I need a wheelchair but service is taking some time

Danny_C

hi all I’m Danny 54 years old I have Disability/Mobility problems. It has now come to pass I will have to use a wheelchair which has made me anxious and confused on what I need and the costs. I have been referred to the wheelchair services but the time waiting for a appointment and to receive a chair that is acceptable for me needs seems far away and in the meantime I’m stuck unable to get about. So have joined here to be part of this community to help me understand being new to this.

Danny

Jimm_Scope

Hey @Danny_C, welcome to the community 😊 There have been quite a few members who have gone through an experience similar to yourself. They will likely have far better insights than I will.

I'd just like to ask a few questions though that might hopefully help us find possible support?

I don't want to make any assumptions, so just to clarify:

Is the wheelchair service at your local hospital and is the appointment you're waiting for the NHS wheelchair assessment? Or has that already been done?

Do you receive PIP at all?

I'm asking the first question just so we have a better idea of where in the process you are with the wheelchair service and I am asking the PIP question as there are some other ways to obtain mobility equipment 🙂

We do have an advice page on obtaining a wheelchair here: How to get a wheelchair | Disability charity Scope UK

I'll move this over to our transport and travel category for further wheelchair discussion.

Danny_C

hi Jim

I am waiting for a nhs wheelchair assement and do get pip . Waiting for the assessment people to call me to answer some questions.

Danny

Tonawanda17

Hi Danny. Nor sure if you are intending to buy a chair yourself. I have done so and the assesment is done by the company supplying the chair and not the NHS. I had one for my new chair in July. Thanks

Danny_C

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/905653#Comment_905653

I bought one today as I really needed one to get around while I’m waiting for a assessment. From what I have read of nhs wheelchairs I will prob ask for a voucher and buy my own if you have a recommendation company please

Danny

Tonawanda17

Hi Danny. The kuschall chairs start at £2000+ but are custom built to suit you. I live in scotland and use albion mobility or ablecare. Hope this helps

jay2900

Shame I only just saw this, you could hire a wheelchair until the NHS sorts out your full time chair, I'll leave a link in case it help someone

https://www.lendocare.com/

I've had to do a bit of research into the different wheelchairs and it depends on what you need yours to do. There are lightweight carbon fiber ones or more specialized ones with tilt functions, and the prices can vary lots.

What are some of the things you would like your chair to be/do?

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/905654#Comment_905654

Danny_C

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/915012#Comment_915012

Hi Jay

Thanks for the reply I have my appointment this week with NHS and I managed to get a chair to use in the meantime. It’s been hard to get some form of independence and hoping I’ll be on the path for that this week as I really need a rigid chair.

Kind Regards

Danny

Danny_C

well had my appointment and was only offered a standard bog chair as I have only been using a wheelchair for a few months and therefore would not be considered for a active chair even when saying that I have trouble putting and getting a folded one out of the boot. Was also told that at 124kg there is no rigid one that they do basically all I got was a gel and foam cushion for the chair I bought so looks like I’ll have to buy my own

KG100

When my dad fell and broke his hip a few years a go he borrowed a wheelchair from the local red cross people.

He gave it back when he was able to walk again.

Danny_C

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/917509#Comment_917509

I have a disability and other issues going on that are in decline why I’m now in a wheelchair so I’m going to have to buy my own better one as the one I bought is not ideal for me.