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Finding disability equipment

Sally Atkinson, senior physiotherapist
Berkshire MS Therapy Centre

Open Door - Autumn 2001 page 6

Have you heard about the Disability Register?

I first discovered this little booklet about five years ago and since then I have purchased many articles through the adverts.

To buy or not to buy?

How do you decide what equipment would be best for you. Magazine adverts tell you their product is just perfect for anyone with MS, the salesman calls and shows you glossy brochures, you hear of others who have stand up wheelchairs, HBO chambers in their garages and on and on...

One of my clients says 'why do they fleece/milk the sickies?'! Equipment for the disabled is not cheap.

It is true, this is a difficult area. Obviously it is best if you have access to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist who are experienced in this field. They can save you literally thousands of pounds. Sometimes well meaning families/friends offer to club together to buy expensive wheelchairs which may be totally unsuitable. This something I find very sad. Thousands of pounds worth of wasted equipment that is never used and lies in garages, back rooms or wherever.

The best advice is wait before you buy. Do some research. Ask others with MS, call your local OT or Physiotherapy departments, ask district nurses, attend exhibitions so you can try equipment first. Sometimes equipment is available through social services or your local hospital but this is so variable from area to area. Sometimes you can borrow or loan equipment. So ask first.

Once you have determined the best piece of equipment for your needs find out how much it costs new, shop around, then try the Disability Register. It is a mine of useful equipment, all second hand but much is as new. You need to know exactly what you are looking for first. The register is available on the internet (www.disabreg.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk). [Other similar services exist, such as Disabledgear.com]

So far I have purchased a wheelchair accessible van for a mother and her four children. We had it for over a year, went miles and had a lot of fun then sold it for £500 less than the purchase price. Several electric wheelchairs have come through the directory all at less than half price and as new. Then there have been the adjustamatic beds for £1500, all as new, recliner chairs for £400, jay cushions for £40, walking frames, ramps, toilet seats, rails... I could go on. You need to ask specific questions and be prepared to travel if necessary. Never buy unless you are certain that the equipment is exactly what you need.

It is an excellent booklet and only costs £10 for 6 months or £18 for a year. The booklet is printed monthly and there is no charge for advertising.

Other useful addresses include:

For more information about this book or to buy it online, click on the title. If books are purchased through these links, the MS Trust will receive 5% of the price.

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