Electric wheelchair fleece - help please

dazza-mac

Hi,
My dad has an amputated leg and uses an electric wheelchair.

I would like to buy a fleece or something to keep him warm as a blanker over his knee is not that good.

I've seen the fleece covers but I don't know if they're suitable for electric chairs as they only seem to be advertised on a manual.

Bearing in mind my dad is elderly and it's difficult for him to get in and out of his chair (I'm usually with him) - does anyone out there use an electric chair and have they bought a suitable fleece cover. Are they easy enough to get out of? And where did you buy it.

Mandy thanks in anticipation

kittykat17

I bought my mum a fleece from Complete Care Shop (online). It was similar to a sleeping bag with a zip round the bottom and one side. Easy enough to put on and off and kept her beautifully snug. I don't know if they're suitable for electric wheelchairs though as mum only had a manual one. Have a look at the website and see if they say anything about suitability or not. You can also call them - they are really helpful. Good luck. Su

DigForVictory

If all else fails, go to Abakhan (http://www.abakhan.co.uk/fabric/fleece-fur.html?limit=60&type=357 - my tablet grouching about proper web links, sorry)
And in consultation, pick a chunk (or two) of fleece & make up to suit.
Last I was in the Manchester store they had fleece from Dora to John Deere, so choosing was definitely the hardest bit!

teddysmum

DigForVictory wrote: »

If all else fails, go to Abakhan (http://www.abakhan.co.uk/fabric/fleece-fur.html?limit=60&type=357 - my tablet grouching about proper web links, sorry)
And in consultation, pick a chunk (or two) of fleece & make up to suit.
Last I was in the Manchester store they had fleece from Dora to John Deere, so choosing was definitely the hardest bit!

Dunelm Mill do 'teddybear' fleeces in three sizes: double bed, single bed and baby. The first two come in lots of colours (including navy and chocolate) , so could do the same with a couple of these.


'Teddybear' fleece has a pile like sheepskin,but is somewhere between that and regular fleece used for tops, in heat value. (I have a baby sized one which I wrap round my shoulders, if I feel cold of an evening, but sometimes have to shrug it off as I am then too warm. )

Cyclamen

I use a carriage driving apron, it is waterproof top with fleece lining. Very long but i tie it round my waist before sitting down and its wide enough to come round the back of my legs too. This worked out cheaper than a disability one and easier for me to put on and off. I have a zircon one. This doesn't get in the way of my wheels at all, disadvantage is i still need two pairs of socks as feet get chilly.

I found the disability shop sleeping bag styles too bulky, I wanted to keep my shoes out as can stand to transfer chairs, use loo, get in taxi etc and didn't like the idea of mucky shoes in the bag.. I also tended to catch my feet trying to get myself sat on the chair and needed help to lift them into 'toe of bag' and zip up but that might have been the style i chose.

I have also made my own out of thick fleece in an 'L' shape with the stalk going over my lap and the foot of the L wrapping behind my knees and toggling to keep backs of legs warm. I would use velcro next time as toggles are fiddly with gloved hands and it gets very cold sitting in a chair when out.

I think it will depend on the type of powerchair your Dad has as to how well the disability ones will fit. If you are able to go to a shop you could try a few on and see what you think. A decent mobility shop will let you try one and sit in whichever of their chairs is most like your Dad's.

Other things I use for warmth are the 'heating sticky patches' and i have a battery powered heat pad as a christmas pressie, just a cheap one to test before we spend money but actually it does a grand job.

sleepy14

I use an electric wheelchair and have no use of my legs. I found the fleece covers difficult for my carer to fit because I needed to be already sat on them, difficult placing me using hoist transfers.
I am now using this which fits over me in the chair. It is fleece lined so quite warm and snug. Its from Amazon and entitled 'Aidapt fully lined wheelchair mac with sleeves' it costs £21.46 with Prime. It is large enough for most people. (sorry can't post links)