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Electric wheelchair what do I do

Quackkers3
Quackkers3 Community member Posts: 12 Courageous
edited February 2018 in Transport and travel
Last year my GP referred me to NHS wheelchair services as I struggle to walk any further than20, due to severe constant pain and fatigue. Instead of sending me to be assessed they rang me and said I had to buy my own...I said what with as I am on disability benefits. At time I was on standard PIP for  both bits. Aftet I kicked off cos I am stuck in home due to this, she said she would speak to someone and get back to me. Still waiting several months later no calls or lettets. Since then PIP reviewed now on enhanced rate for both. Now cos I live in a very steep area, with uneven surfaces and I am classed as "bariatric" and the street at both sides of my house is a 20-25° hill I can only find one wheelchair suitable and it will cost in excess of £20,000. I have test drove several electric wheelchairs on both streets my house is on and they either don't move at all or tip up. So what do I do to get the wheelchair I need to get out of the house to see my friends, go to mefical appointments, socialise. Hell to get put of hoyse and go on a bus or a train anywhere but these 4 walls? Will NHS provide it. If not how can I get it as I have no savings left, with various benefit changes coming in and mortgage intetest rates going up the extra PIP money will no doubt have to be spent on paying coubcil tax and the shortfall between the SMI loan and my mortgage ....so what do?????I need to get this wheelchair. I need to get out of this house Im only 45. I don't even know how Im going to pay for my gas use over winter yet ad I have had to have it on for 16-20 hours a day since October cos I am cold. Any advice or help will be appreciated.

Comments

  • CockneyRebel
    CockneyRebel Community member Posts: 5,209 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi quackkers and welcome

    PIP mobility awards are made to help with the cost of transport. Although the money is yours to spend how you wish, have you considered the motability scheme ? not something that I am a champion of but in some cases your choice of lifestyle might mean that this  is an option

    CR
    Be all you can be, make  every day count. Namaste
  • Quackkers3
    Quackkers3 Community member Posts: 12 Courageous
    "Choice of lifestyle"??????. Not sure what you mean by that comment. None of the wheelchairs on the motability website are even suitable so just trying to find out what options I have to get out.
  • CockneyRebel
    CockneyRebel Community member Posts: 5,209 Disability Gamechanger
    Have you talked to mobility about your needs  ?

    By choice of lifesyle I have had many encounters with people that claim enhanced mobility but sitll expect their needs to be catered for by the wheel chair service at no cost.

    CR
    Be all you can be, make  every day count. Namaste
  • Pippa_Alumni
    Pippa_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,793 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Quackkers3, it might also be worth going through our grants search to see if you're eligible for any financial rewards?

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