Wheelchair advice please

[JemmAus]

Further to my innane ramblings about malls and balance etc, I figure if being in a chair makes me mobile, I might as well get one.

The ones they hire at the malls are awful - the cheap fold-up variety and when you push yourself the backs of your arms bash into the backrest.

So I was persusing online last night, and wanted to know from others who are in one what to look for.

I really like the sporty-type ones, with the really low backrest and no arm rests to get on the way. Though they are rigid frames?  So hard to get into a car unless the wheels come off quickly?

HELP!!

[SarahL2491]

if you are stateside, insurance is not going to pay for the carrier to go on your vehicle, unless you have tricare

[JemmAus]

In Aus, we don't have insurance like you do, so that part is moot. I think MS Australia can help though. Going to ring them and the local government organisation that helps.

Cheers for that!

[Ojibajo]

The do have some light weight sportier-ones that do fold up, but they are pricey so if you are planning on springing for one that expensive or seeing if your insurance will pay for it you will need to be evaluated like Dee5112 said.

[Dee5112]

You need to get a wheelchair seating evaluation. The Physical therapist works with different vendor and they will recommend a chair the fits you and your needs best. I highly recommend this because wheelchair are so costly. Insurance companies will only pay for one every 5-7 years. You will need someone local that can do maintence on your chair, The local companies tend to offer these services.