Stand up wheelchairs

s1234_2

Does anyone have any experience of stand up wheelchairs, would it be wise to buy 2nd hand or should I forget it?

Mr_F_Dorsetty

Well, if it were me I would get myself assessed by the NHS Wheelchair Service (WCS), if you need a wheelchair or any sort it is really best to to get professional advice.

Presently I am waiting for my new power chair and I had a both physiotherapist and Occupational therapist assess my needs, discuss the various options and measure me up.

I've no idea who would require a 'stand up' chair? They must have a specific usage surely?

If anyone does go to their GP wanting to be referred to the NHS Wheelchair service and if the form the GP fills in is like mine it is a tick box form. It is however vitally important that the GP writes somewhere on the form your ailments, issues and what he believes you need. There was no comments box so my GP wrote it down the side of the form.

Otherwise in my experience they (NHS WCS) just chuck the cheapest thing they have at you, with no discussion.

I'm now going to go and find out what illnesses require a stand up chair!

Mr_F_Dorsetty

AHA, I found this on a wheelchair site:

"Stand up wheelchairs promote more efficient cardiovascular activity and achieves better circulation in the digestive tract. Standing encourages complete bladder drainage, improves posture, decreases muscle spasticity and relieves sitting pressure. Suitable for all active wheelchair users who are unable to stand on their own but have good finger and arm control."


Now I have to say I find that a bit odd. I certainly couldn't use one, I am wheelchair bound because I cannot stand on my feet and I have a broken back and very dodgy neck etc.

It strikes me if someone is well enough to stand up in one of those for a any reasonable period of time, then surely they could use a walker?

I know that we disabled people all have different issues but frankly as a good power chair is around £6k and the same manufacturer charges £12k for a stand up model either I am missing something more fundamental than the above explanation or that is a lot of money for something you can do as well it seems to me for half the price.

Indie_Kid

But if you use a walker, you don't have a lot supporting you.

s1234_2

I have been in an nhs supplied powerchair for 3 years now. I cannot stand or move my left leg, I have to be hoisted between chairs/shower and bed, the tendons at the back of my left knee are contracting and its very painful being in the same position, even in bed 24/7.

I am thinking of a stand up chair to try and gain a little bit more independence, gain access to high cupboards etc that I cannot do sitting down. Basically I want some life back, be able to cook a meal for my family and not have to ask for help at every turn.

Also I think it would help my left leg to be used in any way possible, I know I would not be required to weight bear, would be strapped into the chair.