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Choosing an Electric Wheelchair For Elderly People If you're looking for a portable electric wheelchair there are a variety of choices. A lot of them are travel friendly that meet government standards for airline and car transportation. To qualify for Medicare to pay for the cost of your chair your doctor will have to perform a home evaluation and prescribe it as medically required. You can then choose a wheelchair supplier and place your order. Comfort The best electric wheelchair for seniors offers the comfort of a traditional wheelchair with the latest technology to help foster an innate sense of independence. As a mobility aid it allows adults to remain active and connected to their surroundings and maintain healthy connections to family, friends and community and enhances their overall quality of living. But the world of mobility aids may feel like charting uncharted territory, and deciding on a new chair is a daunting choice for certain. There are plenty of options to help make the process a little simpler. Start by looking for a chair with variable speed settings that can be adjusted according to the surroundings. The ability to recline the chair for extra comfort during long days is another benefit. On most models, you can also add additional accessories like cups and food trays. You can also change your seating. An electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is a battery-operated mobility device that has 4 to 6 wheels, based on the type and model of chair. These wheelchairs are used by people who can't walk due to an injury, illness, or age-related weakening. Today, EPWs run from small, portable wheelchairs that fold and disassemble, to large fully-featured wheelchairs. The joystick is mounted on the armrest. Alternative input devices are also available for those who are not able to use their hands or lack coordination. Medicare covers the majority of electric wheelchairs. However, the specific model and level of coverage depends on your particular circumstances. They are covered by Medicare Part B, the category for durable medical equipment (DME) that reimburses up to 80% of the use of a wheelchair or scooter that is in compliance with certain government requirements. To be eligible, your physician must submit an order for the product and ensure that it meets government requirements. Medicaid waiver programs are provided by certain states that have similar policies and guidelines for patients who qualify. If power wheelchairs about how to qualify, talk with your doctor or the state's Medicaid office for more details. There are also other sources of financial aid through private organizations, including Veteran's Affairs and other state-based programs. These organizations could offer a wheelchair at a discounted price or even free, as well as ongoing assistance to ensure its proper use and maintenance. Mobility A motorized chair is an excellent mobility device for those who are unable to propel themselves in a manual wheelchair over long distances, or all the time. This may be due to diminished strength, endurance or coordination. An electric wheelchair allows them to go out into the community and enjoy activities such as shopping, visiting family or friends, attending events and other chores. Powered chairs run on batteries and controlled with a joystick, or other input devices such as chin controls and puff/sip scanners. The joystick can be used to change speed and direction. It can also control other functions, for example, a horn or the indicator for battery status. The controller is able to supply the drive wheels with power by using brushless or rushed batteries. The type of wheel is an additional important consideration, as it affects the maneuverability and driving ability. The majority of power chairs fall into three categories according to the number of wheels they have: mid-wheels front-wheels, and rear-wheels. A mid-wheel model has two large wheels in the middle and four smaller wheels on the front and back, which results in an excellent stability and maneuverability. Its turning radius is small, and it's the ideal choice for those who must navigate tight spaces and narrow doorways. Seniors who are interested in getting an electric wheelchair may apply for Medicare coverage under Part B, which covers durable medical equipment. However, eligibility is based on a doctor's prescription and the wheelchair must be deemed medically necessary. They must also be able to use 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 that offer financial aid to older adults. They should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and then find the best solution for their specific needs and living situation. For instance If they live in an apartment and can't drive to the store They might want to think about moving to a senior living center that offers apartments and amenities that are designed with accessibility and safety in mind. This will ensure that the wheelchair they buy will be a good fit for them. Safety A wheelchair can be an invaluable option for seniors with mobility issues, but it is extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. Seniors who use a power chair should adhere to a few simple safety guidelines to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of those in their vicinity. For example seniors should not move their wheelchairs firmly onto curbs or steps since they can cause them to tip over. They should also stay clear of crossing roads when their wheelchairs are in motion because doing so can cause collisions that could result with serious injuries. An electric wheelchair is an ideal option for seniors to move around, however, it is crucial that they understand how to operate it safely. Some seniors may not be capable of operating their wheelchairs on their own this is why they need to seek assistance from an occupational therapist or another medical professional to learn how. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the condition and health of the chair to ensure it's safe to use. For instance in the event that the wheels aren't aligned correctly they could cause the chair to drift in a lateral direction at high speeds and could cause it to tip over. It's also a good idea to monitor the battery's usage to ensure that it doesn't burn out in a sudden way. Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy it is to maintain the electric wheelchair for elderly people. To extend the life and efficiency of the powerchair, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance, including checking the tires, axles and bearings. It is also essential to ensure that the batteries are charged at a steady rate to avoid charging too high and causing damages. A wheelchair that is electric typically has rechargeable batteries that can be charged overnight. It could be equipped with front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive and can be controlled with a joystick on the armrest or, in certain cases the use of a keypad to control the speed. Some chairs are made for indoor use, whereas others are made for outdoor use and can include features like a rugged exterior. Other features available on some models of power chairs include puff and sip controls (controlled by inhaling or exhaling into a tube), foot pedals, or controls for the chin. Easy of Use A power wheelchair can make a a big difference when it comes to mobility. This is because it lets them maintain their independence and continue to do the things they love, like going shopping or visiting friends. It also helps to prevent falls, which can cause loss of independence, a lower quality of life and even death. Electric wheelchairs are available in many different designs and styles. Which one is best for you is based on your needs and preferences. For example there are chairs that can be transported that can be disassembled and folded for easy storage and transport in the trunk of your car, as well larger, full-featured chairs that provide more stability and support over longer distances. You should also take into consideration the size and style wheels as well as the seating configuration (some include captain's chairs or sling-style seating) and the type of battery and capacity. Some wheelchairs feature the option of a free wheel that allows the chair to be manually pushed if the battery is exhausted. Certain seniors are eligible to receive an electric wheelchair for a low cost thanks to Medicare, Medicaid and other non-Medicare financial assistance programs. To determine their eligibility, they must meet an array of complicated requirements. In general, they should consult with a doctor and prove that their mobility issues can't be addressed with other devices, such as a cane or walker, or a manual wheelchair. The doctor will then provide an order for medical treatment for an electric chair. Additionally, certain Medicare recipients who have limited mobility are able to obtain an electric wheelchair under Part B, which covers durable medical equipment (DME). This is because the wheelchair is medically essential and has a direct impact on their ability to carry out everyday activities like getting around, eating, and bathing. Some seniors might be eligible for a wheelchair via Medicaid waiver programs that have their own guidelines regarding DMEs. To find out whether you qualify to receive a wheelchair, contact your state's Medicaid agency for more details.