Cheaper way to buy guaze bandages

A question about : Cheaper way to buy guaze bandages

Hi,

A pensioner friend in Scotland has to buy lots of guaze bandages at Ј16 a pop each month to dress their leg ulcers. They cannot be issued on prescription.

They are partially sighted and with moderate care/mobility needs but I'm not aware if they receive any kind of disability related benefits or if they get any kind of work related pension.

She's not a silver surfer so I will look online to see if I can get them cheaper than her local pharmacist.

But can you tell me if there is a cheaper way for her to get them, be it through a charity or discount supplier?

Also, she prefers to dress them herself rather than a nurse as she says she can do them better but seems to have had them a very long time and she refuses to take pain killers so seems to suffer a lot.

Is there any other support available that I can suggest to her? For example, I found out about 'leg clubs' in the UK but there doesn't happen to be a branch in our city.

So I just wonder what other help I could bring to her attention apart from just trying to source cheaper bandages for her.

thanks for your help.

Best answers:

• Depending on whether she fits the criteria or not, she might be able to apply for a grant from
  https://www.elizabethfinncare.org.uk/...h-finn-grants/
  There may be other grant making bodies available. It's just a case of finding them. Google 'grants for pensioners' or 'grants for disability' and add your town. Otherwise, libraries often have FunderFinder on their computers, and libraries in our town all have a 'funding corner', with books listing grants and charitable trusts (many are small and not on the internet). If you have a carer's centre, they might be able to advise on grants available locally.
  Be aware that the lady may not want to accept something that she may see as 'charity'.
• I have suffered with leg ulcers in the past and know how painful they can be but even a stubborn old ex-nurse should seek medical help as perhaps there are new treatments available since she retired!
  Several approaches were made in my case the cure eventually coming via seaweed plasters and manuka honey which I am led to believe are 'new' approaches.
  Good luck to the lady in question.
• I agree with the 'should see a professional' consensus.
  In answer to the original question, I noticed our Poundland were selling various types of bandages and dressings. I have no idea how the price compares with chemist/pharmacy prices but am sure it's worth comparing if you have a local shop.