If your parent or elder relative is recovering from surgery, illness or injury and struggling with their mobility, you might consider temporary wheelchair hire to help them get about while they regain their strength and get back on their feet.
While the NHS can provide free wheelchairs in certain circumstances, wheelchair hire is often the quickest and most reliable solution for short-term needs.
Services like the British Red Cross or private providers like LendoCare offer accessible options to meet short-term needs efficiently.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand your options for wheelchair hire.
Tip: When hiring a wheelchair in these circumstances,be mindful of overuse during recovery. Prolonged reliance on a wheelchair can sometimes slow the process of regaining strength and mobility. Always check with a health professional on balancing wheelchair use with activities and exercises that promote recovery and rebuild strength..
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross has been a trusted source for wheelchair hire since World War One. Today, they continue to offer an affordable and reliable solution for temporary wheelchair needs. However, it can be a postcode lottery, as the availability of wheelchairs and services varies significantly depending on your location, with some areas experiencing limited stock or long wait times.
Key details include:
- Cost: £22 per week for hire. Delivery is available across the UK for an additional £25.
- Types available: Self-propelled, transit, and bariatric wheelchairs, plus free accessories (subject to availability) like cushions and leg elevators.
- Flexibility: Minimum hire period of one week, with no maximum limit.
Book online here.
Private hire services
Private providers aim to complement the Red Cross by offering additional options for short-term wheelchair and mobility aid hire.
These services may offer:
- Choice and variety.
- Convenience of online booking and live availability.
- Nationwide delivery and collection.
- Flexible terms to suit your parent’s recovery timeline.
New player Lendocare rents sleek, modern wheelchairs for £25 for the first week then £18 per week. Monthly pricing is also available at £50 per month, and delivery is available nationwide for an additional £29.99. There is no minimum hire period and the company also provide leg raisers and cushions at £5 each per week.
Book online here.
Other local options
Some local resources, such as garden centres, shopping centres, or National Trust properties, provide wheelchairs free of charge for use on their premises.
If planning a day out, check the destination’s website to reserve a chair in advance.
What to consider when hiring a wheelchair
To ensure comfort and safety for your parent or elder relative, keep the following in mind when hiring a wheelchair:
- Measurements: Ensure the wheelchair fits properly by measuring the user’s width at their widest point and adding 2.5 cm for comfort.
- Weight Limit: Confirm the wheelchair can support their weight.
- Accessories: Ask about available add-ons like cushions or leg supports for added comfort.
When to consider the NHS
The NHS offers free wheelchair provision for those with long-term needs. However, eligibility criteria apply:
- The wheelchair must be required for at least three days a week.
- The user must have a permanent disability, a medical condition lasting over six months, or be receiving palliative care.
To access an NHS wheelchair, you would need to:
- Obtain a referral from a GP, physiotherapist, or social care professional.
- Undergo an assessment with the local wheelchair service to determine suitability.
Keep in mind that this process can take several weeks, so you may need to hire a wheelchair in the meantime.
In summary
Hiring a wheelchair for an elder parent or relative following surgery or during a period of limited mobility is a sensible way to ensure they can get about comfortably while recovering.
At the same time, it’s important to make sure they don’t rely on the wheelchair too much if their mobility is expected to improve. Using a wheelchair for too long could slow their recovery, so it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional for advice on this.
If you struggle to hire through the Red Cross, or want more choice and convenience, you can opt for private, affordable providers like Lendocare.
Common questions
- How much does it cost to buy a wheelchair?
Wheelchair prices vary depending on type and features. Manual wheelchairs can cost between £100 and £500, while powered wheelchairs range from £1,000 to over £5,000. Costs will also depend on the retailer and any specific features required.
- Will the NHS provide a free wheelchair following hip surgery?
The NHS may provide a wheelchair for temporary use after hip surgery, but eligibility is typically determined by the severity of the condition and long-term mobility needs. For short-term use, it’s generally quicker to hire one through the Red Cross or a private provider.
- What diagnosis qualifies for a free NHS wheelchair?
To qualify for a free NHS wheelchair, you must have a permanent disability, a medical condition lasting longer than six months, or be receiving palliative care. The wheelchair must also be necessary for use at least three days a week.
- What surgery qualifies for a free NHS wheelchair?
The NHS provides wheelchairs for those who need one after surgery if it’s related to a long-term or permanent disability or medical condition. Typically, for surgeries such as hip or knee replacements, a short-term wheelchair may be available if it’s deemed necessary for recovery. However, temporary wheelchair use for surgery recovery might be better suited to rental services.
