Hello folks,
I'm just after some advice. I have been given a manual wheelchair from the NHS but when moving myself it's very slow and find it's easier for people to push me. I would like to establish more independence, I see people using their chairs at normal speed and was wondering if it's the type of chair or do I just need to build up my strength?
I also want some help as to what type of self propelled wheelchair to get, an electric one will not be suitable with where I live.
Thank you x
Hi Eveie,
Getting the right wheelchair is dependent on a lot of things and not all NHS services are the same. If you were referred for a wheelchair by a GP, physio, nurse or OT you may have just been issued with the services 'fleet' wheelchair. You really need an assessment and the opportunity to prepare to feed into this with the right information for your needs. Do you know if your wheelchair service has a voucher scheme or personal wheelchair budget option? These give you options to find equipment that is suitable for your condition and environment. I'm happy to discuss this further with you if you would like - I will check with the administrators how this can be done if it would help?
Cuds
A few thoughts:
I gave back my NHS wheelchair and received instead a voucher toward buying my own.
Self propelled chairs can also be pushed if you need help.
Do you need one that can go in a car? Most fold up, but modern ones have easy to remove (and remount) wheels.
Mobility equipment showrooms are good to let you try various models - I used Careco when selecting my current wheelchair.
Whatever you decide decide, makes sense to work on upper body strength as your ability to walk unaided declines
I didn't know I could have a voucher instead of a wheelchair. It's worth consconsidering for future. I'm actually recovering from a fractured tibia/fibula so not able to do much. I am planning to work on my upper body once my knee is healed, thank you x
The experience I have had is that NHS wheelchair services can get you the right chair if you have a bit of knowledge up front. The main one being the term 'Active wheelchair user' This effectively means you can and will push yourself. Every person its different and will have good and bad days. When you first start using a wheelchair you will find it hard. It takes time and practice to build up your upper body muscles and get techniques right.
The chair I have is a quickie folding chair. It folds by lifting the seat up and then both sides come together. I would say in terms of weight it is in the middle. It's not the lightest, its not the heaviest. If I knew what I knew now I would not get a chair that folds this way. I would get a ridged chair where the seat back folds down and then just pop the wheels off to get it into a car. I have gone from the first month of struggling to push a few meters to completing the London Marathon in this chair this year. My point here is that the biggest component in weather you have the right wheelchair is you and how much you use it. My chair can be pushed by someone as I left the handles on to do that, there are days when I can't push up the hill to the bus stop for instance.
Another big factor is getting a maintenance plan, if this is your first wheelchair I would say that is really important. If you go through NHS they can and will set up a maintainance plan then all parts are covered and replaced as they wear out. Tires, Casters, bearings add up over the year and are difficult to change yourself.
If you are worried about manual or powered chair then it may help to know that you can get add-ons to manual chairs to power them, like power assisted wheels, attachments to the front etc. So if you can I would start in a manual chair and then if this after a few months is not for you add an attachment. I say this because a manual chair with give you health benefits of exercise, a power chair will not.
Thank you for your reply, it has given me lots to think about. Especially the add ons you can get manual chairs to make them easier to use. I think you're right, it's better to build up my strength and muscles using this chair before upgrading to a new one and adding on anything.
A good, experienced OT in wheelchair services is a must starting point!
If your chair is not suitable they have to replace it.
You can go and buy your own but the NHS can get the same models cheaper (quantity discounts) and they will give you what they get it for.
Also, the OT will set it up for you, check that it meets all your needs.
Also, you can probably get a Motability adapted car/van either with a crane or wheelchair access. Dependant on your levels of PIP.
Tons available second hand on marketplace/ebay.
Second hand wheelchairs as well…
I've tried loads of self propelling wheelchairs over the years and there's definitely good and bad... I'd recommend aluminium frame, so much lighter than steel! Karma chairs are a good brand, this model's good: felgains.com/care-products/...
Wheelchair accessible cars
Good nite out :) - Overcoming psychological wheelchair barrier
All terrain wheelchair.
Wheelchair or not, that is the question.
Long wait after wheelchair referral by GP
