Wheel Chairs

[Midnight]

Hi Folks Do we have anywheel chair users here? I was told by my doctor yesterday that I need a Wheelchair, and I was hoping to buy one this afternoon, only I know knothing about choosing and using one or what features I need to look for and what I should avoid. Basically I have a problem with my left femur, and I cant sit with my femur resting on a surface. I see Argos sell a basic one for around £200- Are they worth the money or are they junk?

Any help would be gratefuly received. Thanks.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Hi Folks Do we have anywheel chair users here? I was told by my doctor yesterday that I need a Wheelchair, and I was hoping to buy one this afternoon, only I know knothing about choosing and using one or what features I need to look for and what I should avoid. Basically I have a problem with my left femur, and I cant sit with my femur resting on a surface. I see Argos sell a basic one for around £200- Are they worth the money or are they junk?

Any help would be gratefuly received. Thanks.

I do know that the sizing can be a very precise art. Talk to your GP and he/she should be able to arrange a visit from someone qualified to size one up for you. Once you have the sizing you need to decide on the type of chair - ie self propelled or pushed and also if it will be a sporty one et al. There are loads to choose from. Personally I wouldn't buy anything mechanical from Argos.

 

[numbnuts]

just a thought, why don't you get one from the Red Cross on a long term lone, I did for my mother had it about 8 years

 

[Midnight]

Thanks for the replies- some useful info there. I know what you mean about Argos Angel- just thought it was worth asking.That's very handy Numbnuts... I'll give em a ring.

 

[Nebulous]

NHS locally should have a fitting service. They will usually supply basic ones free and advise on more specialised ones.

You need to think about what you want to do with it - particularly for travelling. It can be very difficult for people themselves / family / friends to fold them up and stow them in a boot for instance, so if it needs to be transported that should also be taken into account when getting one.

 

[kishin]

Once you've worked out what type of chair would suit your needs best, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of disability aids can vary considerably between suppliers. I've seen the cost of an item range between £500 and £2000 for the same model, so it's worth shopping around. I've never bought a wheelchair from this company but I've bought a few other aids and found them hard to beat on price.

 

[ufkacbln]

There is a problem with the Red Cross

They are no longer allowed to issue the "self propelled" wheelchairs, and can only provide assisted ones.

Apart from that as above - get yourself fitted!

It is a bit like buying a bike, fit, ease of use..........but at least you don't have to worry about gears!

 

[monnet]

A guy I work with was a cyclist before he was in a car crash which left him in a wheelchair. He went on to do pretty well an assorted wheel chair and hand bike races. He's got really beautiful looking Spinergy wheels on the chair he uses for work!

Sorry, not much help for your current needs but something to look into...?!

 

[Midnight]

My local Red Crosss facility is closed until wednesday. I've decided to wait until after the Bank holiday and seek proper advice first. Also I'd like to know more about my condition first. It's early days yet and still under investigation. If it's a long term thing then i want a scooter rather than a chair... I'm just eager to get out of the bloody house. P. S. Does anyone know if Pinarello do a CF mobility scooter in a Dogma stylee?

 

[gb155]

.....

 

[ufkacbln]

Don't forget the rest of the package


Seriously, you can reclaim VAT, get help and funding as well as a blue badge, concessionary fares on busses and trains etc