Eligibility criteria for power chairs

[Peanut]

Morning all,

I was wondering if anyone had advice for the application process for a power chair through the NHS. One of the eligibility criteria is that applicants are "unable to walk and need full time use of a wheelchair both indoors and outdoors". Now, technically, I can and do still lurch around the house with my trusty walker for short distances, and not too often. But that won't last, obviously, and by the time the chair comes through who knows ...

So now I'm looking at the application form - if I answer strictly truthfully I won't be eligible, but I do need the damn thing if I ever want to leave the house independently again. I guess the criteria were not set up with neurodegenerative conditions in mind. Any advice?

Yours in befuddlement,
Peanut

[Ellie]

Dear befuddled Peanut 😉

I can and do still lurch around the house with my trusty walker for short distances, and not too often.

That's not exactly walking, nor does it sound safe (to me) Seems like you're close to being housebound...

In answering the questions, answer for your worst day abilities - how you'd be after little sleep, with pain etc.

The NICE guidelines on wheelchair provision recognises the neurodegenerative aspect of MND and uses "without delay" in referral and provision of chairs.

Good luck xx

[DeeH]

That's not safe. Ask your neurologist or MND nurse for a referal. It takes a while to get and you need measured.

So you need assessed ASAP.

Good luck

[JamesW]

Lead times on power chairs are pretty horrendous (four months or three months if you are urgent). So I suggest you get in as quick as you can 👍

[Peanut]

Thank you everyone, that's all very sensible and reassuring! I've had my measuring, will complete the form now - yay!

[Deb]

Hi Peanut . Im not sure if this will help you but when I eventually decided I needed a powerchair ( for some reason I resisted it!🤷♀️) I was sent the forms to apply. The wheelchair OT from clinic rang me next day and said not to bother with the forms because I was entitled to one because I have MND.

They were keen we had a WAV because obviously a powerchair doesn't fold to go in a car. It's not compulsory however. There's a very brave gentleman, who I've only waved to , who lives near us and drives his on the roads to the pub everyday.

Hope yours is sorted quickly x😘🤗