Continuing the discussion from Husband had a major stroke at 49:
Hello, in anticipation of my husband hopefully coming home in 4 months time, I’m looking at replacing our car for one that could fit a wheelchair, a big dog and 3 teenagers… I will look at the RIDC website I’ve seen mentioned but wondered, anecdotally if any of you could recommend a car make that has worked for you in terms of ease of getting in/out + room for a w/c.
Thanks in advance
Claire
There are lots of things to consider:
Manual or electric w/c ? - will you be able to lift the w/c in and out or are you thinking of getting a hoist.
Will your husband be able to transfer into the car? Sill height is obviously important here. or are you considering a car where your husband stays in his chair?
Can you get to one of the Motability events?
Motability Scheme Live
They will have a lot of cars and adaptations to look at.
I currently have a Citreon e-Berlingo. It seats 5 comfortably and the boot is big enough to take my electric w/c (with a hoist).
Have you applied for PIP? If you receive it you would be entitled to join the Motability scheme.
That’s all i can remember, I’ll come back if anything else occurs.
Janet
Thank you Janet, that’s really helpful.
I will definitely try to get to one of those events. I am just beginning to look at benefits so will include car-related ones too.
Claire
Definitely apply for a blue badge now as it can take a couple of months to process.
If you have no experience of claiming benefits then get advice - CAB; Stroke Association; Disability Rights UK or gov.uk