NHS chair .. self modifications at your peril?!!

[CrippledLassie]

Right here we go.... my new chair is fantastic but agin depends what you call fantastic and as usual it depends on your postcode as to what modifications the NHS will let you have. Never mind if you are disabled enough for that model or the other model..

I even had a fight on my hands about having my frame colour choice - it took a very long letter for the dept to change their policy so I could have my chair in black (Yawn...) I got black!!!!!

Anyway as my user name may suggest I can't stand up so can't reach anything - I'd love to have an electric riser on my electric wheelchair. Yes apparently Invacare says it can be done. I'd even pay for this to be done.
But it's not my chair!!
I suppose I could pay for it myself and not tell the NHS but not sure that's ethical! I would happily sign a disclaimer saying I'd cover the cost of a replacement chair if there is a disaster. They could turn round and tell me to roll off the nearest cliff!

Any thoughts- anyone modified any electric wheelchair whether it's NHS or your own or someone else's?
Am I insane to even think that looking someone in the eye, reaching a shelf, speaking to a group while socialising, etc is even worth the hassle??

I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thanks

[Kaff79]

Sorry no real advice. The only mod I have made is to add a cup holder! I totally understand the riser option, I also have an Invacare -mirage. How much is it to add? Just out of interest... <whistles>

[Blastoff]

I'm not as disabled as you but I think the NHS need to wake up and offer better choices of chairs to certain people who genuinely want to be independent, my current chair is heavy and takes ages to dismantle to get into car!

Maybe try ringing them and offer to purchase your current chair using the vouchers they provide plus cash, then you can modify it to suit you

[vantage]

When I was going through the process of obtaining a new powerchair I too wanted the electric raiser option. Having hired one beforehand with this feature I knew it would improve my work and social mobility.

My local NHS service wouldn't pay for the raiser but had no problem if I wanted to purchase the option myself. I would be responsible for any service or repair costs for the option.

In the end I went down the voucher route, and with a contribution from ATW I purchased my own chair. I wanted front wheel drive and the NHS would only supply a middle wheel drive. My assessor tried to get that overturned but couldn't, hence taking the voucher.

[CrippledLassie]

Sorry no real advice. The only mod I have made is to add a cup holder! I totally understand the riser option, I also have an Invacare -mirage. How much is it to add? Just out of interest... <whistles>

Oh no way my previous was a mirage - some fab chair. My NHS offered me x4 "choices"of colour blue, blue, blue or even blue!
Hope you got a choice. Cup holder! Hey same! Oh the independence.. the freedom. Well I couldn't carry a drink without wearing it by the time I got to my table in the restaurant sometimes other people got to wear my drink as well! so now it's great... and I have a full cup! Also useful for carrying your phone round the house!

[CrippledLassie]

I'm not as disabled as you but I think the NHS need to wake up and offer better choices of chairs to certain people who genuinely want to be independent, my current chair is heavy and takes ages to dismantle to get into car!

Maybe try ringing them and offer to purchase your current chair using the vouchers they provide plus cash, then you can modify it to suit you

Gosh what chair do you have? Do people always comment "Oh you must have strong arms!" Or "You've got that down to a fine art!"
Sadly no wheelchair voucher scheme in Scotland so no option of purchasing chair which is crazy. Think I will lobby my MP about that as it's unfair.

[CrippledLassie]

When I was going through the process of obtaining a new powerchair I too wanted the electric raiser option. Having hired one beforehand with this feature I knew it would improve my work and social mobility.

My local NHS service wouldn't pay for the raiser but had no problem if I wanted to purchase the option myself. I would be responsible for any service or repair costs for the option.

In the end I went down the voucher route, and with a contribution from ATW I purchased my own chair. I wanted front wheel drive and the NHS would only supply a middle wheel drive. My assessor tried to get that overturned but couldn't, hence taking the voucher.

Sounds like you did the right thing. What chair do you have? Did you get the rise as well?
My chair is an Invacare Spectra with a hybrid seat so it's a bit different than normal.

[vantage]

Sounds like you did the right thing. What chair do you have? Did you get the rise as well?
My chair is an Invacare Spectra with a hybrid seat so it's a bit different than normal.

I got a Puma 40 Pro, with the raiser and a few other options. The seat raiser is excellent, I'm eye level with people at work, can sit at a bar. If you can get it fitted I'd recommend it.

[CrippledLassie]

I got a Puma 40 Pro, with the raiser and a few other options. The seat raiser is excellent, I'm eye level with people at work, can sit at a bar. If you can get it fitted I'd recommend it.

Funny you should say that about a bar - I'm not a drinker but I do like to order my own if I'm out to lunch - it is the social thing for me as well as practical. Will check out your chair online. Thanks for the reply.

[Blastoff]

Gosh what chair do you have? Do people always comment "Oh you must have strong arms!" Or "You've got that down to a fine art!"
Sadly no wheelchair voucher scheme in Scotland so no option of purchasing chair which is crazy. Think I will lobby my MP about that as it's unfair.

It's an invacare self propelled and seemingly it's the lightest one available! Oh gosh yea I get that constantly and "how is it possible" I'm paralysed not stupid lol, have you seen that bionic wheelchair that's raises you and puts you in a standing position? Yes contact your MP I believe there's just not enough being done for wheelchair users and the state of road kerbs by the local council is terrible!