wheelchairs at venues ...... have you borrowed them?

Wonkylegs
Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
edited 3. Aug 2010, 15:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Just wondering, since I am struggling right now with much walking, due to a very painful hip, what it is like to borrow a wheelchair when out and about?

I don't use one at all ...... but am wondering if it would help me to be able to do more on 'bad' days and get more out of the 'good' days too.

I know garden centres and big gardens often have wheelchairs available for customers/visitors to borrow. We will be going on Holiday in October, and I really want to be able to spend time with hubby birdwatching, but am already worrying about how I'll manage to do a week's worth of walking.

Have you borrowed a wheelchair on a day out to make life a little easier?

Do you need to book them in advance for places like big attractions or is it first come first served usually?

thanks
WONky

Comments

  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky,

    in the last few months leading up to my op I used wheelchairs borrowed at venues and scooters too. It meant that I could enjoy the venue without being in agony. Some places have better quality wheelchairs and scooters than others!! Whether you just turn up and borrow one or book depends very much on the venue etc It's worth giving them a ring to check. Or you could hire one for the whole week - quite a few places hire them out - St John's ambulance, The Red Cross and some private companies too.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks Speedy, will keep looking around.
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    I do use a wheelchair out and about definitely, I can hardly walk but I have my own anyway. My hubby pushes me around as pushing yourself is very hard work indeed. It will help you cope better and enjoy the birdwatching.

    If you do hire one, then make sure it is in good working order, some are decidedly dodgy and are really uncomfortable after a while of sitting in it. Make sure you have enough room at your sides to move around a little. Put on an extra layer or two, it does get cold sitting there!

    Shopmobility do hire them out I think as well.

    Janie
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,784
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    I hired one lots of times for my Mum when she was poorly.

    Usually looked up red cross in the area we were going and booked in advance.Motability too if yuo are going to shopping centres - those scooters were a god send.

    Good luck

    Love

    Toni xx
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky

    Try the Red Cross they are pretty good and they do hire out wheelchairs.

    The places you are going to may have this service as well I would double check if I were you.

    Good luck with it anyway.

    Love Trish xxx
  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wonky, have you a Motability in town? if so you can hire a wheelchair free of charge to shop in town, you can also hire a free parking space, great for shopping love Jaspercatxx