Choosing an Electric Wheelchair For Elderly People
There are a lot of options to choose from if you're in search of an electric wheelchair that can be moved around. A majority of them are travel-friendly that meet government standards for airline and car transportation.
Your doctor should conduct an assessment at home and prescribe the chair as medically required in order for Medicare to cover the cost. You can then choose the wheelchair manufacturer and place an order.
Comfort
The best electric wheelchairs for seniors offer comfort and cutting-edge technology in order to foster a feeling of independence. As an aid to mobility helps people stay active and engaged with their surroundings, maintain healthy connections to family, friends and communities and enhances their overall quality of living. However, the world of mobility aids can seem like charting uncharted territory, and choosing a new chair is a daunting choice for some.
There are plenty of options available to help make the process more efficient. For starters, look for a chair that offers adjustable speed settings to suit the conditions. The ability to recline the chair for additional comfort on long days is also a plus. Finally, a variety of add-on accessories, including food trays, cup holders oxygen tank holders, and upgraded seating, may be included on a majority of models.
An electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is a battery-powered mobility device with 4-6 wheels depending on the model and type of chair. They are typically used by people who are unable to walk due to illness, injury or a weakness due to age.
Today, EPWs span the gamut from small portable wheelchairs that fold and disassemble to large full-featured chairs. They're typically controlled by an electronic joystick that is mounted on the armrest, but alternative input devices are available to those who aren't coordinated or have the ability to use their hands.
Medicare covers most electric wheelchairs, however the exact model and the coverage level will depend on the specifics of your situation. They are covered by Medicare Part B, the category of durable medical equipment (DME) that reimburses up to 80% of an electric scooter or wheelchair that is in compliance with certain government requirements. To be eligible, your doctor must write an order for the product and ensure that it meets certain government requirements. Medicaid waiver programs are offered by certain states that have similar policies and guidelines for those who qualify. For more details on how to be eligible for Medicaid, speak with your doctor or contact the Medicaid office in your state. You can also find additional financial aid through private organizations like Veterans' Affairs and other state-based programs. These sources can offer you a free or discounted wheelchair as and ongoing support to ensure long-term usage and maintenance.
Mobility
A motorized wheelchair is an excellent mobility aid for seniors who aren't able to self-propel a manual chair for long distances or for all the time. This could be due to decreased strength endurance, endurance or coordination. A wheelchair with an electric motor allows them to get out into the community and take part in activities such as shopping visiting friends or family, attending events and other errands.
Powered chairs are battery operated and controlled by a joystick, or other input devices such as chin controls and puff/sip scanners. The joystick is able to control the speed and direction, and also other functions like an horn and a the indicator for battery status. The batteries can be rushed or non-brush, and the power is delivered to the drive wheels via the controller.
The type of wheel is important, since it affects the driving and maneuverability. The majority of power chairs can be classified into three categories according to the number of wheels they have: mid-wheels rear-wheels and front-wheels. A mid-wheel power chair includes two large wheels in the middle and four smaller ones on the front and rear. This gives you excellent maneuverability and stability. The turning radius is small, and it's the ideal choice for those who have to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways.
Seniors who are looking to purchase an electric wheelchair may apply for Medicare coverage through Part B. This coverage covers medical equipment that is durable. However, eligibility depends on a prescription from a doctor and the wheelchair must be medically essential. They must be able to operate it safely and have someone available to assist them.
Seniors might also be interested in other options in addition to Medicare and Medicaid, like VA financial assistance or state-based programs offering financial aid to older adults. They must carefully weigh out the pros and cons of each alternative to determine the one most suitable to their unique living situation and needs. If they don't own a car and live in an apartment, they might prefer to move into a senior community that has apartments and amenities specifically designed to be accessible and safe. This will ensure that their new wheelchair will be a great match for them.
Safety
A wheelchair is a useful tool for a senior who suffers from mobility limitations However, it can be dangerous if not utilized in a safe manner. Seniors who use a power chair should adhere to a few simple safety tips to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.
For instance seniors should not move their wheelchairs forcefully onto steps or curbs because they can cause them tip over. Also, they should avoid crossing roads when their wheelchairs are moving as it could cause collisions that could result in serious injury.
An electric wheelchair is an excellent way for a senior to move around, however, it is important that they are able to operate it safely. Certain seniors might not be capable of operating their wheelchairs on their own and that's why they should seek help from an occupational therapist or other medical professional to learn more about.
It is also crucial to monitor the health and condition of the wheelchair to ensure that the wheelchair is safe for use. If the wheels aren't aligned correctly, the chair can veer sideways and tip over when they are operating at high speeds. It's also a good idea keep an eye on the battery to make sure it doesn't go out of battery suddenly.
Maintenance ease is another aspect to consider when selecting an electric wheelchair for elderly. A powerchair generally requires regular maintenance to maximize its lifespan and functionality by checking the bearings, tires and axles. It is also essential to keep the batteries in good condition to avoid overcharging and damages.
Electric wheelchairs are typically powered by a battery that can be recharged overnight. MyMobilityScooters could have front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive and can be controlled using an armrest-mounted joystick or, in some cases it is a keypad that regulates the speed. Some chairs are specifically designed for indoor use, while others are designed for outdoor use. They could feature features such as a rugged outer shell. Other features available on certain models of power chairs are sip and puff controls (controlled by inhaling or exhaling into tubes) pedals for the feet, or chin controls.
Simple to Use
A power wheelchair can make a big difference in mobility. It allows them to maintain their independence and enjoy activities they enjoy, such as shopping or visiting friends. It also helps prevent falls that could cause loss of independence, lower quality of life, and even death.
Electric wheelchairs are available in many different styles and models. Which one is best for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. For instance there are chairs that can be transported that can be disassembled and folded for easy storage and transportation inside the trunk of your car, as well large, fully-featured chairs that offer more stability and support over longer distances. Other things to take into consideration are the size and shape of the wheels, the seating configuration (some come with sling-style seats or captain's chair seating) as well as the battery type and capacity, and finally the control mechanism. Some wheelchairs feature free wheel modes that allows the chair to be pushed manually when the battery runs out.
Certain seniors can receive an electric wheelchair for an affordable cost due to Medicare, Medicaid and other non-Medicare financial assistance programs. To determine if they are eligible, they must meet an array of complicated requirements. In general, they need to consult with a doctor and demonstrate that their mobility issues can't be solved with other devices, such as the walker or cane or a manual wheelchair. The doctor will then write a medical prescription for an electric chair.
Additionally, certain Medicare recipients with limited mobility can obtain an electric wheelchair as part of Part B of the coverage for durable medical equipment (DME). The wheelchair is considered medically necessary and has a direct effect on their ability to carry out daily tasks like eating bathing, walking and getting around. In addition there are seniors who might be eligible for a wheelchair through Medicaid waiver programs, which have their own unique policies regarding DMEs. Contact your state Medicaid agency to find out if they are eligible.