Wheelchair Suggestion

andrew65s

Hi, Hi, few days ago my friend's called me and asked for a wheelchair. When I asked what happened, he said my grandpa got injured, so, please advise me a good wheelchair suggestion. I read some articles and reviews and choose an electric wheelchair. However we did not take the final decision. This is why I'm commenting here to know your advise. Please share your thoughts and let me know about foldable and electric wheelchairs

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Ross_Alumni

Hello @andrew65s

Wishing you a warm welcome  

Thank you for making this post and asking your question.

Has your friend's grandad been to see his doctor about the situation? They might be able to provide some advice in that area, or at least refer him onto a relevant service in his local area that would be able to support.

Scope have an information page about how to get a wheelchair which your friend might be interested in reading, you can access the page here.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

First of all is the injury long term and the need for a wheelchair be permanent 

You could get a referral to wheelchair services who will do an assessment and if required provide an appropriate chair they do have strict criteria especially for powered chairs 

If purchasing himself then visit a mobility shop to see what is available 

It's a very personal choice as it depends what a person wants from a chair eg weight , height , folding , manual,  where they want to use it eg indoors outdoors what sort of terrain on road off road etc 

Ots not a matter of one fits all so not easy to recommend one when don't know the person 

Globster

 @andrew65s
Firstly I would like to welcome you to the Scope online community 
I agree with @janer1967 that there are real strict criteria for getting an NHS powerchair, I have an NHS powerchair, I had to take a medical examination and eye examinations before I 
I had to show that compancies that I safely show my local wheelchair service that I could safely use my NHS powerchair.
I hope this helps you a bit @andrew65s     

L_Volunteer

Another really insightful and supportive thread! Thanks everyone for contributing to the supportive and friendly space.

If anyone needs any further support please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are all here for you 

mossycow

Hi there, 

British Red Cross use to lend out wheelchairs if he is in crisis and needs something immediately.


But! He needs to ha his needs assessed so he fits his wheelchair and doesn't make anything worse. 

Also in terms of funding either NHS or motability can help but it's slower than just going to a shop.... But better in the long run? 

Perhaps chat with your friend about how a wheelchair needs to fit well and suit what's needed for him and whoever is pushing. 

Meanwhile.... Sounds like they'll all be worried about their relative. Sounds like you're such a good friend xx