Your guide to trying a chunc specialist wheelchair
Making the most of your two week Chunc trial.
Choosing a specialist wheelchair for your child is a big decision. You want to find something that supports their individual needs, helps them feel comfortable and works for your family’s everyday life. It can be difficult to know whether a wheelchair is right for you until you have the chance to try it in real life situations.
At Chunc, we offer a free two week wheelchair trial to give families and healthcare professionals the opportunity to explore an eligible Chunc wheelchair before deciding whether to buy it.
This guide explains what to consider during your trial, how the process works and what happens when your two weeks comes to an end.
What should you look for during your trial?
Every child is different, and there is no single wheelchair that is right for everyone. Your seating specialist will recommend a suitable chair based on your child’s assessed needs, but your experiences as a family are an important part of the decision too.
Your trial gives you time to explore how the wheelchair works in the situations that matter most to you.
Comfort and postural support
Comfort and positioning are important considerations when choosing a specialist wheelchair for a child who needs additional support.
With guidance from your seating specialist, consider how your child responds to sitting in the chair during everyday activities. Think about whether they appear comfortable and whether you have any questions about the seating, positioning or supports provided.
You know your child better than anyone, so your observations matter. If you notice anything that concerns you, make a note of it and discuss it with your seating specialist. This can help you understand whether any adjustments or further assessment may be needed.
Everyday family life
A wheelchair needs to work for your child and the people who support them. Trying it in familiar environments can help you understand how it fits into your usual routines.
You might want to consider:
Not every situation will be relevant to every family. Focus on the activities and environments that are important to your and your child.
Getting around different environments
A wheelchair that works well in one setting may present different challenges somewhere else.
Depending on the chair, your child’s needs and the agreed trial arrangements, you may want to explore how it works at home, at school or in familiar community spaces.
If you have questions about manoeuvrability, access or using the wheelchair outdoors, make a note of them. Your seating specialist can help you understand what the chair is designed for and whether the proposed configuration is appropriate.
Always follow the advice provided during assessment and setup, including guidance on safe use and transport.
Feeling confident using the wheelchair
It can take time to become familiar with a specialist wheelchair, particularly if it has features you haven’t used before.
During your trial, consider whether you feel confident with the everyday features you’ve been shown, such as the brakes and any fitted tilt or recline functions.
If anything is unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your seating specialist can explain how the chair should be used and help you feel more comfortable with its features.
Make the most of your wheelchair trial
Your trial is an opportunity to see how the wheelchair fits into your everyday life, so don’t be afraid to get out and about! Use the wheelchair as you normally would, whether that’s at home, at school, visiting family or enjoying days out together. The more you can experience how it works in your usual routines, the better you’ll understand whether its right for your child.
Normal wear and tear is expected during the trial, so there’s no need to worry about the little marks that come with everyday use. We want you to feel comfortable exploring what the wheelchair can do as part of family life. Just follow the guidance provided by your seating specialist and use the wheelchair in line with its intended purpose and any advice given during setup.
It can be helpful to keep track of your experiences throughout the two weeks, particularly if you have questions or want to discuss possible adjustments with your seating specialist.
We’ve created a Specialist Wheelchair Trial Checklist to help you think about comfort, postural support, everyday practicality and how the wheelchair fits into your family life.
Download your copy to record observations and questions, so you have everything in one place when you’re ready to discuss your experience with the seating specialist and Chunc team.
What if something doesn’t feel right?
Your trial is an opportunity to identify questions and concerns, not simply to decide whether you like the wheelchair. If something doesn’t seem right, or you’re unsure whether a feature is working as intended, contact your seating specialist or the Chunc team for advice.
Don’t attempt to make clinical seating adjustments yourself. If you have concerns about your child’s comfort, positioning or safe use of the chair, seek advice before continuing to use it in a way that raises those concerns.
It can be helpful to note what you’ve noticed, when it happened and what you’d like to understand. This gives you something specific to discuss when you ask for support.
What if we decide not to buy the wheelchair?
If you decide not to go ahead with a purchase, that’s absolutely fine. We’ll arrange to collect the wheelchair at the end of your trial, and there is no cost involved. You can then explore other options with your healthcare professional, including NHS wheelchair services, charitable funding or personal wheelchair budgets, where applicable.
Ready to explore a chunc wheelchair?
Choosing a specialist wheelchair doesn’t have to be a decision based on photographs, specifications or a demonstration alone.
Our free two week trial gives you the opportunity to explore an eligible Chunc wheelchair in everyday life, ask questions and share your experience before deciding whether to buy.
If you’re a parent or carer with questions about choosing a specialist wheelchair, our team is here to help you understand the options and discuss the next steps.