Question – I think I could benefit from a wheelchair. Can I get one on the NHS? Do I have to pay for maintenance and if it needs repairing? How long does it take to get one and how do I find out if I am eligible?
Answer – Wheelchairs from the NHS are free and maintained and repaired by the NHS at no charge. They do however, remain the property of the NHS so cannot be handed on.
The eligibility is that an individual must, as a result of a permanent disability or medical condition, have a mobility problem that persists for more than six months or require palliative care. A wheelchair should be required for regular use (at least three days per week). The user must be functionally unable to walk and need to use a wheelchair for independent mobility
The first step to see if you can get a prescription for a wheelchair is to visit your GP and explain your needs. The waiting time can vary from a few weeks to three-four months.
Question – What is the fine for misusing a Blue Badge?
Answer – It is a criminal offence to misuse the badge, and doing so can lead to a £1,000 fine or more. Councils take court actions each year for misuse of the badge.
Able Community Care is a Norfolk, family owned, Home Care provider which was established in 1980. We are often asked by our clients, carers and members of the public, questions across a wide range of care issues. Care information is often time consuming and difficult to access, so we are happy to share some of our questions and answers with you.
