Buying a Wheelchair

[OneLittleSpark]

Hi everyone. I've already posted about this on the disABILITIES board, but they said you guys might be able to help, as a lot of them aren't Brits.

Has anyone had any experience of buying a wheelchair in this country? I've got joint problems that mean I can't leave the house now without one, but I'm "in the system" with the NHS so I can't get one of their chairs. I have to return the Red Cross rental I have in a few weeks, and figure it'll probably be cheaper to buy my own, then rent from another company.

I'm hoping to find a relatively cheap (prefferably around or under £150) folding chair with removable armrests and flip-down back (not to specify too much ). If anyone knows of any good suppliers (internet or shop), or has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks in advance everyone

 

[Claire L]

Have you heard of the Wheelcahir Users voucher scheme? They may be able to point you in the right direction and help financially as well.

Claire

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Unfortunately, you have to be assessed to be eligible, and while I'm in the system, I'm nobody's problem, so there's no one I can hassle to get an assessment. They might be able to give me some information though, so thank you very much for pointing me to them, I’ll look into it.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Unfortunately, you have to be assessed to be eligible, and while I'm in the system, I'm nobody's problem, so there's no one I can hassle to get an assessment.

If you have mobility problems, get yourself assessed. I am sure your GP will be able to arrange for you to be assessed. You may also be eligable for mobility allowance. I now have a lightweight wheelchar through the voucher scheme. Any lightweight self propelled wheelchair worth having is going to cost at least £1200. For £120, the best you will get is an NHS 'tank'.

Andrew

 

[alisonbestford]

I, like Andrew, was going to suggest you got assessed for mobility allowance

It may well be worth going along to talk to someone at your local Citizens Advice Bureau as they can help with getting you things you are entitled to.
I worked as a volunteer, helping the Disability Worker, for a while and, my medical knowledge (qualified nurse) combined with her knowledge of the system, meant that we were able to turn round benefit appeals that should never have existed in the first place

I don't know whether it's relevent but there is also a piece of 'software' (that the CAB should have) called a 'Funderfinder'.
You put all your details into the computer and the software helps you find any available grants etc.
We did this for DH when he had one of his surgeries and have had both financial and physical support from one of the big art charities ever since

Good luck

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. I've got a physio appointment at the hospital on Thursday, so I'll try getting pushy (nice, polite and considerate pushy, of course).

Andrew, I'm using what you so aptly term as a 'tank' right now. I've managed to find some chairs a fair bit lighter for about £150 ish on the internet, but I don't really know what is 'light' and what isn't. There are so many numbers flying around, some of them for the whole kit, some for the chair without detachables, and I'm lost. Any indication you, or anyone, could give me as to what is what would be most appreciated.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I've talked to the physio and I can't get financial help until I've had a diagnosis, and I can't get a diagnosis until I've seen rhumatology, which I'm still waiting for a referal for. Given the time window left before I have to give my current wheels back, I think the only option is to buy one off my own back. I'm going to a couple of suppliers tommorow, can anyone give me any last-minutes tips on what to look for (other than the dreaded price label)?

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[Claire L]

No tips other than to have a 'test drive'! Can I ask what they think your diagnosis may be or at least what your symptoms are pointing towards?

Claire

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I think the latest theory they're trying is something rheumatoidal, as my X-rays have given my bones the all clear. Now it’s a case of waiting for the next referral to come through to see if they’re right, or if we need to try yet another course of action.

 

[Claire L]

Sorry to hear it is taking some time to get a diagnosis Hoping that when you do get one you can get all the help you need.

Claire

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Hopefully so, but at least in the meantime I'm not stuck. I can get around perfectly well by myself now that my arms are strong enough (Exeter is definitely a 'baptism of fire' for a newbie wheeler), and my father has kindly offered to help me with the cost of the chair. It’s just the not knowing that gets to me sometimes. I’ve had this since I was 13 and I still don’t even know what it is, much less what I should do about it. Oh well, things aren’t perfect but they could be a heck of a lot worse.


(counting lucky stars )

 

[alisonbestford]

Here's to you finding the chair of your dreams

Unfortunately I'm totally unable to offer any practical advice regarding prices etc but I can offer loads of encouragement

Good luck

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Thank you

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Well, I've bought one! The suppliers I went to had a very limited (and very pricey) range of self propelled chairs, but it gave me an idea of what different weights actually feel like to push. I ended up getting this one: http://www.mobilitymegastore.co.uk/item2224.htm online. It's about £170 with VAT, has all the things I needed (removable armrests, foldable back) and is a lot lighter than the rental tank . It should be arriving beginning of next week . Thanks for all the help and advice guys, you've all been wonderful

 

[Cyrano]

Glad you got sorted out

 

[Claire L]

Glad to hear all sorted

Claire

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Just wanted to let you guys know that my chair arrived Monday and to say thank you all so much for the help and support you gave me. Also wanted to warn everyone, please NEVER use Mobility Zone! They messed me around so much we ended up cancelling and going to Bin To Mobility (who were absolutely brilliant). They lost my order, weren't there to take my call when they said they would be and didn't even say sorry when we canceled the order. But oh well, I have the chair now, so all's well than ends well.

Thanks again guys!

 

[KayleeUK]

Glad it is all sorted for you

 

[Minniespal]

Pleased that it all worked out for you

 

[Claire L]

Great news to hear you have your new wheels

Claire