wheelchairs? Any alternative to the blade recommended?

[anonandlikeit]

ds2 needs a new w/chair. He's outgrown his & he's leaning over in it etc & no longer safe.

He doesn't need any particular seating support just a bog standard chair, with maybe something to stop him sticking his feet in the wheels.

So before we go to w/chair services is there anything out there that I should be asking for.

What is the NHS equivalent of the Rolls Royce for paediatric chairs?

I'm no expert, BUT, I'm sure I've read about "growing chairs", that can be adjusted, so you get more use out of them. The NHS might like that, as you'd be able to simply adjust the chair as your DS grows and not get a new one.

Other than that, something light. I often push my friend (age 18) in her manual chair and even though it was sold to her by WCS as lightweight, it is not!

thanks lollipop, i'll have a look at growing chairs

What is your DS's lifestyle like? Eg does he go on public transport a lot, rough terrain, long distances? How big is your car boot? You need to tell the wheelchair people stuff like this.

thanks ellie, i'll keep that in mind.
It does need to be foldable and light enough for me to chuck in the boot.
He was measured for his current w/chair by his physio & it was delivered by w/chair services so no opportunity for discussion.

He definately needs a higher back to stop him throwing his head back but I don't want to get fobbed off with the NHS cheapest possible if there is a better quality alternative

There are loads of alternatives... but you'll have to fight to get one!

It depends largely on whether your son is classed as a 'casual' user or a full time user (sorry I can't remember). If he can walk (unaided or assisted) and just uses a chair for out and about, then they will only supply the cheapest option.. a blade, or sometimes a lomax which is marginally (but not much) better.

On the other hand if he is a full time user there is a LOT better out there that he may be entitled to.
Have a look at

www.r82.com/

they do some great wheelchairs.. several friends have them.. and they do come up on ebay.:)

A personal favourite is Kuschal

www.epc-wheelchairs.co.uk/index.php
my son is a 'casual' user.. he can walk (he has MLD, ASD, hypotonia, some spasticity, afos etc) just needs a place to stick his bum when tired, and I managed to get him a second hand kuschal k4 on ebay for £140 (they are £1400 new!) The difference pushing is unbelievable, what's more he can self propel!

Have a good look round. Some WCS will still do the voucher scheme where you can have an amount towards a chair of your choice.. but again generally you only get a minimal sum :( ebay is your friend...:)

meant to add this link for a 'grower' chair. It's made by Invacare who do the Blade, but is a LOT better,,,

www.carvercare.co.uk/accessories_Invacare_Wheeler_Paediatric_Manual_Wheelchair.asp

Thanks Medusa
He only uses a w/chair when out. He has mild CP (spastic dip), ASD, learning diffs etc.

I'll have a look at the links and see how good my negotiation skills are

The kuschal sounds good, my back is killing me from pushing a heavy 8yr old in a blade especially when he keeps sticking his feet in the wheels and we come to an abrupt halt... i think he's given me whiplash!

the invacare grower looks good the large foot plates may help.

Not sure the Kuschall is any good, i can only see the low back option & he would spend the entire time leaning back staring at the clouds or flinging his head back at me.

Thanks for your help, gives me some ideas