Choosing electric powered wheelchairs For Elderly People
If you're in the market for an electric wheelchair that is portable you have a wide selection of choices. Many of them are travel-friendly and meet government requirements for car and airline transportation.
Your doctor should conduct a home assessment and prescribe the chair as medically necessary in order for Medicare to pay for its costs. Then, you can choose a company and purchase the wheelchair.
Comfort
The best electric wheelchairs for seniors offer comfort and cutting-edge technology in order to help people feel more independence. As a mobility tool, it helps adults remain active and involved in their surroundings and maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, and the community, and improves overall quality of life. The world of mobility aids is a vast and unexplored space, and choosing a new chair is a daunting task.
There are plenty of options to make the process simpler. Start by looking for a chair that has adjustable speed settings that can be adjusted according to the environment. A reclined seat to provide extra comfort is an added benefit. On most models, you can also add additional accessories like food trays and cup holders. You can also upgrade your seating.
An electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is a battery-powered mobility device with 4-6 wheels depending on the type and model of chair. These wheelchairs are utilized by people who can't walk due to an injury, illness, or age-related weakening.
Today, EPWs cover from small, portable wheelchairs that can fold and disassemble to huge fully-featured chairs. They're typically controlled by a joystick mounted on the armrest, however other input devices are available for those who aren't able to coordinate or the ability to use their hands.
Medicare covers the majority of electric wheelchairs. However, the model and amount of coverage will depend on your specific situation. Most of these devices are covered under Medicare Part B's durable medical equipment (DME) category which covers up to 80% of the cost of an approved wheelchair or scooter. To qualify you must see a physician write a prescription and prove that the product meets certain government requirements. Medicaid waiver programs are offered by certain states that have similar policies and guidelines for patients who qualify. If you're unsure about what you need to do to qualify, speak with your doctor or your state's Medicaid office for more information. Additional financial assistance is available through private companies like Veterans Affairs or state-based programs. These sources can provide you with a complimentary or discounted wheelchair as well as ongoing support to ensure long-term usage and maintenance.
Mobility
A motorized chair is an excellent mobility tool for those who are unable to propel themselves in a manual wheelchair over long distances, or even all the time. This could be because of diminished strength, endurance, or coordination. An electric wheelchair allows them to get out into the community and enjoy activities such as shopping, visiting family or friends, attending events and other chores.
Powered chairs are battery operated and controlled via a joystick or other input devices, such as chin controls and puff/sip scanners. The joystick can be used to control the speed and direction, in addition to other functions like an horn and a battery status indicator. The controller can provide the drive wheels with power via rushed or brushless batteries.
The wheel type is also crucial, as it affects the maneuverability and driving. Most power chairs are classified into three categories by the number of drive wheels: front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel. A mid-wheel model has two large wheels in the middle and four smaller wheels on the front and back, which results in great stability and maneuverability. It has a narrow turning radius, which makes it the ideal option for older adults who need to navigate narrow spaces.
Seniors who are interested in getting an electric wheelchair may apply for Medicare coverage under Part B, which covers durable medical equipment. The eligibility is determined based on a doctor’s prescription and the wheelchair has to be medically required. They should be able to use it safely and have someone available to assist them with it.
Seniors might also be interested in other options besides Medicare and Medicaid, like VA financial assistance or state-based programs that offer financial assistance to seniors. They must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and then find a solution that best fits their unique needs and living situation. For instance, if they reside in an apartment but aren't able to drive to the shop, they may want to consider moving to a senior living center with amenities and apartments that are designed with accessibility and safety in mind. This will ensure that the wheelchair they buy will fit them well.
Safety
A wheelchair can be a valuable device for seniors with mobility problems, but it's also a risk if it is used improperly. Seniors who use powerchairs must adhere to a few safety rules to ensure their safety and that of others around them.
Seniors should avoid pushing their wheelchairs onto the steps or curbs because this can cause them tip over. They should also stay clear of crossing the road when their wheelchairs are moving as this can result in a collision which could cause serious injuries.
It is essential for seniors to know how to safely operate an electric wheelchair. Some seniors might not be in a position to operate their wheelchairs independently and that's why they need to seek assistance from an occupational therapist or other medical professional to learn how.
It is also essential to keep track of the health and condition of the wheelchair to ensure that the wheelchair is safe to use. If the wheels aren't aligned correctly, the chair can veer to the side and fall over when traveling moving at high speeds. It's also an excellent idea to keep an eye on the battery usage to ensure that it doesn't run out of battery in a sudden manner.
The ease of maintenance is another aspect to consider when selecting an electric wheelchair for seniors. A powerchair generally requires regular maintenance to increase its life span and efficiency, such as checking the tires, bearings, and axles. It is also essential to ensure that the batteries are fully charged to avoid overcharging and damage.
An electric wheelchair typically uses a rechargeable battery that can be charged overnight. It may have front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive. It can be controlled using an armrest-mounted joystick or, in certain cases the use of a keypad to control the speed. Some chairs are designed for indoor use, while others are designed for outdoor use. They could feature features such as a rugged outer shell. Other features that can be found on certain models of power chairs are puff and sip controls (controlled by inhaling or exhaling into the tube), foot pedals, or controls for the chin.
Ease of Use
When it is about mobility, a power wheelchair for seniors can make a an enormous difference. It allows them to maintain their independence and engage in activities they like, such as shopping or visiting friends. It also helps prevent accidents that could lead to loss of independence, lower quality of life, and even death.
There are a myriad of kinds of electric wheelchairs and deciding which is the best one for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences. There are chairs that can be folded or disassembled to make it easy to store in your car's trunk and there are larger chairs that come with more features to offer stability and support for longer distances. Other aspects to consider are the size and style of the wheels, the seating configuration (some have sling-style seats or captain's chair seating) as well as the battery type and capacity, as well as the control mechanism. Some wheelchairs come with an option for free wheels that allows the chair to be manually pushed, which is useful if the batteries are exhausted.
Certain seniors are eligible to get an electric wheelchair at the lowest cost, thanks to Medicare, Medicaid and other non-Medicare financial assistance programs. However, they'll need to navigate a complex set of criteria to determine their eligibility. In general, they need to visit a physician and demonstrate that their mobility issues can't be solved with other devices, such as a walker or cane, or a manual wheelchair. The doctor will then issue a medical prescription for an electric wheelchair.
Some Medicare recipients with limited mobility may also be eligible to use an electric wheelchair as part of the Part B coverage. This is because the wheelchair is considered medically necessary and directly affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks like getting around, eating and bathing. Some seniors might be qualified for a wheelchair under Medicaid waiver programs which have their own policies regarding DMEs. Contact your state's Medicaid agency to determine whether they are eligible.