New Wheelchair User - advice please

Clutterfree

Hi,
My Dad is a new wheelchair user - right lower leg amputee.
After 2 months in hospital he's finally home.
Obviously, his whole life has changed but he is adapting well.

We are learning as we go along as to what is the best way to do what were previously simple things.

The one thing I need to get him is a pouch/bag for his wheelchair.
He has a self-propelled wheelchair so bags attached to the back are no use. He also cannot have one fitted to the outside arm rest because it will interfere with the wheel and also his doorways are very tight to get through without adding any more width to the chair.

I have found one online which fits to the inside but it is discontinued.
Link below.

http://www.mobility-aids.com/sidekick-wheelchair-pouch.html

Has anyone else got recommendations please?

I know this section is about money but thought it would be the best place to post. If not, please let me know which is the best section.

Thank you for any help.

mrcol1000

There is this one:
https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc06090/multi-purpose-security-bag/

I have a self-propelled wheelchair and can't find the exact one I use on the back of my chair but this is similar. It slips over the handles and is narrow enough to not bother the large wheels. It depends if the bag is going be used by him exculsively or if someone else can get it for him.

http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/view/betterlife-wheelchair-shopping-back-pack/8587/

Both these companies are excellent for mobility type stuff.

Clutterfree

Thanks Mrcol.
Will take a look at the links.
The bag will be for his use only.

24skins

My son's friend uses a trabasack which is a lap tray/bag combined, it can be carried like a bag or sat on his lap (there's a strap with clips so it doesn't fall off).

http://www.liberator.co.uk/trabasack.html

GlasweJen

My every day wheelchair is fairly sporty so not much on the back to attach a bag and no arm rests. If I'm carrying a bag I have it on my lap, I've had to unlearn the female trait of carrying everything in my bag so it usually contains phone, purse, house keys, work pass, travel pass and fold up carrier. If I absolutely have to carry stuff I have a 20L backpack that I can fit on the back but it's a PITA to get to.

If your dad is self propelling the best thing he can buy are wheelchair gloves, seriously pavements are beyond disgusting which you don't realise straight out of rehab as all the floors you learn on are cleaned every night.

mrcol1000

[QUOTE=GlasweJen;70313040
If your dad is self propelling the best thing he can buy are wheelchair gloves, seriously pavements are beyond disgusting which you don't realise straight out of rehab as all the floors you learn on are cleaned every night.[/QUOTE]


I also find with a self propelled wheelchair that the wheels tend to rub on the side of your thumbs and it gets sore.

Have these and for £2.50 delivered they are amazing quality and very comfortable to wear

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEATHER-FINGERLESS-GLOVES-BIKER-DRIVING-CYCLING-WHEELCHAIR-GYM-PADDED-RAWHIDE-/201453037859?var=&hash=item2ee7896923:m:myRoi6X7qVfw_lYMeaqTdvw

Clutterfree

Many thanks for your replies.
He's at dialysis now so I shall show him the suggestions in the morning.
I quite like the Trabasack idea because it is multi functional - lap tray and a bag.
My only concern is that he has a stump plate on his chair which means his right thigh is a couple of inches higher on his lap than his left.
Are there enough beans to accommodate the height difference?

Will also order some gloves. Thank you.

Apologies for all the questions but this is all new to us.

I'm also hoping he will be entitled to Attendance Allowance (he's 76) but it says online that he needs to have needed help/been disabled for 6 months.
I understand why they say this, in case after 6 months the "disability" is no longer, but he's had half a leg amputated to it isn't going to improve!
He could then use this money to pay towards a carer to come in daily to help with his personal care. He gets it free for a couple of weeks whilst he adjusts but after that will have to pay.

Limara

Have a look for a car sun visor they are available with all sorts of pouches and pockets and normally attach with elastic or velcro.
Or a suitable size wash bag, if you can sew just add a couple of tabs to attach it to the chair.
Poundland some times have some visor tidys, look for anything that isnt stually sold for wheelchair use so hasnt got the greatly inflated price tag. Cant you make one to the actual size you need,
I have just looked at my daughers reportes type bag its exactly the same dimensions as a wheehchair one on a us site thats $83 Hubbys wheelchair is in the car at minute so i will see if it would fit tomorrow BUT are you sure there is enough room for the side bag, My hubby wouldnt be able to have a side one on the inside of his wheelchair!

Clutterfree

Thanks Limara.
It's only to keep a few small items in - mobile, tablets, keys, a little cash, tissues.
I may have a look at the visor idea.
Thanks.

clingingtothewreckage

Clutterfree wrote: »

Many thanks for your replies.
He's at dialysis now so I shall show him the suggestions in the morning.
I quite like the Trabasack idea because it is multi functional - lap tray and a bag.
My only concern is that he has a stump plate on his chair which means his right thigh is a couple of inches higher on his lap than his left.
Are there enough beans to accommodate the height difference?

Will also order some gloves. Thank you.

Apologies for all the questions but this is all new to us.

I'm also hoping he will be entitled to Attendance Allowance (he's 76) but it says online that he needs to have needed help/been disabled for 6 months.
I understand why they say this, in case after 6 months the "disability" is no longer, but he's had half a leg amputated to it isn't going to improve! !
He could then use this money I'lltowards pay towards a carer to come in daily to




Hi Clutterfree
Slightly off subject, but, you may wish to contact your local Council. Where I live if you have to use a wheelchair at home, and meet some simple requirements you are eligible for a band reduction in Council Tax.
I am not sure if this is a national scheme or not but it might be worth a call and could help with funding a carer.
Hope this helps