Powered Wheelchairs Attendant Controlled Electrically Powered Indoor/Outdoor Wheelchairs

Attendant controlled E.P.I.O.Cs will be considered for issue according to clinical circumstances.

The client must satisfy the fundamental criteria for issue of an E.P.I.C, i.e.

• be unable to walk effectively in their own home and/or
• be unable to self propel a manual wheelchair effectively indoors and outdoors.

And

• be unable to functionally control an E.P.I.C or E.P.I.O.C. For example, due to visual impairment, epilepsy, cognitive defects, or nature of disability.

And

• Have a main unpaid carer who is physically unable to push the applicant in their wheelchair without power assistance. (We will contact the carers G.P. to confirm this as appropriate.)
• Have potential to benefit functionally from, and have long term regular need of, an attendant controlled indoor/outdoor powered wheelchair.
• Have a home environment which includes:
  • Adequate space for storage of the wheelchair with power supply for a battery charger (including ventilation as specified by the manufacturer).
  • Adequate space for movement of the wheelchair within the home.
  • Safe and easy access for the power chair to be driven out of doors.

The main unpaid carer will then be trained as appropriate, by Wheelchair Services, in the correct operation and handling of attendant controls.

Where attendant operated controls are to be used outdoors, the client must have:

• a local outside environment which is compatible with the use of an attendant controlled E.P.I.O.C.

and/or

• a suitable adapted vehicle for transporting the E.P.I.O.C.

Where the attendant operated controls are to be used outdoors, then the client's main carer(s) must complete the relevant processes regarding outdoor handling for E.P.I.O.C use:

i.e.

• eyesight test
• outdoor handling practise
• road safety test

Where multiple carers are involved with a client, only those approved and trained by Wheelchair Services will be permitted to use the attendant controls.

The client and/or carer must also:

• Agree to comply with E.P.I.O.C service conditions of loan and take every step possible to take out insurance to cover third party liability, theft and damage.
• Agree to regular review by the E.P.I.O.C service (every 6 months). If at a review the client fails to meet any of these criteria, the wheelchair may be withdrawn.