Hi
I have someone coming from wheelchair servises for assessment for an electric chair. I know all councils are different but does anyone have any ideas of what “assessment” means. I can’t walk, surely thats enough?
hi
i suppose it may mean - can you self propel?
cost must play a big part in whether or not they approve an electric chair or a self propelling one.
good luck anyway
carole x
When wheelchair services came to my home it was to check that it was OK for an electric chair. Nothing to do with me – that assessment went on at the hospital. They checked if the doors were wide enough, if there was a suitable electric outlet for charging etc.
At first I just had an indoor electric chair (I can’t propel) but later I had an assessment for an indoor/outdoor chair. This was more detailed. I had to have an outdoor “road test”, have my eyes tested and have my home checked again to make sure that I had suitable ramps to get in and out of the house (I did)
Good luck I hope you get approved for a chair – it’s changed my life.
Jane
From past experience Wheelchair Services will check the suitability of your access into and around your property.Also the height of things such as work surfaces in your kitchen/ bathroom access.Door widths turning space.Make sure they measure front back side doors etc…sounds obvious but! Have a think of how you want a chair or type of chair to benefit you be that inside the home and out. They should also ensure you have the correct cushion for your chair(s),and dependent what cushion they provide or if you use an existing one please make sure it fits your chair correctly.If you’re not due a new cushion then try get one out of them if you can. Yeah cost does come into it but ultimately it should be an assessment tailored to your needs and requirements. If people can be in a manual wheelchair for longer it is not just a matter of cost saving, a self propelled chair if you are able is good for over all fitness usually lighter to lift in and out of cars etc… Also if you have relatives carers that will be assisting you with the type of chair you finally are matched with can they manouvre it say get it into a car?Is your vehicle suitable, can you transfer to and from the chair all these types of things. Have a clear vision of what you believe would be beneficial to you, have a look at different chairs, adaptations on the net, if you have time. Sometimes you do have to politely ‘push’ no pun intended for what you want/ need but be like a dog with a bone maybe a placid dog think Scooby Doo, hopefully you’ll get the results you want and need. If you have a separate measure up and assessment at the Hospital or Wheelchair services at a later date you can then ask additional questions then obviously if your home isn’t suitable for an electric chair their are other options.Making adjustments to your home etc but am being totally obvious there. Here’s to independence ! Mich xx 
Sorry also a cushion adds height to you so factor in that when you would be seated it would add height to your seated position. Sorry for droning on I’ve missed loads of stuff but won’t bore you further Michelle xx
An ‘Assessment’ is very important. Everyone is a different size; long or short legs; anything from 16 inches to 22 seating area; what height do you need your armrests?
These and other fitments need to be measured as you will be sitting in it constantly.
Your cushion is probably the most important piece of equipment. A Jay has a silicon centre and gives you stability while sitting on it whereas a Roho is pumped up with air and is the best but you can rock n’roll on it a lot more.
These will stop you getting a pressure sore that believe me you do not want. They appear very quickly in say 24 hours and mine took 18 months to heal. If you feel uncomfortable on a cushion ring the W/S immediately.
And make sure in your ‘Assessment’ you feel comfortable with everything. Decide in haste; repent in leisure.
Don’t worry the W/S are usually very good; good luck.
G
Hi, everyone has offered you the same advice as I would have.
Yes, the support cushions (seat and back) are VERY imortant. i`ve had to change mine twice, as my time in the chair has lengthened and my body has also changed, as my strength has lessened.
I got an electric indoor chair first, then 4 months later, I got an indoor/outdoor one and had to do a short test with the wheelchair therapist and then a longer one with the technician.
I couldnt live without my chair…it is my legs and best friend.
Good luck and don`t be afraid to ask any questons you have.
pollx