Purchasing your own mobility equipment, my top tips…
We all like to have nice things and the same goes when you require a wheelchair, perhaps you are not happy with the style of wheelchair available from the NHS and wish to purchase your own, to express your style and address your comfort better. Now when it comes to purchasing your own mobility equipment there has never been so much choice available as there is today, which on the one hand is fantastic, but on the other hand can make choosing the correct mobility product that bit more confusing for you.
Here are my top tips when it comes to buying your own mobility equipment:
1. Try not to have too many demonstrations, having a long list of suppliers bring different wheelchairs/bathing equipment etc into your home, school or hospital can be confusing. I would suggest getting as much information on products that you like first, talk to those you may already know using a wheelchair and get their feedback on the product that they use, What do they like about the product? Do they wish they had bought a different product? Which supplier did they purchase it from, and has the supplier been helpful? Then hopefully you will have been able to shortlist 1-3 products you would like to have a demonstration of, this way it will hopefully be less confusing for you.
2. Take photos/videos of you/your child using the product so you can refer back to after the demonstration has finished.
3. Have a check list of questions ready to ask the supplier, i.e Is this wheelchair grow able for my child? How many years is the manufacturers warranty? How quickly do you send out spare parts should I require them?
4. Deal with a local trusted mobility supplier. A big problem we come across is people buying mobility equipment from suppliers who are national suppliers, and in many cases in times of requiring urgent spare parts or a service the supplier is unable to help. So if possible please try to buy from a local reputable supplier.
5. Always try to purchase your mobility equipment from a Trading Standards Buy with Confidence member – a supplier who has had their businesses vetted and follows strict conduct guidelines, to offer the best customer service and product knowledge possible.
6. Have your healthcare professional present at the demonstration, they know your health history, and needs better than a new supplier will, and may think of other questions to ask about the product.
7. I’ve had the mobility demonstration, I loved the product it met my needs brilliantly, but the cost of it is more than I can currently afford, What do I do now? A reputable supplier should be able to assist you in writing letters/completing charity request forms to help you get that product you desperately need quicker as we understand that everyone is busy and may not be able to dedicate the time to writing letters. Also ask your wheelchair service for a wheelchair voucher this amount (varying from person to person) will help with the cost of buying your own piece of mobility equipment.
8. We always talk through mobility insurance policies with our customers, and the benefits and peace of mind they give you, so bare this in mind too, you insure your vehicle, house contents etc so it’s certainly worth thinking about insuring the wheelchair you rely on daily too.
9. And finally never feel pressured into buying from the supplier, as we all know mobility equipment isn’t cheap and ideally should last you 3-5 years so take your time after you have had a mobility demonstration to fully make sure the product met your needs and expectations, before rushing a decision.
I hope this was helpful,
Kirstie @HMS Mobility