To wonder about wheelchairs and the NHS?

[RubberTreePlant]

It looks as though DSis is getting to the point of needing a wheelchair. Maybe a powerchair. (Degenerative condition).

Reading between the lines, her GP is pretty useless and she's not due to see her consultant until next year. DSis is quite reserved, almost timid and doesn't like to ask for things or advocate for herself.

What's suppsed to happen with wheelchairs and the NHS? Shouldn't they at least be providing OH assessment and advice? Who does she need to see?

I'd like to help her advocate for herself a bit. Also; She's not the only one in the wider family with the condition, so several of us are likely to need to know this stuff eventually.

She needs to be referred to wheelchair services in her local area. They should provide a chair.. in my experience it might not be one she would have chosen but there are ways you can "upgrade" from the basic. Is there a charity associated with her condition that can provide any guidance?
And yes she should certainly be accessing OT support!

Yes she needs to be referred to whatever her service is called sometimes it is direct to the Ot department they will assess her. I bought my own i was measured and tried them out i just use mine for distance so it isn't "fancy" if she is needing it she really needs to ask about one.

Thanks. Maybe she needs someone to go with hero the GP, as clearly they're not keen to refer.

Good to know there is something, though. I was wondering if she'd be in the hands of salesmen.

If I ring the hospital, will they be able to advise on local arrangements (dept name)?

go with HER TO...^

And yes OT not OH. Noted. Thank you. This is like learning a whole new...thing

Is she eligible for Motability? I think you can get much better wheelchair type vehicles there

Yes just ring the hospital ask to be put through to.. do some research if she has mobility allowance she can put it towards a powerchair or go to a mobility/aid shop ask the staff there that is what I did they certainly didn't try and fleece us and were very helpful

She has a motability car now, and has been using crutches to get around, but uses the rest of her PIP for massages, kitchen gadget, CBD oil, bits and bobs that help, so there's some money there to use, I think.

Ah if she has a car I don't think she will be able to convert it to motability for a power chair.

Funds shouldn't be an issue. I'll help her out, of she'll let me.

It was more that I was concerned to get the best professional advice.

Don’t call your local hospital, she’s not an inpatient so an inpatient team won’t see her. You’ll also probably spend an hour being put through to a 100 different extensions. Google your county community occupational therapy team and see if she can self refer. It is likely however that they will want a referral from a professional. If this is the case she just needs to tell her GP to make this referral. The community OTs can discuss a wheelchair and send off her measurements to wheelchair services. Getting a powered chair is a longer process as assessment in the chair, for safety, is required.

is there a specialised therapy? they might be able to help both with NHS or private services.

Thanks @Pleatherandlace will do.

How do you mean @orangeshoebox ?

go in and talk to the receptionist & ask to speak to office manager maybe?than politely ask if they can explain the system of referral at your surgery??

If finance isn't an issue I would look into just buying what she needs tbh.

How long has she left on her current car? If it's not long she will be able to get something more suitable and if it's long she could Constance then to see if it's possible to change car earlier given that she would now need a WAV.

*contact them

The only issue with buying one privately is that she will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Just something to bear in mind.

We are all doing fantastic with the typos this morning

I agree if you can afford it look into buying one it means she would get a chair quicker and one she "likes"

It used to be the Practice Manager who would make the referral for an assessment.

The patients weight, height, medical needs, etc are all assessed. Sometimes buying one without an assessment isn't the best thing to do.

OP is she registered for patient acess? In some areas self referral is available.

Phone and ask to speak tp the practice manager.

In my area a GP can refer to wheelchair services, however they will only accept referrals if the chair is needed full time.

It may also be worth looking into charities that supply wheelchairs as that way she may get a better wheelchair than she would get on the NHS.

op those charities often have someone who can point you in the right direction, fill in forms etc.

I think the Red Cross loans out wheelchairs for donations - obviously manual basic ones, but might be useful short term ?

Some areas provide a full service, others just a basic measure up and a voucher for 25% of your first one and that's it until your condition changes.

Be aware that some PIP assessors mark claimants needs down if they've paid for their own mobility equipment, home conversions, incontinence services or carers, even if they where originally prescribed/provided.

There's a mismatch between austerity cuts forcing the disabled to use PIP for absolute essentials that used to be provided, and assessors believing if it hasn't come via NHS or SS it's not a genuine need.

Thanks all. Starting work now, but i'll pop back later and comb through.

I am Scotland and the OT usually deals with mobility and comes out to do assesments. My grandfather got his walker that way. The referral goes through the GP. Has DSIS said she wants a wheel chair?