Hi all, I know this has probably been covered before but I can’t find it. Please give me your opinions and thoughts. I was issued with a wheelchair from NHS a few months ago. Itz turns out neith hubby or me can lift it into or out of car. We are in our 70,s Considering a lift thingy for the boot. Are they expensive, are they worth the money? Alternatively is there a better lighter chair that is for frequent use ( ie strong enough) Sorry for typo, s I am not too good today and can’t face re-writing Thanks for reading Ell
Hi Ell,
NHS wheelchairs are a bit clunky and heavy - awful in point of view of fact, if you cant actually get it into the car, because then it’s not only clunky and heavy but useless, too if you want to get out and about. George’s website seems a pretty useful one to check out for help, but other mobility websites out there worth investigating not only in terms of a lighter and better wheelchair, but also with regard to a hoist for the boot. I had a hoist in my last car; I personally found it a bit fiddly to use but lots of people swear by them. I’ve just googled ‘wheelchair hoists for cars’ and loads of UK based websites came up that might be worth making inquiries with. Do the same for light self-propelling wheelchairs, and see what comes up; you’ll be really surprised about what’s on offer ( vat free too, because of the MS problem).
Have you thought about purchasing a lightweight scooter to go with the hoist? that may save you having to push or get pushed in your chair! Many of these scooters fit easily into car boots, and are really easy to assemble/disassemble.
Just a few thoughts that I hope will help,
AV/Nia.
If your car is from Motability they may help towards or even pay for a hoist. A hoist will depend on the size of your car, not all cars are compatable.
Best wishes
Jan x
Thank you for all for replies, I am following up on advice. Ell
Before my wonderful occupational therapist got me a new Quickie Helium lightweight chair, I ordered a n Excel G3 lightweight folding chair. It was great, delivery was within 48 hours and it made life a lot easier.
Thank you Poppy6488 That chair seems very good ref adjustments that can be made. I am going to call wheelchair dept and ask if they can get me a lightweight chair and if not will be looking to buy my own. I looked at the cost and suitability ref the car hoist that others had given me links for but it turns out our car is not suitable so a chair we can actually lift it will be, at least until we change cars. Thanks again to all. It has been an education. One I wish I didn’t need, don’t we all ! Ell.