Anyone Recommend A Wheelchair?

[sandyRoe]

I'd be pushing it, hopefully for an hour or so each day, so it would need to be comfortable for the occupant.

[wolf63]

Is it going to be used for a long period of time or just short term?

[sandyRoe]

Hi Wolf63, probably for a longish time.

[ubasses]

If it is not going to be permanent may be worth popping into your nearest shopmobility and enquiring about the cost to rent from them.

[Jennykenny]

Been pushing my husband for the past two years and if we'd thought it through a bit further, would have spent more money and gone for one that is battery operated. It is very hard work.
If your town has one, try out the wheelchairs in Shopmobility first, or have a word with the Red Cross and see what's available.
If possible, have a friend push YOU in the wheelchair that you might be buying. I did it and it is quite scary as you feel very vulnerable, and the pavements and road crossing are pretty bumpy.
As a 'walker' you never notice how many paving slabs are broken and how it takes you much longer to cross the road, (but I have to say that in our town of Worthing, motorists are very patient and helpful).
Get one that is adjustable for your height. I'm a very average woman, 5'4, but I spend a lot of time bent over and my back plays up tremendously. If you can, join a Pilates group. It has been a lifesaver for me.
The one we bought, for about £250.00, came with a square 'plastic' cushion, but you could just as easily use one of the cushions from home and it makes it more comfortable for the person being pushed.
Take your time and you'll both benefit.
And if I can make one more suggestion, please thank people whe they move off the pavement for you. This will happen a lot, but if people think their effort is appreciated, they will do it again.

[shaneystar2]

The Red Cross supply wheelchairs on a short term basis .
Or you can contact the NHS who supply them but they do an assessment first .
http://www.retirementmobility.co.uk/do-need-wheelchair.html

[sandyRoe]

I'd like to thank you all for your answers, and in particular jennykenny for her comprehensive and most helpful one. I'll go to Shopmobility tomorrow and have a look as whats on offer.

[Jennykenny]

Ps. It sounds obvious, but I didn't know it when I started, but on the back of a wheelchair are 'rods' almost at pavement level. You use one of them to lever the chair onto the pavement.
It is also much easier to back onto a pavement and less bumpy for the occupant of the chair than pushing at it front on.

[Jennykenny]

Please let us know how you get on, as I might be able to benefit from you experience.

[jennyjoan]

I am different to Jennykenny - I am jenny joan - shopmobility will certainly help - |Ihope your sister Letitia got her operation after all and is comfortable Sandy - it is hard for a man to look after a woman . JJC

[jennyjoan]

sandy you need to be on top - especially social services in Musgrave - they are very good - dont be embarrassed asking for all the help you need - they are very good. JJCon

[jennyjoan]

there is a nice lady there called Collette regarding osteoporsisis - seek her out and you will find her a very compassionate lady

[Jennykenny]

Jennyjoan as one who speaks from personal experience it is much harder to be pushing a man in a wheelchair than vis-versa as well as helping him in and out of the shower, bed etc.