Information please?

Andrea1967

Hi I wonder if anyone knows how I go about getting a wheelchair for my mum...she has COPD and has recently left hospital after 6 weeks with pneumonia. ..thanks in advance 

Alex

Hi Andrea,

Welcome to the community. Does she need it permanently or do you just want to borrow one?

The British Red Cross has a borrowing service. 

@mossycow had some great advice on this post:
https://community.scope.org.uk/discussion/31094/advice-on-getting-a-wheelchair

Google 'wheelchair services and <where you live>'.  This will lead you to your NHS help.  They are stretched... But you are entitled to help so go for it.  They will assess you for the right wheelchair.  If you will need wheelchair inside you can have a power chair.  If not needed in your house NHS will fund a manual chair.  You will be offered a chair to borrow till they have bought your perfect chair for you to borrow.  Takes time.. 
But the difference between a heavy chair that didn't fit and one made for me made a massive difference! 
We found British red cross have a wheelchair borrowing service.  It is free for small deposit of £30. Just Google Red Cross and where you live.  Many people let them keep deposit as a donation.  They were life savers! They delivered,  repaired and collected chair when we were done. 

Andrea1967

Thank you 

mossycow

Beat of luck!  Do try gp or NHS first. 

Do you anticipate her needing it for long term or just for a little while after this hospital visit?  Get well soon! 

You can hire from mobility shops and prices vary lots.  

British red cross are fantastic

Best wishes

Alex

Hi @Andrea1967

Were you able to get a wheelchair? We'd love to know how you got on!