Searching for equipment: Kaye frame and wheel chair with self-propelling wheels

012345

Hello,

I am currently searching for a kaye frame and an Invacare Action 3 Junior with self-propelling wheels.
If anyone knows where I could find ether of these items at a  lower cost than the online rate it would be greatly appreciated. 

Kind regards
Emma

Sam_Alumni

Hi @012345
Welcome to the community, we have some information on disability equipment here that might help.

Good luck!

Jean_OT

Hi @12345 Emma

Welcome to the community.

Getting the right kit at the right price can be a real problem!

Firstly I just wanted to double check that you are aware that your local NHS wheelchair clinic can supply wheelchairs for children assessed as needing them and meeting their criteria.

Some clinics also do other children's mobility equipment such as Walkers but availability and criteria's vary a great deal across the UK. Your child's Occupational Therapist (OT) should be able to advise on the situation locally.

However, I appreciate that often parents are told that their child doesn't meet the criteria or the waiting list to be seen is long and so parents decide to buy privately.

On-line prices for new equipment are often very competitive, but can vary so  it is worth browsing the websites of different suppliers 

For both wheelchairs and walkers it is really important that the child is using the correct bit of kit for them and that it is adjusted to their individual needs (e.g. correct wheelchair cushion for their pressure/seating needs etc). Incorrect equipment, poorly adjusted equipment or equipment that the child hasn't been trained to use safely can potentially lead to bad accidents or long-term posture issues. So if a supplier is offering a consultation with an appropriately qualified professional who can advise on these issues it may be better to pay a little more.  

The  Invacare Action 3 Junior self propelling wheelchair is one that is in common use, so pre-used ones regularly get listed on Ebay when their first owners grow out of them. I see there are a couple listed at the moment. Even pre-used they tend to go for about £300, saving in the region of £200 compared to buying a new one.

In my experience Kaye Walkers, of the correct size, can be a little trickier to find pre-used but they do crop up.

Children's mobility equipment is something that some charities are willing to fund.

There is a grant search tool on the Scope website:

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/search-grants

Also check out Whizzkidz

http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/get-our-help/equipment  and Variety Club

https://www.variety.org.uk/what-we-do/wheelchairs

Best Wishes

Jean