Buying a wheelchair

sleepymy

I had an OT assessment last year, they kitted the house out for me. They said to qualify for the wheelchair voucher you must be using it a minimum of 3 times a week. I can't leave the house that often, especially in the cold weather so I didn't apply for it. I thought someone who could use it more often deserved the chance. They have on a limited amount of money on this scheme so please only apply if you will use it regularly.

Fen1

THanks to everyone for replying. It means a lot.

Hopefully I only need the wheelchair for a short time (as a result of injury rather than chronic ill-health). I hope, anyway.

I would really love a proper motorised outdoor scooter so that I could get about under my own steam and not have to try using the car. Our house has only front door access with steps, and nowhere safe to store the motor outside (even if I could manage to get it to the back). It's not worth getting ramps etc yet. I so hope that it doesn't come to 'yet'.

I'll have a look at the websites mentioned, and try some of the alternatives suggested. THanks again to everyone.

sleepymy

Fen if it's only for short term you may be able to hire one off the Redcross or shop mobility for a smaller sum?

If you do buy one and won't need it again please consider donating it to the likes of the redcross afterwards.

oldMcDonald

As sleepymy says, go to your local Red Cross. My great aunt and uncle are both in thier 90s and my auntie often spends time in hospital. We often borrow one from the Red Cross so that we can take him to visit her. They ask for a £10 deposit (which you get back when you take the wheelchair back), and you can borrow for 2 weeks - longer if a doctor fills in a form for them.

Phone them up and ask, we have found them to be really helpful.

sleepymy

*waves at Old McDonald*

oldMcDonald

"waves back at sleepymy"

Iguana

Check the weight limit, seat depth and width, (measure the person whose going to be using it from the knee to the back of their buttock and across both buttocks at the back) measure foot to knee and check that the footplates are adjustable to an appropriate height, ensure it has a waist belt (adjustable).