Did you know that 75 million people around the world need a wheelchair to do basic tasks, but are unable to afford one? Donating wheelchairs is an easy process and there are many organisations that will take a wheelchair and give it to someone who needs it. There are several national charities that accept donations of disability equipment including:
- Wheelchairs
- Crutches
- Walking Sticks
- Braille Machines, Books & Magazines
- Hearing Aids & Hearing Aid Batteries
Donating A Wheelchair
Donating your disability equipment is a fantastic way to give useful equipment in the hands of people who need it or who could otherwise not afford it. There are large charities accepting donations as well as small independent charities too, the choice of who you use is completely up to you. Donating is one of the best and most helpful ways to dispose of used medical equipment.
If you are disposing of your old wheelchair because it is no longer functioning for any reason, donating will no longer be an option. Charities want to make sure they are giving the best possible equipment to people who need it. There are some charities that do accept wheelchairs that aren’t functioning properly and restore them before donation.
What Are The Benefits of Donating A Wheelchair
There is a huge range of benefits to the owner of your donated wheelchair, some of the most common uses are:
- Easier to move around home
- Easier to move around schools
- Easier to move around the community
- Able to do more things independently
- Able to participate more in daily activities
- Greater interaction with family friends
- Easier to attend school
- Improved skin
- Reduced pain or discomfort
- Awake more during the day
- Fewer falls/injuries
- Better Mood
It is so important for individuals to have the right wheelchair for their needs, funding and where they will be using it such as indoor or outdoor for example.
If you are looking for a wheelchair think about your needs some of these include challenges with mobility and difficulties carrying out tasks. You must also think about the features you need including if you will push yourself or be pushed by someone else, how often you will need it and of course how far you would travel.
Other things you will need to think about include if you need it for indoor or outdoor use, your budget, how much it will cost to maintain or repair and whether you need something custom made.
There are many different wheelchairs donated every day, so make sure to test out a few before committing.
NHS Wheelchairs
If you would like to get a wheelchair from the NHS all you have to do is ask for a referral to your local wheelchair service. You can do this via a GP, a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist or hospital staff. They may measure your height, weight, hip girth and leg length as part of the referral. This service is free but the wheelchair will always belong to the NHS, so these cannot be donated. They also offer electric wheelchairs too.
Independent Living Wheelchairs
Independent Living Minehead knows how important it is to provide extra support for people in Minehead. We provide a range of wheelchairs in Minehead that is perfect for your daily excursions. Our wheelchairs are lightweight or you have the option of using a walking stick too. Whatever your age, requirements and general mobility, our products will be specifically tailored to you. Get in touch with a member of the team today for more information on 01643 709 000.