Wheelchairs

[Jennykenny]

Is there an organisation, charitable or otherwise that let's you try out wheelchairs? Need one for my husband but want to be sure I get the correct one.

[VHG]

I think your GP can allocate a wheelchair for free if you ask them.

[Maydup]

The Red Cross will be your best bet. They loan wheelchairs (and other equipment) from over 1,000 outlets across the UK.

Have a look here and ring them for a chat and some advice.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Health-and-social-care/Health-and-social-care-in-the-UK/Medical-equipment

[woofgang]

Locally to you there should be a wheelchair service assessment unit which your GP or consultant should be able to get you access to. they will assess your husband and make suggestions about what will best suit him. They can also supply a chair and may be able yo offer you a voucher towards private purchase if you want something non standard.
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/social-care-services/Pages/nhs-wheelchair-services.aspx
There is likely to be a wait for an appointment.
Wheelchair retailers will let you go to their businesses and try chairs, also may offer to bring them to your home to try but at base they are salesmen, may not know a lot (or might be knowledgeable); might be pushy sellers.

[RATTER15]

You can hire them very cheaply at Mobility Centres or go to a mobility shop and have a look around.

We had to get one a while back for Carakeels Mother, it took a while to come through but it was an extremely good model that was ordered by Occupational Therapy, contact them via your GP.

[CoffeeLounge]

http://www.tremorvah.co.uk

We used this company when my parents needed a stairlift. They were able to try out different ones. Although this company is in Cornwall and it has close links with the council and social services they may be able to put you in touch with someone in your area who does the same.
Or you could take a holiday to Cornwall for a few days.

[Jennykenny]

Thanks folks, all very helpful. Will probably start with the Red Cross, mainly as there is a base round the corner from the house.

[shoota]

Age UK often can help or even lend you one if you have a branch nearby.