Buying A Wheelchair

[bainbrig]

I'm going to buy a wheelchair, as hiring one as frequently as I'll need to do in the next few months would cost more than purchase.

Any warnings, suggestions, as to what to pick, what to avoid? My main concerns are my own weight, obviously, but also how heavy the thing is for Mrs B to haul in and out of our hatchback when I'm not there to help.

Ideas welcomed.

Ta.

BB

[spathiphyllum]

do you want to be able to potentially move yourself about, as well as have people push you?

[spathiphyllum]

This seems ideal, and not too expensive. Light weight for mrs B to put in and out of car. Not over the top, and allows you to be pushed, or to move yourself with the wheel rims.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[retrocop]

https://www.mobilityshop.co.uk/

I have dealt with this company. You can ring them for advice.

[retrocop]

Wrong site previously posted. This is the site I have dealt with. They have all sorts of wheelchairs from foldable to sports models.
https://www.mobilitysmart.co.uk/car-and-travel-aids/blue-badge-holders.html

[bainbrig]

Self-propelled (not wanting to be stuck in a corner on me own); 20 stone, so the heavyweight ones (for example the Amazon one is only 18 stone).

Thanks retro, handy site that is.

My situation is awkward. I have one leg, which doesn't prevent me from walking, normally, but currently I have an ulcer on the stump which is (a) painful and which (b) does make walking difficult.

Thus, I'm seeing the wheelchair business as very temporary (until the ulcer is healed), and we only want it for short runs inside the local (huge) hospital, from carpark to scan, or clinic, or whatever. Only a few hundred yards at a time, but extremely painful and would tear my healing ulcer to bits!

But the advice helps, as ever.

BB

[mallyh]

can you not get one from occupational therapy dept at your hospital or from the red cross x

[bainbrig]

Mally. Local authority (Brent) have farmed out their wheelchair provision of course, and the new people say they'll come back to us when they've processed the application. Expected date of coming back, late August....

Red Cross probably would help, but as we can afford to buy one, we won't trouble them - wouldn't want to deprive someone who hasn't got the money.

Local hospitals useless. Can't book one in advance (much rather do that!) - you just take pot luck when you get there, which is usually 'you'll have to wait about an hour for a porter'. I think the portering is farmed-out as well...

BB

[retrocop]

Glad to help you.

[ummmm]

BB, they are actually very easy to propel and when folded up pretty light as well.

[bednobs]

hi, having bought one before, I would recommend getting the best you can afford, and having a go both in it and lifting it up and down. I also think you live in a flat, so get one that's easy to break down for storage. Lots of them have buttons you have to press at the same time as doing something else - grrr

[bainbrig]

Yes, a small London flat, bednobs, but at least it’s ground floor and has a big dry shed!

[stefos]

I suggest that if you go on to eBay and after typing in 'wheelchairs' there's a drop down box by Sort saying 'Nearest First'.

You can then peruse what's on offer and can then choose how far you're willing to travel.

That's how I got my current one.

[bainbrig]

Thanks Stefos, that would be cheaper!

[Scarlett]

Whenever I go to the hospital I ask for a porter to take me to wherever I have to get to. This can take a little while if they are busy so best to get there early. That way a strong man can push me round the corridors. I do this as I am on my own so have no option, but it does save buying one and trying to propel. They often have ones in the foyers so your wife could go and pick you up one and then wheel you to the reception, and then get a porter. If she drives, she could drop you at the main entrance, you could find a seat (or a wheelchair if they are handy) and then she could go and park. I've done this many times!!

[bainbrig]

Thanks Scarlett, but having tried that a couple of times at Northwick Park Hospital we gave up. Each time the receptionist said we would have to wait for ‘about an hour’ for a porter and wheelchair.

Life is far too short (and becoming increasingly so)!

BillB

[vetuste_ennemi]

If you'd been round my way late last year, Bainbrig, you could have had either one or both of my wife's lightweight wheelchairs designed to be folded up etc.

In fact I gave them both to our former neighbours whose daughter is tragically suffering from one of those debilitating and incurable diseases like muscular dystrophy.

Other alternatives are mobility vehicles which give you a degree of independence for conducting short journeys. We still have quite a good one which my step-daughter keeps charged up. If you want to come down to West London (UB3) you can have it for nothing.

[david small]

V-E, You are a star. I salute you.

[bainbrig]

vetuste_ennemi. The kindness of others reduces me to wordlessness.

Mundane politics fails to divide us; our humanity binds us together.

BillB