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Choosing an Electric Wheelchair For Elderly People There are a lot of options when you're looking for a portable, electric wheelchair. Many 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 necessary to allow Medicare to pay for its costs. Then, you can select the wheelchair manufacturer and place an order. Comfort The best electric wheelchairs for seniors combine comfort with modern technology to foster a feeling of independence. As a mobility aid it allows adults to remain active and involved in their surroundings, maintain healthy relationships with their family and friends, as well as with the community, and enhances the overall quality of life. The world of mobility aids is a vast and unexplored space, and choosing the right chair for your needs is a daunting task. Luckily, there are many options to make the process a little simpler. Start by looking for a chair with adjustable speed settings that can be adjusted to the surroundings. The ability to recline the chair for extra comfort during long hours is another benefit. Finally, a variety of accessories, such as cups holders, food trays, oxygen tank holders and upgraded seating, could be available on most models. An electric powered wheelchair (EPW) is a battery-operated mobility device that has four or more 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. EPWs are available in a wide range of dimensions 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 typically controlled with an electronic joystick that is mounted on the armrest, though other input devices are available to those who aren't coordinated or have the ability to use their hands. Medicare covers the majority of electric wheelchairs. However, the specific model and the amount of coverage depend on your particular circumstances. They are covered by Medicare Part B, the category for durable medical equipment (DME), which reimburses up to 80% of an electric scooter or wheelchair that is in compliance with certain government requirements. To be eligible you must have a doctor write a prescription and prove that the device meets certain government requirements. wheelchairs electric waiver programs are provided by some states with 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, including Veteran's Affairs and other state-based programs. These organizations may provide you with an accessible wheelchair at a discounted price or for free, and also ongoing support to ensure proper use and maintenance. Mobility A motorized chair can be a fantastic mobility device for seniors who are unable to propel themselves in a manual wheelchair over long distances or all the time. This could be due to decreased strength or endurance, or lack of coordination. A wheelchair with an electric motor allows them to get out into the community and enjoy activities like going shopping visiting friends or family, attending events and other tasks. Powered chairs can be controlled with a joystick, or other input devices, such as chin controls and sip/puff scanners. The joystick can be used to alter speed and direction and it can also be used to control other functions, such as a horn or the battery status indicator. The batteries can be rushed or brushless and power is provided to the drive wheels through the controller. The type of wheel is an additional important consideration, as it affects the maneuverability and driving capability. The majority of power chairs fall into three categories by the number of drive wheels: front-wheel, mid-wheel and rear-wheel. A mid-wheel power chair has two large wheels in its middle and four smaller ones at the front and rear. This allows for excellent maneuverability and stability. It has a narrow turning radius, making it the ideal choice for seniors who have to navigate doorways and narrow spaces. Seniors who are looking to purchase an electric wheelchair can apply for Medicare coverage through Part B. This part covers medical equipment that is durable. However, eligibility is based on a prescription by a doctor, and the wheelchair must be medically necessary. They must be able to operate it safely and have someone to assist them. Seniors may also consider other options besides 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 every option to choose the one most suitable to their specific living situation and requirements. For instance If they reside in an apartment and cannot drive to the grocery store it might be a good idea to think about moving into a senior living facility that offers apartments and amenities designed with accessibility and safety in mind. This will help ensure that their new wheelchair will be a good fit for them. Safety A wheelchair can be a useful device for seniors with mobility issues, but it is extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. Seniors who use a power chair must follow a few basic safety guidelines to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of others around them. For example seniors should not move their wheelchairs with force onto curbs or steps since they can cause them tip over. They should also avoid crossing the road while their wheelchairs are in motion because this could result in a collision which could cause serious injury. It is crucial for seniors to understand how to safely operate an electric wheelchair. Some seniors might not be able to operate their wheelchairs on their own this is why they should seek help from an occupational therapist or other medical professional to understand how. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the health and condition of the wheelchair to ensure it's safe to use. If the wheels are not aligned properly and the chair is not aligned correctly, it could turn to the side and fall over when they are operating at high speeds. It's also an excellent idea to keep an eye on the battery's usage to ensure that it doesn't run out unexpectedly. Another crucial aspect to consider is how it is easy to maintain the electric wheelchair for the elderly. To maximize the lifespan and efficiency of a powerchair, it's vital to maintain it regularly and inspections of the wheels, tires, and bearings. It is important to charge the batteries at a regular rate to avoid overcharging and damage. Electric wheelchairs are typically powered by a battery which can be recharged in the night. It could be equipped with front-wheel, mid-wheel or rear-wheel drive and can be controlled with an armrest-mounted joystick or, in some cases the use of a keypad to control the speed. Certain chairs are designed to be ridden indoors while others are made for outdoor use and may include features such as a rugged exterior. Some power chairs have features like sip and puff controls, which can be controlled by inhaling/exhaling into a tube. Easy of Use When it comes to mobility, a wheelchair powered by a motor for seniors can make a a huge difference. It allows them to maintain their independence and do things they like, such as shopping or visiting friends. It also helps prevent falls that can lead to loss of independence, a reduced quality of life and even death. Electric wheelchairs are available in many different styles and models. Which one is suitable for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. There are chairs that can be folded or disassembled to make it easy to store in the trunk of your car, and there are bigger chairs with more features that 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 come with sling-style seats or captain's chairs) and the type of battery and capacity, as well as the control mechanism. Some wheelchairs come with a free wheel mode that allows the chair to be manually pushed if the battery runs out. Some seniors are eligible to receive an electric wheelchair at a low cost thanks to Medicare, Medicaid and other non-Medicare financial assistance programs. To determine their eligibility they must satisfy a series of complex requirements. In general, they'll need to see a doctor and show that their mobility limitations cannot be addressed by other means, such as a cane manual wheelchair or walker. The doctor will issue a medical prescription for an electric wheelchair. Additionally, certain Medicare recipients who have limited mobility are able to obtain an electric wheelchair as part of Part B of the coverage for durable medical equipment (DME). The wheelchair is considered medically necessary, and it has a direct effect on their ability to do daily tasks like eating bathing, walking and getting around. Additionally, some seniors may be eligible for a wheelchair through Medicaid waiver programs that have their own specific guidelines regarding DMEs. Contact your state Medicaid agency to determine whether they qualify.