3 replies to this topic

[chiara]

Hi
My friends son has just been in an accident with an incomplete c1 injury. He's currently on a ventilator. It might be a bit early, but she's desperately looking for something positive and the physio nurse has suggested an adapted wheelchair that is suitable for a ventilator as well as for technology controlled by his eyes and jaw. The chair suggested was a VIPP Handi and costs €5,000. I'm wondering if it might be possible to find a better price online, as we are in Ireland where everything is more expensive. Does anyone know of any good websites for these kind of chairs or can recommend anything to me. If we can find a chair which is less expensive, that is one less worry for her right now.
thanks

[robbo100bike]

I asked a contact of mine and he suggested this link:

http://www.invacare....tOID=-536887494

Often buying kit from USA will get you a better deal. Unfortunately I have no real knowledge or experience on kiddys or electric chairs. Hopefully someone else will chip in to help.

Will your friends child not be supplied an electric chair thro National Health Service??

Also it occurss that at this searly stage it would be unwise, howver well intentioned to purchase expensive equipment which may be superfluous later on in his rehab. Eg were he to regain ability to push himself in a manual chair or hopefully walk.

[chiara]

Hi robo100bike again, I didn't see this reply when I made my last post in the other room. I will follow that link. Personally, I agree with you, I hope and pray it will be superfluous and it guts me to even have to search for such an item at this point but she desperately wants to get him outside although I suspect she wouldn't be able to for quite a while. in Ireland we have no nhs, our health system is crap, so it will be left to her to purchase if she wants it while he's still under the hospital care although once he's out it might be possible to get a grant.

[gsp23]

Before you go out and spend your own money on this. Talk to your insurance company, they will generally pick up the tab for it. If you have private insurance then your out of pocket max for the year will be met either way between the hospital and the wheelchair. I didnt pay a penny out of pocket for mine. Granted I have a manual chair but its all about needs and justification and at this point with a high level injury like his and the therapists and docs all there treating him, there is usually plenty of justification available right now for the chair that is needed. They may want a rep from a wheelchair place to come in which is very likely and they will go over options with you as well. I almost bought my first chair out of pocket, glad I didnt cause my insurance picked up the entire bill which was approx $5,000.