Electric wheelchair

[Kayleigh]

Takes me back to the days of wearing leg-warmers and going to aerobics classes, Terry - remember the Jane Fonda aerobics videos in the 1980's? LOL

Maybe a cool-cat like you TC wouldn't want to wear them on your legs - but how about some faux fur ear-muffs? I am thinking of getting some with all the money saved by going for the e-bay hand muffs you recommended, rather than the more expensive Careco option. You saved my hubby loads of dosh by posting about the ones on e-bay, which he is well pleased about - but now I definitely need to buy some coordinating ear-muffs, to complete the faux fur look!

Love
Kayleigh x

[Terry]

You girls can wear them around your lower legs and ankles, I would not get away with it.

Love Terry

[Kayleigh]

Love those Terry - getting 2 is a great idea! I think I will try to get the matching scarf as well.
Kayleigh x

[Newbie17]

Oh I do like those Terry. I love fur but I’m glad it’s not the real thing!
Pleased you mentioned that you can still drive with it on your arm. I think I need to get 2!

[Terry]

Hi Helen;

I bought a couple of hand muffs like these:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unisex-Ra...1qgA:rk:6:pf:0

I find them handy and my wife wanted a couple as well. You can drive the wheelchair through the hole or just put both hands in when parked up. I use them inside out so the fur is on my skin.

Love Terry

[Newbie17]

Wow! I feel really stupid now, all those gadgets out there that I should have known about. Hopefully they will work with my chair.

I just love the hand muff!

Thanks guys x

[Kayleigh]

Hi Helen,

Love your idea about accessorising your powerchair with a few practical essentials. I thought I would google some ideas, as I have realised that mine is seriously lacking some much needed practical add-ons (and I always feel better after a bit of retail therapy!).

Terry has already posted some great ideas, and here are some other possibilities (not sure if all of them would work on powerchairs as well as wheelchairs, but hopefully some might be suitable for yours).

https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/w...iABEgJqWPD_BwE

https://www.healthandcare.co.uk/whee...CABEgKpG_D_BwE

https://www.mobilitysmart.cc/wheelch...SABEgJkvvD_BwE

https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc06...-security-bag/

https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc06...m-pannier-bag/

https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc10...-phone-holder/

And last but not least - I can't resist ordering these because they look so cosy, maybe even to use when sitting indoors. Us girls would have to make sure our nail varnish is thoroughly dry before using them though!

https://www.careco.co.uk/item-p-wc06...ece-hand-muff/

Happy shopping,

Love
Kayleigh x

[Terry]

Hi Helen;

You can get glass holders for them or one off of a car or push bike. Don't know about a wine glass though, you might have to use a larger straight glass. I use a flexible small bag, hooked over so it sits just rear of my controller.

If you have problems with swelling feet you might be able to get leg lifters that raise your feet up near straight. If that is the case then get referred back to wheelchair services.

You can get Unbrella holders for bike and push chair that would probably fit on with a bit of help:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Golf-Umbr...xUR-:rk:2:pf:0

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless...opMg:rk:6:pf:0

There are many tablet and phone holders for tables or cars that might suite, one important thing is to not make you wheelchair any wider, if you do make sure it can be moved in or is flexible like my bag.

Love Terry

[Terry]

Hi David;

Can you hire or borrow a wheelchair to help out till then? Possibly the heart foundation might have one.

I have always bought second hand WAV's, I think it works out cheaper but it's horses for courses.

Luck does change.

Love Terry

Hopefully my wife's electric wheel care will be here at the end of November, it will be about 2 months waiting by then, we bought a wav second hand, whether that was the right thing I don't know, the way our luck has gone.

[Ellie]

Great you're finding the chair useful Ann - the tilt function is good too for redistributing your weight.

Sometimes chairs are pre-programmed with a maximum speed (which can be changed) or chairs don't go as fast if its seat is raised or in tilt mode.

Love Ellie.

[Annb]

Twinkle - Have you asked about your husband having an electric chair? I think you are entitled to one if you have MND. I would give the Wheelchair Service a ring or ask your OT to refer you, as I was. As they do take a longtime to arrive you need to set things in motion well in advance. The only drawback is that they are too heavy to go in a normal car, so you still need the manual chair. Ann

[Annb]

My Salsa Mini electric wheelchair was delivered last week. There must be more than one version because mine has 5 speed levels and it's very easy to increase and decrease the speed. It also has buttons to enable the seat to rise and fall and to use the Lift in Space device which allows me to lie back and relax when I am tired. I'm finding it very comfortable and very easy to use indoors, as It's so narrow so I can get through doorways easily. It can do a complete circle on the spot! I haven't ventured outside with it yet, but will do so next week when I have gained more confidence and if the weather remains dry. I can already see it is going to enable me to remain independent for a while longer.

[Terry]

Good to hear that you've sorted it Newbie;

Some chairs have speeds on the screen in the different levels.

Getting chairs under tables can be a problem if they are too low or the table legs are in the way.

Lowering the seat might mess up your back and leg positions, I have been out and put books under the table legs so I could get under.

Love Terry

[Newbie17]

All sorted thank goodness!
Watch out everyone!