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Ineligible For NHS Wheelchair Voucher
airbusA346
Member Posts: 19 Connected
Hi,
I've had an wheelchair from the NHS wheelchair service for over 20 years. At the end of last year I decided to try and get a more suitable wheelchair for my needs from the NHS after having my current Invacare Action 3 for 15 years.
I was seen in January where I told them I needed a lighter chair because lifting it in and out of my car was getting hard and was causing a lot of pain in my back when doing this. I also told them I needed more support to stop twisting and leaning when using the chair. They offered me one chair (Rubix) which they said was the only choice available and was lighter than my current chair. After a bit of research I found the chair wasn't lighter. They didn't believe me, so I asked to be seen again, which I was in March. They weighed my current chair and the Rubix and they were amazed that my Action 3 was 1kg lighter. They said the Rubix was my only choice or try and improve my Action 3. They also told me to consider the NHS voucher.
I was sent a cushion which was no more supportive, so after much waiting I was seen in August for a reassessment. They tried me with one cushion which is an inch thicker than my current cushion and commented than I looked wrong sitting on the cushion. Can't believe they didn't realise this was because the chair is set up wrong, so it would need the axle/wheel heights etc changing. So they ordered a different 2 inch cushion and I asked to be told how much the voucher would be worth.
I didn't hear anything so thought I would email them asking what was going on, to be told that I was ineligible for the voucher, because I don't use my chair indoors. So why the heck did they mention it in March. They knew when I use the chair at that time.
At the moment I really think the service isn't fit for purpose. So for me to get a suitable chair I need to spend £4.5k.
Absolute joke!!!!
I've had an wheelchair from the NHS wheelchair service for over 20 years. At the end of last year I decided to try and get a more suitable wheelchair for my needs from the NHS after having my current Invacare Action 3 for 15 years.
I was seen in January where I told them I needed a lighter chair because lifting it in and out of my car was getting hard and was causing a lot of pain in my back when doing this. I also told them I needed more support to stop twisting and leaning when using the chair. They offered me one chair (Rubix) which they said was the only choice available and was lighter than my current chair. After a bit of research I found the chair wasn't lighter. They didn't believe me, so I asked to be seen again, which I was in March. They weighed my current chair and the Rubix and they were amazed that my Action 3 was 1kg lighter. They said the Rubix was my only choice or try and improve my Action 3. They also told me to consider the NHS voucher.
I was sent a cushion which was no more supportive, so after much waiting I was seen in August for a reassessment. They tried me with one cushion which is an inch thicker than my current cushion and commented than I looked wrong sitting on the cushion. Can't believe they didn't realise this was because the chair is set up wrong, so it would need the axle/wheel heights etc changing. So they ordered a different 2 inch cushion and I asked to be told how much the voucher would be worth.
I didn't hear anything so thought I would email them asking what was going on, to be told that I was ineligible for the voucher, because I don't use my chair indoors. So why the heck did they mention it in March. They knew when I use the chair at that time.
At the moment I really think the service isn't fit for purpose. So for me to get a suitable chair I need to spend £4.5k.
Absolute joke!!!!
Replies
Why do you have to spend that much on a wheelchair? Do you get enhanced mobility PIP or not? If so, you can use the money to buy a wheelchair privately. Search online for local mobility aid stores or contact Motability for advice and information. Try out different wheelchairs before making a decision. Go to the store and ask questions.
Ask about costs as well. Who is going to push the wheelchair? When will you need to use it? Is it a outdoor or indoor wheelchair? Also pay attention to your gut feeling when using the wheelchair. Remember, the wheelchair also must be comfortable. Make sure to take out insurance in case of a wheelchair related emergency.
My son uses a manual wheelchair. Depending on the nature of your physical impairment, a manual chair might be suitable. Which has more tips on picking out a suitable wheelchair. My son got his first ever wheelchair from the Disabled Living Foundation, this was after we contacted NHS mobility services and they said no to us. That was nearly two years ago now, how time flies..
https://www.which.co.uk/later-life-care/home-care/out-and-about/getting-a-wheelchair-through-the-nhs-or-privately-abumf8w9swyy
I hope this is useful!
@April2018mom For me to get a light enough wheelchair that's how much they cost with items like cushions and backrests added. The chair is for outdoor use.
It has already been suggested I try and get funding from a charity, but I have been told if I paid some of the costs, there is more chance of them agreeing to funding the chair. So my plan was to use the voucher to contribute to the costs.
My main issue at the moment is the fact I was offered the voucher in March, but they've now changed their mind. I try and maintain some mobility and I get penalized for it.
Please do let us know how you get on!
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I hope this helps.
Scope
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have you considered a wc hoist for your car, there are several lightweight portable types, and a good secondhand market. seems it would be a more cost effective solution than a new chair.
Try & be kind to one another even if we may have different views.
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As far as I have been able to find out, the NHS do not provide wheelchair support for any person able to walk even a few paces.
My current chair that I sometimes use cost me £545 and is extremely light and comfortable for me and is made from aluminium rater than steel. I picked it out in the showroom years ago and cannot remember the make or model offhand. Whilst I can still just about lift it in and out when needed I have used the scooter far more but I am certain the hoists can cope with chairs if required. It would be worth talking to whomever handles the fitting of adaptions for your area. Their name and number should be available from any local Motability garage.
TK
Two people at the wheelchair services told me to consider it, now they have back tracked. Now they won't speak to me because I've 'caught them out'. They were obviously hoping I hadn't remembered. The latest assessor didn't say I wasn't eligible either when I asked how much it would be... surely he should have known as soon as I asked.