Motability - alternatives

[northernsoulgroover]

Hi, can anyone help?

Someone I support is 79 and has recently lost there ability to weight bear. He formerly was able to get around in his carers cars as a passenger. However now he requires a wheelchair adapted vehicle but is on lower rate mobility and middle rate care.

We could review his benefits but in the current climate it carries some risks

He is currently getting about in Wheelchair adapted taxi's but they are unreliable and costly - is there an alternative.

We looked at privately leasing WAVs but this also seems also far more expensive

Are there any alternatives to Motability Schemes

Thanks for any help

[Shue Community friend]

Hi northernsoulgroover, love the name. Do you have a Ring and ride service in your area? It's a very good service for those with mobility issues, disabilities etc, they even put on Sunday trips in our area for meals, garden centres and shopping trips. The fares are reasonable and they run the service here from about 8.30 untill 9.30 daily. I do hope this helps. Best wishes.

[northernsoulgroover in reply to Shue]

I don't know to be honest I'll check, we use to have one but I haven't seen it around of late - thank for the help

[Charlie2750 Community friend]

Hello northernsoulgroover and welcome to the community.

What risks would reviewing his mobility benefits?If he has been getting low mobility and now he cannot walk or weight bear there should be possible to get higher mobility all providing he has been getting this from under the age of 65 because it is not a new claim.

But check with the social workers.

There are local bus services that can take wheelchairs.He should be entitled to a bus pass and as Shue relies a ring and ride service?

Good luck

[northernsoulgroover in reply to Charlie2750]

Hi Charlie,

I will ask his appointee to look at the benefits, the buses are not all adapted for wheelchair use but I will look into this, ring and ride - I'll also investigate - thanks

[Snori]

Could you contact a local citizens advice bureau for benefits advice? To see if they think it would be likely that your friend would be eligible for an increase in their benefits? Alternatively I have seen some second hand WAVs ( wheelchair accessible vehicles) at what I thought were reasonable prices. Not sure if that is an option.

[northernsoulgroover]

i think I've sorted it now thanks