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Choosing an Electric Wheelchair For Elderly People If you're in the market for an electric wheelchair that is portable there are a variety of choices. Many of them are travel-friendly and meet the requirements of the government for airline and car transportation. Your doctor should conduct an at-home assessment and recommend the chair as medically required to allow Medicare to cover its cost. You can then choose the wheelchair manufacturer and place your order. Comfort The best electric wheelchairs designed for seniors combine comfort with modern technology to help people feel more independence. As an aid to mobility helps people remain active and involved in their surroundings, maintain healthy connections to family, friends and communities, and improves their overall quality of life. But the world of mobility aids can feel like charting uncharted territory, and deciding on a chair is a daunting decision for some. Luckily, there are lightest electric wheelchair that can help make the process easier. Begin by looking for a chair that has variable speed settings that can be adjusted according to the surroundings. A reclined chair to provide extra comfort is a bonus. On most models, you can also add on accessories such as cup holders and food trays. You can also upgrade your seating. Electric powered wheelchairs (EPWs) are battery-powered mobility devices with 4-6 wheels depending on the design and model of the chair. They are typically used by people who are unable to walk due to illness, injury or age-related weakness. EPWs are available in a wide variety of sizes and features. They can be as small as a portable wheelchair that can be folded up, or they can be large chairs with many features. The joystick is positioned on the armrest. Alternative input devices are also offered for those who aren't able to use their hands or have difficulty with coordination. Medicare covers the majority of electric wheelchairs, however the exact model and the coverage level will depend on the specifics of your situation. Most of these devices fall under Medicare Part B's durable medical equipment (DME) category, which provides reimbursement for up to 80 percent of the total cost of an approved wheelchair or scooter. To qualify you must be able to write a prescription and prove that the product meets certain requirements set by the government. Some states have Medicaid waiver programs that follow similar guidelines and policies for those who qualify. For more details on how to qualify for Medicaid talk to your physician or the Medicaid office in your state. Additional financial assistance is offered through private organizations such as Veterans Affairs or state-based programs. These organizations can offer you a free or discounted wheelchair as and ongoing support to ensure long-term use and maintenance. Mobility A motorized wheelchair is a great mobility aid for seniors who aren't able to auto-propeller manually for long distances or for all the time. This may be due to diminished strength, endurance or coordination. With an electric wheelchair, they can be part of the community by taking a trip out to do things like shopping or visiting family and friends, attending events, and other chores. The powered chairs can be controlled by a joystick or other input devices such as chin controls or sip/puff scanners. The joystick is used to alter speed and direction and it can also control other functions, such as a horn or the indicator of battery status. The controller can supply the drive wheels with power through brushless or rushed batteries. The type of wheel is an additional important consideration, as it affects maneuverability and driving capabilities. The majority of power chairs can be classified into three categories, based on how many wheels they have: mid-wheels front-wheels, and rear-wheels. A mid-wheel power chair features two large wheels in the middle, and four smaller wheels on the front and back, resulting in great stability and maneuverability. It has a small turning radius, which makes it a great choice for seniors who have to navigate doorways and narrow spaces. Seniors who want to purchase an electric wheelchair may apply for Medicare coverage through Part B. This part covers medical equipment that is durable. The eligibility is determined by the prescription of a doctor and the wheelchair has to be medically required. They must be able to use it in a safe manner, and someone must be available to help them. Seniors can also think about other options in addition to Medicare for example, VA financial assistance or state-based programs that provide financial aid to older adults. They should consider the pros and cons of each option and find a solution that best fits their unique needs and living situation. If they don't have an automobile and live in an apartment, they may want to move into a senior community that has apartments and amenities designed for accessibility and safety. This will ensure that their new wheelchair is a good fit for them. Safety A wheelchair can be a valuable device for seniors with mobility issues, but it is also dangerous if used incorrectly. Powerchair users should follow some safety tips to ensure both their safety and that of others around them. Seniors should not push their wheelchairs on curbs or steps because this could cause them to fall over. They should also stay clear of crossing the road when their wheelchairs are moving as this can result in an accident that could result in serious injuries. It is crucial for seniors to know how to safely operate an electric wheelchair. Some seniors might not be able to operate their wheelchairs on their own, and they should seek the help of an occupational therapist or other medical professional. It is also important to observe the health and condition to ensure that the wheelchair is safe to use. If the wheels are not aligned correctly and the chair is not aligned correctly, it could turn sideways and tip over when traveling at high speeds. It's also a good idea to monitor the battery to ensure it doesn't go out of battery suddenly. The ease of maintenance is a further factor to consider when choosing an electric wheelchair for seniors. To maximize the lifespan and performance of a powerchair, it is vital to maintain it regularly, including checking the axles, tires and bearings. It is essential to charge the batteries at a regular rate to avoid overcharging and damage. An electric wheelchair typically uses rechargeable batteries which can be charged over night. It could be equipped with a front-wheel, mid-wheel, or rear-wheel drive and can be controlled using an armrest-mounted joystick or, in some instances it is a keypad that regulates the speed. Some chairs are specifically designed for indoor use, whereas others are made for outdoor use. They might have features like a rugged outer shell. Certain power chairs come with features like sip and puff controls, which can be controlled by inhaling and exhaling into tubes. Easy of Use A power wheelchair can make a an enormous difference in mobility. This is due to the fact that it helps them remain independent and continue to do the things they love such as shopping or visiting friends. It can also help to prevent falls that can lead to loss of independence, a lower quality of life, and even death. Electric wheelchairs come in many different designs and styles. Which one is right for you depends on your needs and preferences. There are chairs that fold or disassembled to make it easy to store in your car's trunk and there are larger chairs that have more features to provide stability and support over longer distances. Other features you might be considering are the size and style of the wheels, the seating configuration (some have sling-style seating or captain's chair seating) as well as the battery type and capacity, and the control mechanism. Some wheelchairs have an option for free wheels that allows the chair to be manually pushed in the event that the batteries have run out. Certain seniors could be eligible for a free electric wheelchair because of Medicare, Medicaid, and other nonMedicare financial assistance programs. To determine their eligibility, they must meet a set of requirements that are complex. In general, they'll have to see a doctor and show that their mobility limitations can't be addressed by other means, like a cane manual wheelchair or walker. The doctor will then issue an order for medical treatment for an electric chair. Certain Medicare recipients who have mobility limitations may also be eligible for an electric wheelchair as part of Part B coverage. The wheelchair is medically necessary and can have a direct impact on their ability to perform daily tasks like eating bathing, getting dressed and moving around. In addition certain seniors may be able to qualify for a wheelchair through Medicaid waiver programs that have their own unique guidelines regarding DMEs. To find out whether you're eligible for a wheelchair, call your state Medicaid agency for more details.