Struggling to adapt to new wheelchair

ttotal1999

Advice needed.  I have recently gone from using a manual wheelchair to a motorised one but the process has been a really stressful.  I can only use the current chair in the house and now need to be reassess for an outdoor chair. I have been housebound for most of the year.   Can anyone give advice or support for adults with disabilities as neither my local authority departments or my gp have been unable (forthcoming).  Many thanks.

Ami2301

Hi @ttotal1999 welcome to the community! Sorry to hear this, who provided you with a powered wheelchair?

steve51

Hi @ttotal1999

Welcome it’s great to meet you today!!!!!!

Can I please ask if you are on DLA?????

You can used the higher rate to get a new Scooter that way.

You can also contact our helpline number 0800 0808 3333 on Monday morning as they might be able to help you?????

There is also a number of Charity’s that may be able to give you a Grant to purchase a new one????

Yes I have done the whole journey myself from wheelchair to large road scooters!!!!

Please please let me know how you feel????

ttotal1999

NHS provided me with my manual chair.  Yes I am in receipt of DLA which I used for my car.

Richard_Scope

Hi @ttotal1999

Maybe I could help? I have been a wheelchair user all of my life. What problems are you having with the powerchair?

ttotal1999

Hi Richard, it’s not so much that I’m not coping with the chair, it’s more fighting the system to enabled me to become independent and not housebound.  The chair I have been given, I have been told that I can only use it in he house (already being housebound). I am frustrated that i have to wait again for them to reassess me for an outdoor chair ; why I need 2 when there is only 1 of me confused!! With the whole of this is looming, I am due to change my car but cannot do so until I have the dimensions of the chair they may provide.  Also, there seems to be no help available to guide me through the process. Thanks

Richard_Scope

Hi @ttotal1999

I have done a bit of research and from what I understand, the restriction to just indoor use is only there until you are familiar with the powerchair. Wheelchair services should return in a few weeks to assess you and then increase the speed so you can use it outdoors.

The only time that the restriction is permanent is when there are issues with vision or access.

Jean_OT

Hi @ttotal1999

Normally the NHS wheelchair clinic prefers to go with the cheapest option to meet someones assessed needs. Obviously, in most instances this will mean one wheelchair for indoor and outdoor use. 

It is unusual for people to be allocated a NHS power wheelchair that they are only allowed to use indoors. When restrictions of this sort are put in place there normally specific reasons why they are assessed as necessary. Without knowing those specifics I can't comment further. Sometimes a public forum isn't the most appropriate place to talk about these things so you might prefer to contact the Scope Helpline 0808 800 3333  helpline@scope.org.uk

Unfortunately the system for allocating wheelchairs often does move slowly and that can be frustrating. If you think the wheelchair clinic are being unreasonable in the way you are being treated you might want to consider making a formal complaint in accordance with their complaints procedure.

Best Wishes
Jean

ttotal1999

I appreciate all your feedback and support.