Wheelchair service

The user must meet all of the following criteria: 

• the user will be the only person using the wheelchair
• the user has a long term condition that permanently and significantly affects the individual’s mobility and their independence
• the user will require the use of the wheelchair for at least 4 days a week or more

The user will not meet the criteria if:

• provision of attendant pushed wheelchairs is for general use or ‘portering’ purposes within the care home setting or by a number of individuals
• the provision of pressure relieving cushions for use in armchairs
• the provision of a wheelchair to be used instead of appropriate armchairs or dining room chairs (static seating)
• the provision of wheelchairs to take clients out on occasional outings either by the care home or by members of the person’s family
• the provision of wheelchairs to support a rehabilitation/recovery programme ie where the person’s condition is likely to change and therefore the wheelchair may not be suitable for the person’s needs when they return to their normal place of residence
• the provision of equipment where the client is unable to be seated safely in a wheelchair to support their function and independence; this will be discussed on an individual basis following an assessment

Following an assessment, wheelchair equipment can be provided to enable a person to achieve independent mobility. This can either be a self-propelling manual wheelchair or a powered wheelchair, so independence means the individual can independently operate the wheelchair.

Environmental constraints and needs of main carer will be considered when prescribing this type of wheelchair. There must be sufficient space for such a wheelchair to be used.

Notes

In some instances it is more suitable, for those requiring significant postural support, to be provided with a suitable static seating system rather than a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are not intended to be sat in for prolonged periods of time. In such cases, it is not the responsibility of the wheelchair service to provide static seating. Tilt in space in space wheelchairs are not normally provided in care homes unless the family are actively involved in taking the client out regularly (see tilt in space criteria).