Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 As some of you know, Dad is being moved into a nursing home tomorrow. He isn't terribly mobile and uses a zimmer but if I'm going to be able to take him out I think I'll definitely need a wheelchair for him. I need a lightweight, foldable one that'll fit in my Vauxhall Astra. Does anyone have any experience of this and could recommend what I should be looking for? It's possible we can get one from the council but would like to be prepared in case we have to buy one ourselves. Any advice gratefully received . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Go to the Red Cross Vicki. They will loan you one for a donation. Most are fairly lightweight anyway and will fit in a car boot easily, but just let them know what you need. I borrowed one from them for my last trip up to scotland as I couldn't be faffed taking up my mobility scooter on the plane. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanbb Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Thinking in the long term, you may be able to get your dad's consultant to contact the Mobility department and request a chair for your dad...this does take some time. You could perhaps try and get intouch with your local hospital as I know down here they do loan them out but you do have to put down a deposit which is returnable. As said before you can also try your local Red Cross. Hope you are successful. Do take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggy Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 most nursing homes have a wheelchair or two, they may let you borrow it to take Dad out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 My Gran got hers through her GP. Cost her nothing. Do you have Ring & Ride up in Scotland? She used to use that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 im sure Argos sell stuff like that now. just incase you needed to buy one ANH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I borrowed one from the Red Cross as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I've seen wheelchairs on Freecycle, might be worth a try? Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur 'n' Feathers Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Hi ANH. For a permanent wheelchair you can get a referral made to the local Wheelchair Service. The staff are either Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapists. There is also a scheme in the Wheelchair Services where you can "trade" the amount of money your father's assessed appropriate wheelchair would cost as a voucher towards a wheelshair of his choice with the therapist's agreement that it is appropriate and meets his need (usually this means that by adding a little extra money he can choose a lighter more compact wheelchair than the NHS issue ). This scheme should run in Scotland as well. It may be possible for you to refer your father to this service if it has "open referral" or hisGP/GP nurse can make it on his behalf. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
