wheelchair assessment

Hi All

I've just been reading query about wheelchair assessments on a different thread, and hope my experience will be of some use.

I have been gathering evidence for ESA appeal as I believe I qualify for support group.

I have a wheelchair, provided by NHS whhelchair service 5 years ago. I have never been able to use it unaccompanied, as I do not have upper body strength to self propel, or to be able to lift it into the car boot.

I was worried that DM would look at the fact that I have had the wheelchair so long as proof that I could mobilise the required 50 metres. Then I remembered that I my GP originally requested a power chair when I was referred, but the cash strapped NHS only provided these to people who are not able to walk at all, and only if their home is adapted for wheelchair use. Not many then I guess.

I asked for a copy of my original reaferral form, which asked for power chair, and also went to Shopmobility, from whom I have regularly hired power chairs and scooters. They provided copies of all the details of times and dates I had borrowed from them. I'm hoping this will prove to be evidence of my being unable to mobilise 50metres independently.

Good luck

PC

PC wrote:

Hi All

I've just been reading query about wheelchair assessments on a different thread, and hope my experience will be of some use.

I have been gathering evidence for ESA appeal as I believe I qualify for support group.

I have a wheelchair, provided by NHS whhelchair service 5 years ago. I have never been able to use it unaccompanied, as I do not have upper body strength to self propel, or to be able to lift it into the car boot.

I was worried that DM would look at the fact that I have had the wheelchair so long as proof that I could mobilise the required 50 metres. Then I remembered that I my GP originally requested a power chair when I was referred, but the cash strapped NHS only provided these to people who are not able to walk at all, and only if their home is adapted for wheelchair use. Not many then I guess.

I asked for a copy of my original reaferral form, which asked for power chair, and also went to Shopmobility, from whom I have regularly hired power chairs and scooters. They provided copies of all the details of times and dates I had borrowed from them. I'm hoping this will prove to be evidence of my being unable to mobilise 50metres independently.

Good luck

PC

Hi PC,

Thanks for your helpful advice.

Have you seen this recent UT Ruling ? :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=87202#93641

bro58

Thanks bro.

I have seen that, and read it a couple of times. I'm afreaid though that the more I find out the less I know.

Hi PC
I've been a wheelie for 21 years now, and have never been out unaccompanied due to not being able to self propell more than about 15 feet on a good day. Out shoping with my carer she attaches my wheelchair to one of those specialy adapted trollys, and pushes both me and the trolly together. Like yourself I have upper as well as lower body problems, along with having hands in furturo splints and ME. At home I have a powerchair, very kindly left to me by someone in their Will.
At the start of September I passed into the Support Group with no medical and when I got the ESA85A it specified that it was granted due to 'Inability to self-mobilise for more than 50 metres due to ME'. The DM was a registered nurse who didn't think that time spent in a wheelchair automatically meant that you could go great distances in one.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Pen.

I have been a manual wheelchair user since 1986 due to MS. In the early days, I could propel myself, but when I developed osteoarthritis, especially in my hands I relied on my wife to push me.

With the help of my GP, the NHS provided my an indoor electric wheelchair, which to be honest I sometimes also used outdoors for short journeys, without their knowledge.

When I contacted the hospital contracted to provide Indoor/outdoor electric chairs (EPIOC's) I was told that due to lack of resources (i.e. cash) it would take up to 5 years to provide me with an EPIOC.

I contacted my local MP and eventually after there years, I got my EPIOC.

My advice to anyone with a manual wheelchair who cannot propel themselves, but wish to maintain their independence is to apply for an indoor electric chair, or if your condition requires apply for an indoor/outdoor electric powered chair (EPIOC]

The issue of these varies from area to area, as does the assessment, so if you need an EPIOC
but find it hard for your local Health Authority to provide one, then DO contact your MP their help in my case was of great assistance.

Jim

Thank you, one and all for your replies. I was attempting to offer info, rather than seek it, so your help has been a bonus. My first concern was to ensure that I can prove I am not able to mobilise the required 50m. If I ever feel well enough to want to go out I will follow your advice to try to gat my own power chair.

Many thanks

PC