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There is no powerchair that meets my needs what can I do?

littleacorn

I am currently using a powerchair supplied by my local equipment service. The seat is too deep so they have packed it with an additional cushion at the back. They have also put another cushion on the seat itself. Both cushions are easily removed. They said this is the only chair that they feel meets my needs. I have head this for 2 years and my back especially my lower back is in so much pain when I use it. I have carried out my own research and can't find a chair which exists that meets my needs. I have also been to a specialist powerchair provider who has also said they can't find anything which meets my needs. The powerchair I previous had which did meet my needs is nolonger made. Its so annoying. What can I do? Any ideas will be appreciated.

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Comments

JessieJ

I looked around & tried a good few, then I actually bought a second hand one, that was the nearest for my needs, spinal injury ++. I then adapted it with different back support & seating etc, it's not perfect, but I manage okay. I would love someone to come up with perfect shock absorbing though, as the paths are as bad as roads. Good luck, I hope you find a way of making one more suitable & comfortable.

newborn

Yes. It seems as if wheelchair designers cannot comprehend that a damaged spine is not one to be jolted and bounced and shocked and bumped and jarred. Not at all, not once, not ever. Certainly not while in a sitting position, while bearing the weight of the head, and for every minute the chair is in use outdoors. Have you researched German makes? (and, possibly, American, but of course the second-hand availability and the spares and repairs will be more awkward) Disability exhibitions used to be the way to see what is new, though they too are mainly in Germany now, I understand. Excel and other past shows' exhibitors are probably searchable online

It would astound you to visit Los Cristianos Tenerife where the town is designated disability-friendly. (No frantic search for adropped kerb, no pleading outside shop doorways blocked by a step. Other European towns have done the same thing, realising that a town designed for disability is suited for young, for old, for injured, for fit, for delivery drivers, as well as for disabled people and all their potential accompanying families)

Loads of hire shops for chairs and hoists etc. are there in Tenerife, and some of the chairs are amazing. There is also a (German) purpose-designed fully-inclusive, family friendly complex where some apartments are permanent residences, some are let out. Every floor is available not only by lift but by ramp, some apartments have their own gardens, all have level showers and at least minimum self-catering kitchens, but there is also a large dining hall with beautiful buffet food. There are disability specialist physical trainers and treatments and every known hoist etc. Best of all, there is a separate pool for kiddies, and the main pool is bath temperature.

JessieJ

I've looked at a lot of makes, maybe some German, definitely American. None really have good shock absorbing for spinal injury & that is very bemusing & frustrating. I used an Invacare Storm, I think it was, at Salisbury Shopmobility & that was the best I've been in. The cost with the added seating of the one I used is eyewatering. As with a lot of them, the cost of a small car.

Not been to Los Cristianos for many years, in fact, it was before I was disabled. Of course, then I wouldn't have noticed how disabled friendly it was. The place in Germany sounds great, everything covered. It is brilliant that some countries are seriously thinking about all encompassing design.

Just drop kerbs here are awful, that's if there are any & I do wish they would leave a flat wheelchair friendly area at crossings, instead of all the bumps & awful ridges. I know why they are there, but a wheelchair/scooter wide section would be great.

Talking about hire shops in Tenerife. My wheelchair broke down when I was out earlier. The guy that services it is chocca, so won't have it until midweek or so. That is my only transport & also my independence. I've been online looking for rentals around me, nothing. I couldn't believe it.

At least the weather is on a par with Tenerife, today at least!

littleacorn

Thanks for the comments above. It was sometime ago I looked at wheelchairs from abroad, maybe it worth another look. The problem with the chairs is not just the bouncing about on the pavement but it's the size of the seat. I need a very small depth about 13 inches and the seatit needs to be low to the ground for me to get on and off independently. Wheelchair services just pack out the back with cushions which is not helping support my back. I have decide to look at paediatric chairs now to see what they offer but as my behind has expanded I recent years I'm not sure I will find one.

I have contacted wheelchairmanufacturers who would noteven enter I to discussion with me and told me to go to the dealers.

Tenerife sounds a great place to visit, the only thing that puts me off going abroad is if my powerchair will get there in 1 piece.

helenbolland

Do you have any details of the place in Germany?

Thanks

newborn said:

Yes. It seems as if wheelchair designers cannot comprehend that a damaged spine is not one to be jolted and bounced and shocked and bumped and jarred. Not at all, not once, not ever. Certainly not while in a sitting position, while bearing the weight of the head, and for every minute the chair is in use outdoors. Have you researched German makes? (and, possibly, American, but of course the second-hand availability and the spares and repairs will be more awkward) Disability exhibitions used to be the way to see what is new, though they too are mainly in Germany now, I understand. Excel and other past shows' exhibitors are probably searchable online

It would astound you to visit Los Cristianos Tenerife where the town is designated disability-friendly. (No frantic search for adropped kerb, no pleading outside shop doorways blocked by a step. Other European towns have done the same thing, realising that a town designed for disability is suited for young, for old, for injured, for fit, for delivery drivers, as well as for disabled people and all their potential accompanying families)

Loads of hire shops for chairs and hoists etc. are there in Tenerife, and some of the chairs are amazing. There is also a (German) purpose-designed fully-inclusive, family friendly complex where some apartments are permanent residences, some are let out. Every floor is available not only by lift but by ramp, some apartments have their own gardens, all have level showers and at least minimum self-catering kitchens, but there is also a large dining hall with beautiful buffet food. There are disability specialist physical trainers and treatments and every known hoist etc. Best of all, there is a separate pool for kiddies, and the main pool is bath temperature.

SeasideAnne

I honestly don't think that wheelchairs are made that do everything we want them to. I think its because they aren't designed by people who are disabled. (I know that sounds daft). I have MS and also have had a major spinal injury. I also need a hip replacement but they don't seem to want to do the op saying its a risk because of the MS and spinal injury, so I'm really struggling to walk at all. I have a manual wheelchair which is supposed to be good for the back, and a power wheelchair. The trouble is both have good points and not so good points. The manual one is great for a short time, then my back really hurts and I can't wait to get out of it. The powered wheelchair is also great, but not very good on pavements outside and inside it is too clumsy - or I'm a very bad driver - possible :-) I just can't manoeuvre it around inside the house very well at all. I am so nearly at the point when I will have no option but to use a wheelchair all the time and neither of the ones I have are going to work full time. I've looked lots online and not been able to find something better. I hope you find something more comfortable, if you do please let us know.