Wheelchairs for patients in care home settings

Doncaster NHS wheelchair service can provide for provide care home residents if the patient has a long-term condition that significantly affects their mobility.

Following an assessment, wheelchair equipment can be provided to enable the patient to achieve independent mobility by means of either a self-propelling manual wheelchair or by an occupant-controlled powered wheelchair.

Wheelchairs are not intended to be used for prolonged periods and are primarily mobility devices designed to take a client from one place to another. In such circumstances, it is not the responsibility of Doncaster wheelchair services to provide a wheelchair.

What wheelchair support we do not offer

1. Attendant pushed wheelchairs for general use by residents in the care home setting.
2. Wheelchairs for portering purposes, such as transferring residents from room to room within the care home.
3. Pressure relieving cushions for use in armchairs.
4. Wheelchair to be used as an alternative to an appropriate armchair or dining room chair (static seating).
5. Wheelchairs for the purpose of taking a patient out on occasional outings, either by the care home or by members of the person’s family.
6. Wheelchairs to support a rehabilitation or recovery programme, such as when the patient’s condition is likely to change so that the wheelchair may not be suitable for the patient’s needs when they return to their usual accommodation.
7. Equipment where the patient is unable to be seated safely in a wheelchair to support their function and independence. This will be discussed on an individual basis, following an assessment.

Making a referral for a resident in a care setting

If the individual is an existing patient with Doncaster NHS wheelchair services and has a wheelchair to support their independence then they, their next of kin, care home, GP or other representative allied health professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, can contact the service and ask for a further assessment or review, should the individuals needs change.

If the individual is unknown to Doncaster NHS wheelchair service and meets the eligibility criteria (set out above), a referral can be made by their GP, community nurse or allied healthcare professional.

For an electronic referral form, please see our wheelchair and specialist seating service referral section.

What will happen next?

The information provided on the referral form will be reviewed. If the individual is not eligible for provision from the wheelchair service, the referrer and patient will be advised.

If, from the information provided by the referrer, the individual has a need that meets the criteria, they will be invited for an assessment via appointment at our Doncaster wheelchair services.

At this appointment, the patients needs will be fully assessed, and a plan will be identified to meet their needs through the provision of:

• wheelchair equipment
• accessories
• seating
• training (where necessary)

Previous pushed wheelchairs

We understand when moving to a care home there are many decisions to be made, meaning it can be a stressful and difficult time for individuals and families.

Doncaster NHS wheelchair service will not ask for the return of any attendant pushed wheelchair immediately. However, if the patient no longer needs their wheelchair, we expect it to be returned to the service.

If the individual’s needs change, and there is a consideration for a wheelchair to support independent mobility, then this can be assessed and considered, as with any other person using this service.

If the wheelchair is deemed beyond economical repair this will not be replaced.

Page last reviewed: August 05, 2026
Next review due: August 05, 2027