Ridiculous!

Bubbles83 · April 2018

I've tried ringing scope, on numerous occasions to enquire weather or not there is financial help towards the cost of a suitable wheelchair (i have CP and the NHS has given me an 90's style heavy wheelchair that i can't use, or go out independently) but every time i ring i get an automated service saying they can only hold me in the queue for 10 mins due to 'high demand' then it just cuts me off.

So fed up of genuine disabled people being pushed to the back of the pile all the time it makes my blood boil, i've spoken on this forum before about the lack of medical help for adults with CP (i'm 35) but it seems like it's all across the board its disgusting.

jasmin · April 2018

Hi Bubbles, have you thought of used equipment, the cost is much less and some of the chairs have had very little use. you can also get finance on any chair over five hundred pounds. We can make adjustments to your individual needs. If I can help at all please do not hesitate to contact me. I am based in Dorset but send equipment out nationally.

Bubbles83 · April 2018

Hi Jasmin, thanks for your reply, i haven't thought about much in the way of finance and second hand, i'm not opposed to either, i just didn't know these options where available to me, as i've been on my feet for most of my life until maybe the last 5 years, i seem to have been forgotten by the medical profession and the OT ive been assigned is not that forthcoming either because i still have 'some movement' i'm not eligible for anything but a basic chair from the wheelchair service.

Kind regards Diane

Sam_Alumni · April 2018

Hi @Bubbles83
Im sorry you are struggling to get through to the helpline, they are a really busy team who get a lot of calls, I understand how frustrating that can be.

You could try emailing them on helpline@scope.org.uk

Sam_Alumni · April 2018

We have some information here about equipment that might help?

Richard_Scope · April 2018

Hi @Bubbles83
You should be eligible for a grant from your local from your local wheelchair services. I think it is around £500. Also, eBay has some really good second hand or ex-demonstration wheelchairs.

Bubbles83 · April 2018

Thank you everyone, unfortunately i'm jumping through hoops at the minute, my OT has already made her position clear, 'she's given what's on offer' a bloke turned up with a van and dropped the wheelchair on my door step, i'm small in stature so she said that i could have a child's wheelchair, A it's uncomfortable B it's extremely heavy and C i feel unsafe even my partner struggles with pushing me and getting me up and down curbs, yes i have got movement and yes i can walk round my house (just) but going outside on my own without my partner is a massive no no, but do to the criteria they no longer provide wheelchairs for outdoor use only especially not ones you can manoeuvre through shops without getting stuck. i don't want to sound entitled but i'm fed up of having to fight to life a basic quality of life.

Diane

Richard_Scope · April 2018

I don't think you sound entitled at all @Bubbles83. I have used a wheelchair fulltime since I was 15. I completely understand what it feels like to have an unsuitable one. My colleague @Jean_Scope maybe able to advise you on what your options are.

Sam_Alumni · April 2018

Im sorry to hear this @Bubbles83
Lots of shops and shopping centers hire out mobility scooters for free so perhaps that could be one option for shopping.

Bubbles83 · April 2018

thank you for the advice , i have an appointment with my OT next week to talk about the problems with the chair, and that only came about because i had to go to the manager of the wheelchair service for my area, i have asked her over the phone if the voucher scheme is available to me and she told me that i'd have to come into with my wheelchair and 'prove' they was a problem with using it, before she would even consider a voucher!!! i feel like i'm being treated like a criminal.
The wheelchair would not only be for going to the shops but day to day trips to see family using public transport etc, even going for 'walks' something i can no longer do because of my increasing pain.

Jean_OT · April 2018

Hi @bubbles83

So sorry to read that you haven't been able to reach the Scope Helpline by telephone. Our Helpline team is just a handful of people and we normally have a couple of thousand of calls to answer each month so sometimes, unfortunately, there are busy times when it is difficult to get through. I appreciate that this can be frustrating, sometimes people prefer to email the team at helpline@scope.org.uk to save hanging on the phoneline trying to get through.

It is difficult to make generalised comments about the wheelchair voucher scheme because each NHS wheelchair clinic is allowed a great deal of discretion about how their clinic administers the scheme, resulting in wide variations from one area to another. At the time I am writing this it is still possible for some people to get a voucher from their local NHS wheelchair services clinic to use towards the cost of a wheelchair that goes beyond what the clinic is able to issue. However, please be aware that the wheelchair voucher scheme is in the process of being changed see:

https://www.independentliving.co.uk/il-editorials/nhs-wheelchair-services/

Another option might be seeking charitable funding. Scope is not a grant giving organisation there is a grant search tool that you can find on the Scope website at:

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/search-grants

it may help you to identify grant giving organisations that you could apply to for funding.

One organisation that I have know some people get support from is:

https://mobilitytrust.org.uk/

Best Wishes

Jean

Bubbles83 · April 2018

Hi guys, just a quick update after my appointment with my OT today, she's finally agreed to give me the wheelchair voucher, i'm beyond happy that i'm finally been listened to! having the right wheelchair is absolutely essential to me making sure i still live a full and active life, so i'm massively happy, it's just about making choices now

Sam_Alumni · April 2018

Great news!!

Bubbles83 · April 2018

Thank you Sam

Ridiculous!

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