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Access to a wheelchair

Dadsonhubby
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Hi All,

My mum is in need of a wheelchair that can fold so that she can be taken out by car by family and wheeled about when at her destination. She doesnt need for home use only when outdoors as she can no longer walk outdoors due to multiple complications affecting her balance, strength and reaction time most of which is related to her having stage 4 cancer. Shes on tablet chemo as well as a shopping list of other prescribed medication to minimise progress or deal with symptoms of treatment and her GP is well aware of her state. Should she be able to have access to a free wheelchair or does one need to be rented/purchased? If she can get a free wheelchair even if on loan can anyone guide me to where to make enquiries for her? Thanks for any advice.

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    My name is Liz and I am a Cancer Information and Support Adviser.

    I am so sorry to hear that your Mum has stage four cancer.  It sounds as though there is a lot to think about at this time, and please feel that we are here for you.  You are of course welcome to get support within the Online Community, or you may call to speak with us, our Cancer Information Nurses, or our Money Team (Mon to Fri) on 0808 808 0000.

    There are several ways you can get a wheelchair. Depending on your individual circumstances you may need to pay towards the costs.  As a first option for an NHS wheelchair, you may like to ask Mum's GP, physiotherapist or hospital staff to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. You'll need to do this before you can get an NHS wheelchair.  The local wheelchair service will decide if Mum needs a wheelchair and, if so, what type.  You might be able to get a voucher: this allows you to pay towards the cost of a different type of wheelchair.  If you wish to have a chat about buying a wheelchair, perhaps you may like to chat with our Money team to make sure your Mum has all the benefits she can claim. 

    This NHS webpage "walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters" has lots of information to guide you, although the link to self refer to the wheel chair service is England only.  If you are outside of England, please feel you can come back to us, and we will help you further.

    Another option you may like to explore is via the Find Local Cancer Support Services this is a search engine you can use to find services local to your Mum.  Your Mum's local cancer center will have the advantage of local knowledge, and I am sure will guide you. 

    To explore the best type of wheelchair for Mum's needs,  Living Made Easy is a good option.  Living made easy holds a comprehensive database which lists of over 10,000 daily living products from 900 national suppliers. Living Made Easy is used by disabled and older people or their relatives and friends, who are looking for equipment to make everyday tasks easier.  Their telephone number is 0300 123 3084.

    You are of course welcome to ask other patients and their family and friends, within this Online Community.  You may wish to ask your question within the Friends and Family Forum  or perhaps the Cancer Discussions Forum

    If you feel the information above, is not quite what you are looking for, please come back to us, or perhaps give us a call on 0808 808 0000 on any day from 8am to 8pm.

    Take care and best wishes

    Liz

    Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Advisor

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