect the visit and after how soon before action is taken.

Does the OT do a report to the GP to enable the GP to approve supply of suggested items.

Does the OT just talk to us, or carry out physical examinations and then is a report done.

The main reason for discussing with the GP is after meeting someone in a similar position who was being supplied with a wheelchair with motor. This would mean my wife being able to get me further and to dare try some of the less level routes.

I am on HRM and MRC and still dithering about mobility scooters :cool:

Apologies if I am wrong on this but isn't that the sort of thing DLA is to pay for. If you are getting HRM then that would enable you to purchase one wouldn't it?