Funding for motorised wheelchair?

[lynnmarie6]

Does anyone know if I can obtain funding for my 82 yrs old father-in-law who has a state pension and is just recovering in hospital from a heart by-pass?

[poppynurse]

I suggest you start by asking for a social services referral to assess his needs.

[groovycaz]

My step father is in reciept of DLA and gets benefit for mobility, which pays for his car, hes 67 years old, and I also know his pal gets the same benefit and hes 70 years old, if he can claim the mobility part of DLA he should be able to use that to fund an electric wheelchair, if he has a carer, or a family member or friend helping him and there is a carer and support group close to you they will fill in the forms for you for claiming mobility allowance and I believe this is a lot quicker than waiting for social services, who took 2 years to provide my step father with a hoist, Im led to believe that social services are very limited as regards to equipment and can only recommend whats needed but can only provide if they have the resources..Gc

[poppynurse]

I seem to think you have to claim DLA before you are 65? Social services response depends on your area, in Lincs they are pretty good, particularly if the referral happens whilst the person is in hospital as it may help facilitate discharge. Has your father got other problems in addition to his bypass?

[zaffie]

Hi
yes you are correct about DLA. It has to be applied for before 65.
However you could claim attendance allowance for him if he needs additional help. This is in two bands and is worth 40-60 per week I think.
Age concern have been runnung a campaign about the elderly not claiming benefits to which they are entitled. They should help with form filling. Expect to get turned down but go to appeal.
Social services should put in a referral to occupational therapy for aids and adaptions to the home. Has he had a community care assessment from social services? might be worth asking for one. Any help he needs could be met with direct payments. Take advice. Good luck

Zaffie

[Xanadu2]

Hi,

I've just posted about getting a car under the motability scheme, having been awarde the higher rate of Diability living allowance for help with getting around. I do remember that there was a choice between a car and an electric buggy.

[gizmo111]

The motability scheme only applys if you are under 65.

My father was not entitled to anything for a motorised wheelchair, so I rented him one to see how he got on with it, nad then bought it.

[poppynurse]

A tip from one who's been there....don't buy a brand new one, there are loads of second hand ones much cheaper and in nearly new condition. Many folk get them and then only use them a little or unfortunately deteriorate and can't use them so they are sold on at a much lower price...



If I have been helpful please click my scales!!

[KnellyK]

Originally Posted by lynnmarie6

Does anyone know if I can obtain funding for my 82 yrs old father-in-law who has a state pension and is just recovering in hospital from a heart by-pass?

Was your father in law ever in the Armed Forces? If he was you can apply to SSAFFA on his behalf and they may provide assistance in the form of fundraising. I know this because my father has an electric (self drive) wheelchair which was obtained as a result of SSAFFA fundraising. My sister and I had to make a contribution so that he could have ownership of it, it's not a quick fix because it takes a while for the funds to accumulate ~SSAFFA contact other organisations on your behalf (ie previous work places etc..) but my dad is delighted that he can now get around independently and much quicker and more comfortably than in the NHS provided wheelchair!

Hope this helps

[Xanadu2]

Originally Posted by poppynurse

A tip from one who's been there....don't buy a brand new one, there are loads of second hand ones much cheaper and in nearly new condition. Many folk get them and then only use them a little or unfortunately deteriorate and can't use them so they are sold on at a much lower price...



If I have been helpful please click my scales!!

Yes! Loads of folks would like to sell me one of these things, but first I must get a car because I don't need one locally.

I've been renting one at shows and events. Warning! These things are not as easy to drive in a crowd as you think!...but they have provided me witrh some funny stories to tell afterwards....