Daily Life with a C4/C5 Spinal Cord Injury

We’ve had a wheelchair accessible vehicle for the past 4 years.  It was not the most suitable but it was all we could get at short notice when we needed one.  

We thought all WAV’s were the same.  We didn’t know what we didn’t know!

The WAV a Citroen Belingo, was ok.  It got us from a to b.  But, it was never a comfy ride for dad, and his eye line was too high – he couldn’t see out of any window. 

After visiting the Motability show at Westpoint in Exeter two years in a row, we finally decided to explore the options for a new WAV.  

Over the years we learnt a few things to look out for. 

• Eye line – could dad see out the windows
• Head height – is there plenty of space between head and roof
• Ramp – non of us are getting any younger, is there a vehicle with automatic ramp
• Flat floor not sloped floor
• Restraints – is the wheelchair well strapped down 
• Space – is there space for passengers and space for care if needed
• Privacy – options for tinted windows to allow for privacy if personal care is needed
• Passenger comfort – can rear passengers sit in comfort
• Driver comfort – can we drive it comfortably
• Dual zone temperature control
• Dual zone radio volume

Still a little undecided, the final push came when the NHS provided dad a new wheelchair.  It was two inches higher than the previous.  Now meaning dad’s head touched the roof of the car!  The NHS – AJM Wheelchair Services – were not interested in this, only that it met dad’s medical needs and their budget. 

We got in touch with Brotherwood who we’d previously met at the Motability show; they talked us through our options and visited them for a test drive.  The only suitable car was the Mercedes Benz V Class WAV.  So that was it decision made!

On the test drive, the wheelchair didn’t move at all.  Mum was comfy in the back – 2 full size rear seats. The drive was smooth and comfortable for all involved and the boot and ramp operated by a button –  a huge benefit given that both me and mum have some mobility/age difficulties.  Dad could finally see out the windows too!

Once ordered, the team at Brotherwood kept us fully updated on progress.  Sending us a video of the vehicle on arrival and a couple videos throughout its conversion. 

This vehicle arrived as a 7 seater car. Had all its rear taken out, all its underneath taken off and was converted into the WAV we have today – it’s amazing, the amount of work that goes into the conversion.

Brotherwood delivered the WAV to us and went through all the operating instructions and a demonstration of how to secure the wheelchair.  They also provide videos on their website, great to use for training the care team!

The first week of having the WAV, we practiced several times, getting in and out and securing the wheelchair. It takes a little longer than the old car but that actually shows us the old car wasn’t as safe!  There’s more to do and extra straps too for added safety. 

Dad is now in a much better position, sat more forward than far back.  He now feels part of the car rather than sitting in the boot!  He is close enough to the driver to join in the conversation and can see where we are going!

He can also hear the music without deafening the driver. 

It’s a very technical or gadgety car which isn’t for everyone!  Having done two longish journeys in the first week, dad was much comfier and safer, which in turn makes everyone happy. 

Hopefully we’ll have many more road trips to come. Getting out and about lifts us all and being able to go out as a family can make a huge difference.  For several months since the new wheelchair, we’ve rarely gone out together as dads too uncomfortable with his head touching the roof…where will our new adventures takes us……???

For advice about WAV’s, what’s available, what’s suitable, funding options including Motability, we suggest contacting Brotherwood or visiting a Motability Show.