Wheelchair servicing is the process of keeping your wheelchair functioning properly. Sometimes called wheelchair maintenance, this process may involve cleaning and/or repairs. Wheelchair servicing may be included in after-sales support if you purchased your wheelchair privately, and is always available for NHS wheelchairs. Read on to learn more about wheelchair servicing and what options may be available to you.

What wheelchair servicing will I receive for my wheelchair?

NHS

• Equipment from the NHS is maintained and repaired at no cost to the user. If the user changes in any way where different equipment may be required, they can be re-assessed.

Privately

• Every wheelchair will come with a manufacturer's warranty. The length of this warranty period will between manufacturers and even between different parts of one wheelchair. Explanation of the warranty periods should form part of the buying process. The manufacturer's warranty covers parts but does not cover the time taken by the retailer to replace the parts. Ensure the sales agreement stipulates who is responsible for the cost of the time to fit parts covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
• There are also service packages available from most retailers. These are agreements to replace, repair or fix problems with the wheelchair and can include accidental damage. They are normally underwritten by an insurance company. 
• Breakdown insurance cover is also available. This can also include public liability insurance, which provides cover for accidental damage to someone or something else.

How long should a wheelchair last with wheelchair servicing?”

The frequency and quality of your wheelchair servicing may impact how long your wheelchair lasts. Properly maintained wheelchairs should last longer than a wheelchair that is misused or poorly maintained. This varies a lot and depends entirely on how the wheelchair is used and in what conditions. Expect to use the wheelchair for three to five years before it needs replacing, but it may last a lot longer if it is not often used or used well within its physical limits. The frequency and quality of your wheelchair servicing may impact how long your wheelchair lasts. Properly maintained wheelchairs should last longer than a wheelchair that is misused or poorly maintained.

How long does it take to get a wheelchair?

• Very basic wheelchairs will be available for immediate purchase from a retailer, or immediate issue from an NHS wheelchair service. More complex wheelchairs will take much longer and require several appointments before an order is made.  For complex equipment, it is essential to trial equipment prior to purchase to ensure it works as expected and meets the requirements of the user.  There can sometimes be a delay of several weeks waiting for demonstration equipment to be delivered from a manufacturer.
• Once a wheelchair is ordered it can take up to 12 weeks for it to be delivered. This depends greatly on the manufacturer and the complexity of the equipment being ordered. Some equipment can be delivered in a few days.

Wheelchair services from Silver Fern Therapy

If you have had your wheelchair serviced and it is still not functioning the way you would like, then wheelchair servicing may not be the issue. At this point, you might want to consider a new wheelchair prescription. Contact Silver Fern Therapy to discuss your options.

There are many places where you can get a wheelchair, such as the NHS and certain charities. However, your options may be different depending on your circumstances. Here are the main places where you can find a wheelchair, as well as some important details that you should know before making your decision.

Places to Get a Wheelchair

NHS

• Many people who need permanent use of a wheelchair will be eligible for equipment from the NHS. Your GP will be able to point you in the direction of your local wheelchair service. The criteria for receiving NHS equipment varies from service to service. In general, full time, permanent wheelchair users will always be eligible. Most NHS wheelchair services require a referral from a health professional (GP, consultant, nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist etc). They will assess what equipment is needed and prescribe accordingly from a range of equipment available to them. 
• NHS wheelchair service staff are often made up of a mix of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehab engineers and clinical scientists. There will also be support staff in administration and clinical roles.

Privately

• Everyone has the option of purchasing their own equipment. Some retailers are members of the British Healthcare Trades Association, however membership is not mandatory. Retailers will decide with you which is the best equipment for you to purchase, based on your wheelchair needs, and your budget. Some will employ occupational therapists or physiotherapists to provide a more clinical approach.  Some retailers will have a limited range of wheelchairs, focusing more on other equipment such as beds or riser-recliners. Speak to them to determine if they can support your wheelchair needs.
• Having a clinical assessment prior to purchasing a wheelchair can also be useful. This ensures all needs, future and present, of the user are taken into account prior to purchasing equipment. A clinical assessment will involve evaluation of posture, pressure relief, technical assessment of any current equipment and the environment any equipment will be used in. The clinician, normally and occupational therapist or physiotherapist will make recommendations for adjustment or additions to the existing wheelchair or will work with the user to determine the best wheelchair for them to purchase.

Finance

• Some retailers will offer finance, enabling the wheelchair to be paid in monthly instalments over a period of time.

Charity

• Charity funding can be available to some wheelchair users. Many charities will have specific requirements or conditions that need to be met, before they support the purchase of a wheelchair. Most will only support the purchase of equipment that cannot be funded through a NHS wheelchair service.

Motability

• The Motability scheme enables specific disability benefits to fund the lease of a powerchair. Motability has agreements with specific wheelchair retailers to provide the equipment. The leases are typically 3 years and include repairs and maintenance. 

Access to Work

• The employer of people with a disability is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you they not substantially disadvantaged when doing their job. If the help you need they work is not covered by their employer making reasonable adjustments, they may be able to get help from Access to Work.
• They need to have a paid job or be about to start or return to one.
• An Access to Work grant can pay for special equipment, adaptations or services to help do things like answer the phone, go to meetings and getting to and from work.
• They may not get a grant if they already get certain benefits

Getting a Wheelchair

Once you’ve decided where to get a wheelchair from, you will often need to choose your wheelchair type – particularly if you are purchasing your wheelchair privately. A wheelchair prescription can help. Contact Silver Fern Therapy today to discuss your options.