DVA Wheelchair Prescription: Finding the Right Chair and the Right Fit

A wheelchair can make a big difference to everyday life, from getting to medical appointments to heading out with family or simply moving around your home more comfortably. For eligible veterans, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) can fund a wheelchair through its Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).

But not every wheelchair suits every person. Choosing the right type of chair, and making sure it fits properly, is just as important as getting one in the first place. That's where an Occupational Therapist can help.

Wheelchairs Through DVA's Rehabilitation Appliances Program

The Rehabilitation Appliances Program provides aids, equipment and modifications to help eligible veterans live safely and independently. You may be eligible for a wheelchair through RAP if you have an assessed clinical need and hold either a:

• Veteran Gold Card, or
• Veteran White Card, where the equipment is for an accepted condition.

There are many different types of wheelchairs available through RAP, from standard off-the-shelf models to chairs set up to suit an individual's specific needs.

Types of Wheelchairs

Self-propelled wheelchairs have large rear wheels with push rims, so the person sitting in the chair can move themselves. They suit people who have the upper body strength and endurance to propel the chair independently.

Transit wheelchairs have smaller rear wheels and are pushed by a family member or carer. They are lightweight, fold easily into the car and are a practical option for shorter outings, such as a trip to the doctor, a visit to the shops or a day out with family on flat, even ground.

Electric wheelchairs and scooters may suit people with more significantly reduced mobility. These involve a more comprehensive assessment process, including an Occupational Therapy assessment of whether the person can use the device safely, and require prior approval from DVA.

Why the Right Fit Matters

A wheelchair isn't one-size-fits-all. Every prescription needs a trained professional to assess and check the fit, because a chair that's the wrong size can cause real problems.

A chair that's too big can cause you to slump or slide forward in the seat. Over time, this can lead to lower back pain and pressure injuries.

A chair that's too small can press on the hips and thighs and leave you feeling less stable, increasing the risk of falls.

The right fit supports good posture, keeps you comfortable for longer and makes the chair safer for both you and your carer.

What Happens at a Wheelchair Assessment

Our Occupational Therapists come to you, so the assessment takes place in the environment where the chair will actually be used. During the visit, your OT will:

• talk with you about how and where you plan to use the wheelchair, such as at home, in the community or for appointments
• take measurements to make sure the seat width, depth and height suit your body
• look at your home access, including doorways, ramps, steps and flooring
• consider transport, such as whether the chair needs to fold into a car
• check footplates, armrests and cushioning are set up correctly
• help with the DVA paperwork and process

Once the chair arrives, your OT will check the fit again and make any adjustments, so you can feel confident that it's right for you.

How to Get Started

If you're a veteran with a Gold Card or White Card, speak with your GP about a referral to Occupational Therapy, or contact our team and we'll walk you through the process.

Forbes Care visits veterans across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Gympie and Noosa. We're here to help you find a wheelchair that suits your body, your home and the life you want to live.

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