The provision of wheelchairs for older people in the United Kingdom

There are an estimated half a million wheelchair users over the age of 60 in the UK. The wheelchairs are provided free of charge to users through 160 designated National Health Service Wheelchair Centres. Referral is from hospital consultants, general practitioners or accredited assessors who have undergone specific training. Most people are suitable for one of two types of standard wheelchairs: a self-propelling wheelchair or a transit (attendant) propelled wheelchair. People dependent on a wheelchair as their main form of mobility, or who have postural seating problems, are assessed in the wheelchair centres for a modular wheelchair that is capable of considerable individual customisation. People commonly report their wheelchair feels too heavy, or is difficult to get in and out of a car. These issues can be addressed by considered assessment and wheelchair modifications.