Wheelchairs

[12daisy]

I would like know, what sort of wheelchair people use? I use a manual wheelchair which is pushed by other people. I can transfer from the wheelchair to a chair /sofa /car. I also walk in my house holding on to everything. My doctor said about getting a electric wheelchair (for outside) but I’m worried I might loose the ability to walk in the house holding on to everything a lot quicker. Any advice many thanks 😀

[xray25]

I use a manual as I am the same as you can get around house but not outside I looked at electric wheelchair but they looked unsteady especially going up and down on pavement I have scooter so can get out but still walk a little

[gossy]

Im like you use a manuel one when out which hubby pushes and can walk around house using furniture ,walls have a friend who lives alone and uses a quickie electric wheelchair and she does all her own shopping using it but not sure what illness she has

[sheild]

Using an electric wheelchair outside needn't affect what you can do inside the house. Make sure you are confident with the electri wheelchair before you commit to ordering one, I found the juddering movement scrambled my brain and my eyes couldn't cope with unscrambling the messages to my brain. This then affected my ability to steer safely.

What you can do indoors is set up a little mini gym of sorts, I have one of those little pedal machines and also a wheelchair exerciser that works my arms. The other thing I came across was the Move or Lose it franchise which have local advisers who run exercise sessions for older/less able. They also produce a dvd of the routine so that you can do the movements from your own chair at home. I've bought one and intend to use it once I am recovered from gall bladder op...

[12daisy in reply to sheild]

Thankyou this is great advice.

[maryrose46]

Hi I use a rollator around the house, used to wall walk but this is much safer. I have a manual wheelchair that I can wheel myself or someone can push. I use a mobility scooter if I go out on my own to the shops or just to get out in the fresh air.

All these have kept me to be independent as well as exercise. Remember to use what best suits your needs.

Have you got a local disability shop where you can try things?

Mary

[12daisy in reply to maryrose46]

Yes I do have a disability shop near me. Thankyou for the reply.

[sylviagreenhalgh]

I was given a powered wheelchair by the nHS but no ramps were fitted to the front and back of house so I coudnt go out. I live alone and have too many savings to qualify for help so I paid a contractor to put in my lovely ramps- worth every penny as I was able to go in the garden for the first time for 3 years ! If I go out with family or to the hospital- long corridors- I use a lightweight wheelchair that someone pushes me around in. powered wheelchairs can take time to get used to as they are very sensitive - you need to practise on a few but many people I know just use a shopping buggy which they find fine. Good luck! Sylvia

[violasrbest]

Hi

I have an electric, foldable wheelchair for outside, but I don't use anything for inside. I find my wheelchair invaluable, for work, shopping etc.

[Litty]

I have a 4 wheeled walker inside and a manual wheelchair for trips with family. You do need someone strong to push you though (very hard sometimes).

I know nothing about electric though x