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Any help for a wheelchair?!

Hmw1979

Hi, I have badly hurt my leg in September. Shattered my knee cap, fractured the bone behind, dislocated my knee and severed a nerve. Now it looks like all metal work they put in is collapsing and I need another op. I also have drop foot where I can't move my foot and don't have much sensasensation in it. I live in a first floor flat so if I am to get out someone will need to carry a wheelchair down stairs. So it needs to be lightweight Also some sort of mobility scooter might give me some life back! So does anyone know of any sort of funding to get either? The problem with the nerve going to take years to heal if it ever does. I already get Pip for mental health but no mobility and I would really struggle to buy a wheelchair or scooter. I've looked at second hand ones but I wouldn't know how reliable they would be. So sorry for the massive post! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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Comments

Ami2301

Hi @Hmw1979 welcome to the community!

Sorry to hear about your knee! Have you asked your GP to refer you to NHS wheelchair services? They assess you to find a wheelchair and/or mobility chair/scooter that is best suited for you.

Hmw1979

That's great thanks I'll definitely ask Cheers

Jean_OT

Hi @Hmw1979

Thanks for your post. Sorry it has taken a while for me to respond, I've been away from the office.

I agree that it would be wise to ask for a referral to the NHS wheelchair clinic. They will assess your mobility needs and may issue you with a manual wheelchair. Normally this will be the cheapest wheelchair that meets your needs and is therefore unlikely to be the lightest possible model. They only issue powered mobility equipment to people that need to use it both in their home and outside so, I don't think you will be able to get a powered wheelchair from them (as even if you needed it you wouldn't be able to get it up the stairs to use it in your home). NHS wheelchair clinics do not issue mobility scooters.

Charitable funding might be an option. You can search for charitable funders at: https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/search-grants

If you are thinking of buying a scooter do consider where you will store it and charge it as most landlords do not allow this in communal areas.

You might also want to explore the possibility of hiring a scooter, this is a good initial option for some people.

Best Wishes

Jean

April2018mom

Start with NHS wheelchair services. They will assess your mobility needs and recommend a wheelchair for your situation. In most cases this is the cheapest wheelchair they can find. However if you require another type of wheelchair speak up. Ultimately the wheelchair must fit into your lifestyle and be appropriate for your needs.
We are on the waiting list for our area for a wheelchair. My son has complete lower limb paralysis. We went private so we can actually get a wheelchair that meets our son’s needs. Definitely speak with them. Good luck!! If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Hmw1979

Thanks for all your help. The Dr's are now considering a knee replacement or leg amputation. It's just so upsetting. I'm being referred to a knee specialist to talk through the different options.. Its just too much to deal with

Jean_OT

Hi @Hmw1979

It sounds as if you are in a very challenging position, physically and emotionally. I'm pleased to hear that you are being given access to a specialist.

There is a charity called Limbcare which offers support to people with "limb impairments or amputations" : Limbcare Helpline 08000521174 www.limbcare.org

Hoping that you are able to achieve the best possible outcome,
Jean

April2018mom

Any update?

rayrey

Have a look at NHS England personal wheelchair budgets, there is opion in
In there for you to add cash to their budget to get your preferred chair,if you'r local ccg is not implementing the policy, complain to your MP
Regards
Rayrey