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Choosing an Electric Wheelchair For Elderly People If you're in the market for a portable electric wheelchair, you have multiple options. A majority of them are travel friendly that meet government standards for car and airline transportation. To get Medicare to cover the cost of your chair your doctor will have to perform a home evaluation and recommend it as medically necessary. Then, you will be able to select an option from a provider and purchase the chair. Comfort The best electric wheelchairs designed for seniors offer comfort and the latest technology to give you a sense of independence. As a mobility tool it allows adults to remain active and involved in their surroundings and maintain healthy relationships with their family and friends, as well as with the community, and enhances the overall quality of their life. But the world of mobility aids may feel like exploring uncharted territory and deciding on a chair is a daunting decision for certain. There are plenty of options available to help make the process more efficient. For starters, look for chairs that have variable speed settings to match the surroundings. A reclined seat to provide extra comfort is a bonus. Additionally, a range of accessories, like cups, food trays, oxygen tank holders and upgraded seating may be included on a majority of models. An electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is a battery-operated mobility device with 4 to 6 wheels, based on the model and style of chair. They're commonly used by people who cannot walk due to illness, injury, or a weakness due to age. EPWs are available in a broad variety of sizes and features. They can be as small as a portable wheelchair that folds up, or they can be large chairs with many features. They're usually controlled by an armrest-mounted joystick. 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, but the specific model and coverage level is contingent on your particular circumstances. The majority of these products are covered by Medicare Part B's durable medical equipment (DME) category that covers up to 80 percent of the cost of an approved wheelchair or scooter. To qualify, your doctor must provide an approved prescription for the item and verify that it meets government requirements. Medicaid waiver programs are provided by certain states that have similar policies and guidelines for patients who qualify. For more information on how to be eligible for Medicaid consult your physician or the Medicaid office in your state. You can also find additional financial assistance 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 use and maintenance. Mobility A motorized wheelchair can be a fantastic mobility aid for seniors who aren't able to self propel a manual chair for long distances or all of the time. This could be due to diminished strength, endurance, or coordination. A wheelchair with an electric motor allows them to go out into the community and enjoy things like shopping, visiting family or friends or attending events, as well as other chores. The powered chairs can be controlled with a joystick, or other input devices such as chin controls or sip/puff scanners. The joystick can be used to control the speed and direction of the chair, as well as other functions like the horn or the indicator for battery status. The batteries can be rushed or brushless and the power is delivered to the drive wheels by the controller. The wheel type is another important consideration, as it affects maneuverability and driving capabilities. The majority of power chairs can be classified into three categories depending on the number of wheels they have: mid-wheels, rear-wheels and front-wheels. A mid-wheel model has two large wheels in the middle and four smaller wheels on the front and back, providing excellent stability and maneuverability. It has a slim turning radius, making it the ideal option for older adults who need to navigate narrow spaces. Seniors who are looking to purchase an electric wheelchair could apply for Medicare coverage through Part B. This is a part that covers durable medical equipment. electric wheelchair features is determined by a doctor’s prescription and the wheelchair must be medically necessary. They must be able to use it safely and have someone to assist them with it. Seniors can also think about other options in addition to Medicare, such as VA financial assistance or state-based programs that provide financial aid to older adults. They should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option to choose the one most suitable to their unique living situation and requirements. For instance when they live in an apartment and cannot drive to the grocery store They might want to consider moving into a senior living community with amenities and apartments designed with accessibility and safety in mind. This will ensure that the wheelchair they purchase will fit them well. Safety A wheelchair can be a valuable option for seniors with mobility problems, but it's extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. Seniors who use power chairs should follow some safety tips to ensure both their safety and that of those around them. For instance seniors should be careful not to move their wheelchairs firmly onto curbs or steps because they could cause them to tip over. They should also stay clear of crossing roads while their wheelchairs are in motion because this can result in an accident that could result in serious injuries. A wheelchair with an electric motor can be an ideal option for seniors to move around, but it is essential that they are able to safely operate it. Some seniors might not be able to operate their wheelchairs on their own, so they should seek out the help of an occupational therapist or other medical professional. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the health and condition of the wheelchair to ensure it's safe to use. For instance, if the wheels aren't aligned correctly, they can cause the chair to drift in a lateral direction at high speeds and even tip over. It's also an excellent idea to keep an eye on the battery's use to ensure that it doesn't run out in a sudden way. The ease of maintenance is a further factor to consider when choosing an electric wheelchair for elderly. To extend the life and performance of the powerchair, it is essential to conduct regular maintenance and inspections of the wheels, tires, and bearings. It is also essential to keep the batteries fully charged to avoid overcharging and other damage. A wheelchair that is electric typically has a rechargeable battery that can be charged over the course of a night. It may have a front-wheel, mid-wheel, or rear-wheel drive. It can be controlled with an armrest joystick or, in some cases the use of a keypad to control speed. Certain chairs are made to be used indoors, while others are made for outdoor use. They may include features such as a tough outer shell. Certain power chairs come with features like sip and puff controls, which can be controlled by inhaling/exhaling into the tube. Simple to Use When it comes to mobility, a wheelchair powered by a motor for seniors can make a a huge difference. This is because it lets them remain independent and continue to do the things they love, like going shopping or visiting friends. It also helps prevent accidents that could lead to loss of independence, a lower quality of life, and even death. Electric wheelchairs come in a variety of different designs and styles. Which one is right 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 in the trunk of your car, as well large, fully-featured chairs that offer more stability and support over longer distances. Other aspects to be considering are the size and shape of the wheels, the seating configuration (some have sling-style seats or captain's chairs) as well as the battery type and capacity, as well as the control mechanism. Some wheelchairs come with the option of a free wheel that allows the chair to be pushed manually in the event that the batteries are exhausted. Certain seniors can receive an electric wheelchair for a low cost thanks to Medicare, Medicaid and other non-Medicare financial assistance programs. To determine if they are eligible, they must meet a series of complex requirements. In general, they should consult with a doctor and prove that their mobility issues cannot be solved with other devices, such as a walker or cane, or a manual wheelchair. The doctor will write a medical order for an electric wheelchair. Additionally, certain Medicare recipients with limited mobility are able to purchase an electric wheelchair as part of Part B, which covers durable medical equipment (DME). The wheelchair is medically necessary, and it has a direct effect on their ability to carry out daily tasks like eating bathing, walking and getting around. Certain seniors might also be eligible for a wheelchair via Medicaid waiver programs that have their own guidelines on DMEs. Contact your state's Medicaid agency to find out whether they are eligible.