Ask the experts

Q I am 73 years old and have had multiple sclerosis for the last 35 years. To get around my bungalow, I have grab-handles placed strategically, and I use a three-legged walker.

However, I know the time is coming when I shall need to use some form of wheelchair to get around. The doors here are 2ft 6in wide, so there is room to move around. I use a buggy to get around town. Could you recommend a wheelchair for indoor use?
D W Jenkin, Launceston, Cornwall

JM: There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing your first wheelchair, so you are strongly advised to get professional advice and an assessment before making any decision. In the first instance, you might find it useful to contact your GP or hospital consultant to see if you qualify for NHS provision. If so, you will be referred to your nearest wheelchair clinic. People with ms are often eligible for this assistance.

If you live alone, you will need to use a self-propelled manual wheelchair or an indoor powered wheelchair. If you have a carer, an attendant-propelled manual chair may suffice. Self-propelled chairs need more width to go through doorways due to larger rear wheels and your protruding elbows.

Indoor powered wheelchairs offer a smaller turning circle than more conventional powered wheelchairs, and office-style wheelchairs have the advantage of turning in their own space, which can be useful in confined spaces.

Seat height, width, and comfort is also important. If you need postural support, and/or need to sit in the wheelchair for long periods, and are prone to pressure sores, then you may require a pressure-relieving cushion or back support. Some wheelchairs are specially designed for comfort, and may be multi-positional, or have “tilt-in-space” or reclining seat mechanisms.

For further advice, contact the Disabled Living Foundation. Their helpline is 0845 130 9177 (10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday). They publish several useful fact sheets on choosing a wheelchair, which are also available on their website at www.dlf.org.uk/public/factsheets.html

A comprehensive guide, Wheelchair Provision for Children and Adults with Muscular Dystrophy and other Neuromuscular Conditions, is available from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on 020 7803 4800 or at www.muscular-dystrophy. org/information_resources /publications/wheelchair.html

If you decide to buy a wheelchair privately, it would be helpful to try out a few models before deciding which one to buy. You could then contact the relevant manufacturer and ask for a home assessment so you can check whether the wheelchair will be appropriate for your bungalow. 

There are two centres in Cornwall where you may be able to try out models. Visit Cornwall Mobility Centre, Tehidy House, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ. Alternatively, call them on  01872 254920 or visit www.cornwallmobilitycentre.co.uk. You can also try Tremorvah Industries, Unit 8, Threemilestone Industrial Estate, Truro TR4 9LD or contact them on  01872 324340, email enquiries.tremorvah@cornwall.gov.uk or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=464

Q My wife has a bad leg and it is getting more difficult getting in and out of the car. We have our old car but we need something with easier access. She has tried getting in a Vauxhall Agila, which seems a lot better. Is there a list of vehicle seat heights, so we can compare? Can you recommend any vehicles?
Graham Blockley

EP: It is certainly true that recent improvements in car design, such as height-adjustable seats and taller MPV-style vehicles, can make a real difference, but endlessly trawling round vehicle main dealers is an arduous way of discovering what is available.

Fortunately, there are a number of sources to help you find a vehicle that is easier for your wife to use.

I assume, as you only mention the problem of getting in and out, that your wife travels as a passenger or has already addressed any difficulties driving your car.

I note that your wife has “a bad leg” and this could mean that as well as seat height, you need to look at other factors such as the door width, the availability of a suitable grab-handle and the height of the sill. If she uses a stick or other walking aid you may wish to ensure that this can be stowed where it can be reached comfortably.

It may be best for you to contact your local Mobility Centre for advice and the option of an assessment of your wife’s needs. A list of centres can be found at www.mobility-centres.org.uk or by calling (freephone) 0800 559 36 36.

If you know which features you need, have a clear idea of the measurements and have internet access, visit www.ricability.co.uk

Follow the links to the “Car Measurement Guide”, enter your current vehicle as a point of reference and search according to accessibility features. On this site, you can also download a copy of their useful guide, The Ins and Outs of Choosing a Car.
Similar information can be found on www.motability.co.uk

If you have a question for our panel
• phone us 020 7619 7323
• write to us Disability Now, 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW
• email us editor@disabilitynow.org.uk

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