Walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters

A walking stick can provide you with extra support and help you balance. It can give you confidence and make walking less painful.

A walking frame is heavier than a walking stick and has 4 legs but will give you more support. You can use both a stick or a frame to get around your home or when outside.

If you feel that you require a wheelchair for long term use, ask your GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to refer you to your local wheelchair service for an assessment. You'll need to do this before you can get an NHS wheelchair.

The wheelchair service will decide if you need a wheelchair and, if so, what type. If you wish to have a different type of chair or one with extra accessories, there is the option to apply for a personalised wheelchair budget.

Personal wheelchair budgets: Frequently asked questions

Ross Care are the wheelchair providers for Calderdale and Kirklees.

Borrowing wheelchairs

You can sometimes borrow NHS wheelchairs for a short while (for example, after an operation).

Shopmobility rent mobility scooters, wheelchairs and walkers. This service is provided by Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees.

If you need a short-term loan of mobility aids they can often be loaned from the local British Red Cross. You can either collect equipment or, in some cases, have it delivered for a small fee.

Mobility scooters are like powered wheelchairs and can be useful if you struggle to walk for a distance. You would need to be able to control the scooter, when driving it and observe highway regulations to ensure safety of yourself and others. As they are usually taller than wheelchairs, they can be easier for people to get on and off them.

How to get a mobility scooter

Mobility scooters are not provided by our local wheelchair services so you would need to purchase these privately.