Wheel chairs - any tips

jaxw

We have been supplied with a wheelchair by NHS, they have always assessed my daughters specific needs and given one which meets them. the service has been excellent, but can be very slow. I would ask GP for a referral and assessment.

smileypigface

I was very naive and hired a wheelchair for my son who broke his leg badly (or very well - depending on your outlook ) and had his leg in plaster from toes right up to the very top of his thigh. He was only 4 at the time but too big for a pushchair, and it wouldn't have supported his leg.

Because he was only little the NHS in Bristol wouldn't provide a loan chair - so I hired one with a leg support attachment - I was horrified after returning the chair, and settling the hire bill, that I could have bought one for the same money (and still had money left over!):eek:

So, my advice would be to do your homework and look around at all possible sources - don't be daft like me and leap in and spend a fortune needlessly!

Best of luck with finding a good solution for you

maemaesmummy

All manner of things to consider with a wheelchair... if you want self propelled or transit, is it going to transported in a car (foldability), pnumatic tyres (punctures) or "green" solid tyres etc etc

I would advise NOT buying from Argos etc but look up disability in your yellow pages and go see a specialist company.. they will have a in house wheelchair specialist who will assess your individual needs (not to mention size the chair you need as the seat slings are sized) prices range for around £200 to the skys the limit.

Definaltely cheaper to buy than hire.. with regards to Drs and the DSC generally the NHS chairs are pretty basic from the "pool" however you may be able to get a voucher which will give you a set amount towards a chair of your choice... again your local mobility shop should be able to advise on this..

If you buy your own chair you will be responsible for the maintence with a DSC chair they take care of servicing/ repairs...

HTH

maemaesmummy

The lighter the chair generally the more expensive it is, you get some chairs with easy removal wheels for ease of placing in a car.

A word of warning some of the foreign manufacturers may be cheaper BUT they are a nightmare when ordering any spare parts (takes ages to come... not so good if it means you cant use your chair) and would reccomend a UK/USA based manufacturer if poss.

kentyy

my wheelchair is from the wheelchair service. the occupational therapist put me in touch with my local one. they will assess your needs and measure you for the exact appropriate wheelchair that you would suit your needs. ask your gp for a referral.
i found that our red cross service, who provide a free wheelchair (donations accepted), aren't that great in the choice of wheelchairs and aren't the best at all, but if you are desperate it is better than nothing.
also have a look at your local mobility shops as they will have a range and should have some knowledge to help you find the best one.

wooders

My wife is a physio, she says avoid salesmen, goto nhs service who will provide you with free assessment/advice even if you don't qualify for what you want v what they would prescribe.
they also know the best providers in your area

goodluck

mumsrevenge

I used to work for the OT dept within the NHS, my advice is contact the OT's (through your GP) and ask to be measured first.Wheelchairs come in all sorts of sizes and can be uncomfortable and even cause sores if they are the wrong size for you. They also come in different heights so the person pushing doesn't end up with backache. The measuring service from the OT's will be free on the NHS and if the waiting list is long at least you will know what type/size of chair you need. They will also have links with trusted suppliers.Good luck!

Jake'sGran

Thank you everyone who responded and sincere apologies for not replying earlier. In particular, it was useful to know that it is possible to get a chair of ones own choice (Lyndyloo). My daughter has been going on about my having a chair for ages and we just didn't get around to it. This week my husband had an routine appointment with his own GP who asked how I was getting on (think they had had a letter from my cardiologist). My OH asked the doc about wheel chairs and he said "no problem" just ask at reception and they will sort it out. I'd never thought of this route. So...maybe... I am already on my way to getting the service Lyndyloo described. Won't that be great! I hate the idea of being wheeled down our cul-de-sac after all these years and neighbours wanting to know all about it.

To MrsE - many thanks for your kind wishes. It is not really surgery when you have a cardioversion. They put thick sticky plasters around the chest then you are given sufficient sedation to knock you out. Then, a charge of electricity is put through the heart. Next thing you know you are awake and your heart is back in sinus rhythm. I had one in January too but, for some reason, I went back into an irregular rhythm on 12th March.

Tony Blair had this done sometime in 2006.

Really sorry for being late responding to your responses but very pleased to hear what Lyndyloo had to say.

Jake'sGran

EdInvestor wrote: »

Hi JG, Sorry to hear things are so dire

This is for use outside, I assume.Have you considered a mobility scooter rather than a wheelchair? The lighter ones can be folded up and put in a car and the battery is charged via the mains. They cost about 500quid (more for the big ones).

Hello Ed, (I have got your real name somewhere). I don't think I would use a mobility scooter much if at all. The main thing is to have something that can go into the boot easily. Thank you for your kind words.

margaretclare

Hello Jake's Gran

There are 'mobility aids' shops in most towns now and there are people who can advise you and let you try different chairs, see how easy (or not) they are to collapse and get into the boot.

Part of the disability problems I'm left with now have been from trying to push people's wheelchairs outdoors, lift things into boot of car, lifting things I really shouldn't have, so I do sympathise, and also about the heart problems.

Best wishes