My child needs a wheelchair. What happens next?
Finding out your child may need a wheelchair can bring up a lot of questions.
How do we get one?
Who will assess my child?
What happens at the appointment?
Will they have to use a wheelchair all the time?
How do we know which wheelchair is right for them?
If wheelchairs and specialist seating are new to your family, it can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to know all the answers yourself – that’s what the assessment process is for. At Chunc, we specialise in children’s wheelchairs and seating for children and young people with moderate to profound disabilities. We’ve created this guide to help you understand what usually happens next
How do i know if my child might need a wheelchair?
A wheelchair may be considered if your child has difficulty walking independently, becomes tired when walking, can only manage short distances or is unable to walk safely. Some children use a wheelchair as their main form of mobility, while others use one alongside walking for longer distances, days out, school or when they need to conserve energy.
The aim is to help your child get where they need to go and take part in everyday life. If you’re concerned about your child’s mobility, start by speaking to a healthcare professional involved in their care, such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or GP.
How do i get a wheelchair for my child in the uK?
Your child may be referred to your local NHS wheelchair service for an assessment. Depending on where you live, referrals may come from a GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or hospital professional. Some services also accept self-referrals. Your local service will consider your child’s needs and eligibility before recommending appropriate equipment.
What if my child doesn’t qualify for an nHS wheelchair?
NHS provision isn’t necessarily the only option. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to explore private purchase, charities, grants, fundraising or other funding routes.
Some NHS wheelchair services also offer Personal Wheelchair Budgets, which can provide greater choice within your child’s assessed needs.
If you’re unsure about your options, speak to your child’s healthcare professional or local wheelchair service.
What happens at a children’s wheelchair assessment?
A wheelchair assessment isn’t simply about measuring your child and choosing a chair.
The assessment looks at your child’s mobility, posture, comfort, environment, daily activities and individual needs.
You may be asked:
• How does your child currently get around?
• How far can they walk?
• Do they become tired or uncomfortable?
• Where will they use their wheelchair?
• How will it be transported?
• How much assistance will they need?
• What activities would they like to take part in?
• Have their mobility or posture needs changed?
You know your child better than anyone, so your experience of what works and what doesn’t is an important part of the assessment.
What will they look at when choosing a wheelchair?
Your child’s size, posture, seating position and level of support will all be considered. Depending on their needs, the wheelchair may include features such as:
• Tilt-in-space
• Adjustable seating
• Postural support
• Head support
• Specialist cushions
• Foot and calf support
• Harnesses or belts
Not every child needs every feature. The important thing is that the wheelchair is matched to your child’s individual needs.
Growth is also important. Children change quickly, so it’s worth considering whether a wheelchair can accommodate growth and changing needs.
At Chunc, many of our children’s wheelchairs are designed with adjustability and growth in mind.
Can i buy a wheelchair for my child privately?
Yes. Some families receive equipment through the NHS, while others choose to purchase specialist equipment privately.
Private purchase may be an option if you’re looking for additional equipment, a particular specification or want to explore options outside your local NHS provision.
At Chunc, we work with families as well as healthcare professionals to help identify suitable children’s wheelchair and seating solutions.
Our team can talk through your child’s requirements and explain the options available within the Chunc range.
What if my child only needs a wheelchair temporarily
Not every wheelchair need is long-term. Some children may need specialist mobility equipment following surgery, an injury or during rehabilitation.
For children recovering from hip surgery or spinal surgery, Chunc offers Spica wheelchair rental, providing specialist mobility for a temporary period without families needing to purchase a wheelchair outright.
What if my child’s needs change?
Children grow, and their mobility, posture and daily routines can change too. If your child becomes uncomfortable, their wheelchair no longer fits properly, their posture changes or they’re struggling to use it as they need to, speak to their wheelchair service or healthcare professional.
A wheelchair may be adjusted, reassessed or replaced depending on your child’s needs.
How can chunc help?
At Chunc, we manufacture specialist children’s wheelchairs and seating in the UK.
Our range includes attendant-controlled wheelchairs, tilt-in-space systems and specialist seating solutions designed for children and young people with different mobility and postural needs.
Whether you’re a parent beginning your research or a clinician looking for a suitable solution for a child, our team can help you understand the options.