How do I know which wheelchair/rollator to choose?

May 21, 2010 5:20 PM

Is there anywhere that has reviews of wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, and other disability aids? I'm looking into purchasing a combination wheeled walker / transport wheelchair for myself, but I'm really overwhelmed.

I came down with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome about a year and a half ago and my condition has deteriorated badly. I am not able to walk very far without severe exhaustion, but my shoulders are the weakest link, which means that arm assisted crutches or a self-propelled wheelchair are not an option at all. A motorized wheelchair would be the ideal choice, but the cost is mindboggling, and it wouldn't be covered by the NHS since I can get around the house without it.

I generally limit myself to leaving the house twice a week, and use taxis for transportation. At times when I am able to have someone with me, a transport wheelchair would be ideal, but I'm usually alone. It would be helpful for me to be able to stop and rest whenever I need to, whether there's a seat nearby or not. So I am considering a combination rollator / wheelchair. (option 1, option 2, option 3)

Any of these are within my budget, but I have no idea how to judge between them, or whether my shoulder weakness would make it too hard to use as a walker at all.

And yes, I know I should ask an Occupational Therapist, but the waiting list is very long, and I'd like to get something I can use in the meantime!

Also, if there is any site similar to Cool Tools that has reviews of disability aids, I'd be very happy. I feel like I need a Dummy's Guide to being disabled. I don't need help with emotional coping or coming to terms with it - I need practical advice on which tools will help me get through the day!

tl;dr: Should I get a wheelchair/rollator, and if so, how do I choose one?

posted by happyturtle to health & fitness (7 answers total)

Check this link.

http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_Living/consumer.html

As to motorized wheelchair. Do not underestimate what a provider can do to help you get the equipment you think would be best. When you select a provider they will assist you in qualifying you to get one based upon your mobility needs.
posted by JayRwv at 5:40 PM on May 21, 2010

Any of these are within my budget, but I have no idea how to judge between them, or whether my shoulder weakness would make it too hard to use as a walker at all.

If your shoulders are problematic, using a walker WILL be difficult. If your condition is worsening, you'll be needing a power chair sooner rather than later. Look into physical therapy as well as occupational, and spend the money you have to expedite that process however you can. I'm in the US, so I'm not sure precisely who you'd contact, but have you spoken with your GP?
posted by StrikeTheViol at 7:03 PM on May 21, 2010

Yes, I'm working with my GP, to get the Occupational Therapist referral... it's just the wait time is very long. I had to wait ten months for an appointment with the chronic fatigue specialist. It would probably be autumn before I can see an OT, and then if they do recommend a power wheelchair, and the NHS approves it, I think there's another waiting list before I'd actually get one.

Physical therapy was tried but unhelpful, as CFS is one of the very few conditions that is made worse by exercise. I am seeing an Osteopath about the shoulders, which is helping a lot. Would it still cause strain on the shoulders if I used it more as a balance aid than to actually put my weight on it?

I imagine a power chair will come eventually, but it would require not only figuring out how to pay for it, but getting adaptations made to the home to allow it into the house, which means it would probably be easier to move to an accessible flat since there are other issues with it... and all these things are very overwhelming when I have only have a few hours a day when I'm out of bed. It seems that getting something that can provide some amount of usefulness in the interim would be best, and it could be sold or donated or used as a backup if and when a power wheelchair is procured.
posted by happyturtle at 7:45 PM on May 21, 2010

My go-to site for mobility aid advice is Spinlife. They publish user reviews of the stuff they sell. However they don't seem to have the nifty rollator/wheelchair combos you link to. Wheelchairjunkie is an international online community of mainly wheelchair users. You might have luck with your question there.

My partner (who has #*!@ MS) uses many mobility devices from canes to a motorized chair to a segway. The one we cherish the most is her eight year old rollator. It's battered, scuffed, stickered (the kids can't resist decorating it), and worn but that thing is useful beyond words. It's an unfailing support; it carries cups of tea, stacks of books, kids, cats, shopping, and tomato seedlings. It makes walking round the house possible. She doesn't seem to need shoulder strength to use it but as you know everyone's experience of every condition is different. The only advice I have on this is to try one out and see and to opt for the lightest one you can find. For all that I love ours, I hate loading that sucker in the car when I have to and if it weighed one more pound it'd find its own way home.

Best of luck to you. This all sounds really tough.
posted by firstdrop at 8:12 PM on May 21, 2010 [1 favorite]

Thanks! Just reading the reviews on Spinlife is giving me some perspective on what sorts of things to consider. And Wheelchairjunkie looks like exactly what I need.
posted by happyturtle at 9:33 PM on May 21, 2010

Go to your local independent living centre and try before you buy! You can find yours on this page (on the 'type' menu you want 'CIL/ODP/ULO'). Most of them have OTs on staff that can give advice too.

You can also get short-term equipment on loan from the Red Cross, which again is useful for 'try before you buy'.

I would hope that one of those could sort you out with what you need. If not, then post to the Ouch message boards for more advice. A big thing like a walker is something you'll really need to buy in the UK because of shipping, which will probably affect what's available and at what cost.

I don't know your financial situation, but if you have a budget for a walker, do you have the budget to see an OT privately? It might end up saving you money, if it stops you buying the wrong thing. Hopefully you can see one through an independent living centre, but if not it might be worth considering.
posted by Coobeastie at 2:47 AM on May 22, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'm travelling to the US in a month to see my family, so my thought was to have it delivered to them and have it to use while I'm there, then if it's useful, bring it back with me. (Actually the idea of purchasing something came about when I got a quote to rent a manual wheelchair for the trip and it was going to cost $400 for two weeks!)

Wow... there doesn't appear to be a private OT anywhere near me. I will call the CILK on Monday and see if they can help. Thanks.
posted by happyturtle at 7:04 AM on May 22, 2010