Power chair

[SAMMY88]

Hi everyone

Can a power chair manage different floor levels inside a home ? I have about 3 inches difference between my living room and kitchen, it's all open plan, if I open the double doors.

I have a power chair coming next week, the wheelchair people coming round the next day to test me on it. The thing is they will probably be shocked at the layout of my home but I really need this power chair. I can't stand unaided now.

I'm trying to change my furniture about to make it look like I have more space, clear a space to my backdoor leading to the garden and my homemade ramp.

The OT just basically said my home isn't suitable at all. It's clear the OT and the wheelchair services aren't in any sort of collaboration.

Is there anything I should be aware of that would stop me getting the power chair ? I'm worried they will take one look at my home and take it back.

[JamesW]

Hi Sammy,

I think it is largely going to depend on the particular model of chair. Outdoor chairs would probably cope with that step but my indoor chair will only go to 60 mm or 2 1/2 inches.

When I had my wheelchair ramp installed at home they also provided a small metal ramp to help cope with the threshold. Would the layout of your home allow you to have a small ramp to help you climb that step?

James

[Ellie]

SAMMY88 Do you know which chair you're getting? That's an important factor as turning circles of powerchairs can differ by quite a lot.

Regardless of the chair's ability to climb the step between the kitchen and living room, I imagine they'd prefer a ramp between the two floor levels because it's in your house.

Is your front door wheelchair accessible ?

Is the homemade ramp at the back door steep, which they won't necessarily like, or 'normal gradient'?

If you have any rugs or dodgy areas of flooring, hide them if possible.

And yes, declutter. xx

[Sarahw]

I’ve got a difference in height between my hall and bathroom. I bought a rubberised ramp , quite heavy and it doesn’t move. Does the trick a treat

[SAMMY88]

JamesW I don't know the model of the power chair, just that it's both an outdoor/ indoors one.

Ellie my front door definitely can't have any sort of ramps. It's a weird sort of set up. My son made the ramp for the back door, it's a gradual slope. The back door is raised so my son made a ramp for both sides.

Thanks I didn't think to take up my large rug .

Sarahw Thanks that's an excellent idea , rubberised ramp 😊

[SAMMY88]

My power chair was delivered today its the Invacare TDX SP2 model.

I was told on the phone before delivery under no circumstances should I test my new power chair out before my appointment tomorrow in which I will be tested .

Its quite upsetting to find the seat part missing. No trust it seems. I expect the lady in question will have it under her arm tomorrow .

Can't wait to met her in person tomorrow after our heated conversation on the phone 2 weeks ago, about why I refused to go for an eye test.

[TinyLady]

Yes, I had a similar thing. Mine was delivered but the speed reduced to absolute minimum until my assessment!

I hope the assessment goes well and that you get a seat with a comfortable cushion too! Xx

[SAMMY88]

Thanks TinyLady all went well. Received the cushion as I expected carried in under her arm 😂

I had a test drive , managed to take the bottom off my back door oops 😬

[Ellie]

its the Invacare TDX SP2 model.

Its quite upsetting to find the seat part missing. No trust it seems.

I have that chair Sammy, no issues with it.

The cushion you get shouldn't be the bog standard issue, so hopefully that's why it wasn't delivered in the chair.

I think you should wear a Stig suit for effect 😁😁😁

[TinyLady]

Oh SAMMY88 that made me laugh. I went out after my assessment and ended up in a hedge.... it gets easier. Then there was the hilariously embarrassing lift incident.

But I can control it pretty well these days... unless I'm tired!

[SAMMY88]

TinyLady oh my days , ended up in a hedge 😂

Ellie I did get a nice chunky cushion. That joystick tho takes some getting used to 😬

It's a pity we don't live nearer to each other , we could have a race ....🤪

[Ellie]

SAMMY88 The position of the drive control and the sensitivity of the joystick itself are adjustable.

If the shape and/or grip of the actual joystick causes you difficulty, they come in all different shapes and sizes.

Yeah def, you and me in the Wacky Races. xx

[TinyLady]

SAMMY88 and Ellie if there is a race count me in. I changed my joystick to a golf ball. As I explained to Princess Anne, I needed more girth 🤣

[Aadam]

SAMMY88 Hi, did the OT refer you for the power chair? Is it a standing one by any chance?

Thanks

[KimB]

All I can say is that I'm glad I played a lot of video games. I can handle the chair but do remove any rugs and mats. I got mine caught up in someone's door mat yesterday. It was a thick mat and I'm just glad the chair didn't rip it up. The lady pulled it out.