No Short Cuts

We arrived early armed with ideas and literature but we left knowing so much more.  I hadn't realised how little I really knew!
The Occupational Therapist (OT) at the Independent Living Centre (ILC) was friendly and so very young.  Though at my age everyone looks very young!  Even though I have visited the ILC many times while working as a support worker and coordinator, today I realised I am still a novice here.
The young lady spoke at length building a picture of Merv's needs and his abilities with a wheelchair.  She was thorough and I was impressed.   Merv sat in three different chairs, each one different from the last.  It was a little bit like the Three Bears, as Merv liked the last one best.  It comes with detachable wheels, removable arm rests and the possibility of adding numerous attachments and features.  We can even have a, 'rear mounted brake, ' an excellent solution for a runaway chair while descending a steep hill.

Removable Wheels!

The fun begins after choosing a chair.  Keeping in mind it has taken us almost five months since requesting the initial OT consultation. I sigh at the thought of another five months before the wheelchair is finally obtained.  Our next step is to ask the manufacturer to visit us at home.  They will take all the necessary measurements and custom make a chair for Merv.  A simple tube which will hold an iPad and is attached to the frame of the chair is available for $700!  Other options spring to mind.  After the manufacturer takes the measurements for the chair we then need to apply for funding for the chair and accessories.
At this point all I could visualise was a long and winding road ahead with the chair (gold plated) sitting majestically under a rainbow.  Another challenge awaits.