Modern Electric Power Wheelchairs

Advances in technology are ever increasing the quality of life for people in the United States and all over the world. One of the industries that has greatly benefited from new technology is the home medical field. In times past it was necessary to employ full time care takers, or take this responsibility upon yourself when caring for aged parents. Electric power wheelchairs are one type of home medical equipment that has greatly improved the lives of many individuals.

One of the major advantages of electric power wheelchairs is their ease of use. Finding one online that is of the proper dimensions is very easy and they are designed in a way that almost anyone can control them with out problem. They are usually controlled by a joystick that can be placed on either side of the chair, but for those that have difficulty using their hand, there are many alternate types of control. Some units can even be controlled by a person’s breath.

Electric power wheelchairs are also very durable and comfortable. They are designed to be used both indoors and out. If you are going someplace like the beach, you can equip it with special tires that will easily move over the sand and they can also be fitted for rough outdoor terrain. In addition many different types of seats are available that can provide added comfort or medical necessity.

The cost of electric power wheelchairs has also greatly reduced over the years. By doing a little bit of shopping around online it is possible to find some great deals and you are no longer forced to find a wheelchair locally. It is possible to process an order completely online and most online dealers have technicians that you can call to ask questions or if you would prefer to talk to someone before placing your order.

The benefits received from electric power wheelchairs are numerous and they provide a great service to many people.

Stairs and Personal Mobility Devices

If you use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, then you will likely have difficulty accessing the stairs. Many people choose to invest in a vertical platform lift, or wheelchair lift as it is commonly referred to.

Vertical platform lifts are installed alongside a set of steps and is designed to lift a person and their mobility device to the top of the steps or vice versa. A quality vertical platform lift can support around 550 pounds and many can support more than that. Your average porch steps are about 3 ½ feet high, but there are several units available that can span up to 12 feet.

Most wheelchair lifts are placed outside and are completely weather proof. You need not worry about the harshest weather conditions. A falling tree limb or branch could cause harm to the unit, so you will want to ensure that there are no overhanging limbs. It is usually a good idea to install a keyed locking system on the wheelchair lift if it is in an area that sees lots of traffic. A locking system will ensure that it is not use in an un-authorized manner and that it is not used when you are not around. They also make wireless remotes that can fit nicely in your mobility scooter bag, which can make it simpler to use the device.

Vertical platform lifts can make it possible to easily navigate the stairs in your home or business. If you are mobility challenged and use a mobility scooter or power wheelchair than a vertical platform lift may be for you.

Power or Manual Wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs are wheelchairs that allow the seated individual to control the movement of the device, typically through a joystick, but can be fitted to be controlled by head movements and even a person’s breath. In recent years their popularity has grown and electric wheelchairs are used more and more in place of the traditional manual wheelchair.

Electric wheelchairs take several different designs. Many look similar to a traditional manual wheelchair, but have been outfitted with a motor, usually placed under the seat. These models have much smaller wheels however, and can usually be folded to make storage and transportation much easier. Other electric wheelchairs utilize a design that is very similar to an electric mobility scooter. They differ however in the way the seat is designed. Most electric wheelchairs can be wheeled straight up to a desk or table, but a mobility scooter can not be used in this manner.

Depending on the model of electric power wheelchair, some can travel distances of more than 20 miles per charge and at speeds greater than 5 miles per hour. They are much more maneuverable than a mobility scooter, and units that feature the mid-wheel design are even more maneuverable. Their weight capacity is usually around 250 pounds but some can supports weights of more than 400 pounds.

An electric power wheelchair is a large step up from a manual wheelchair and in cases of limited muscle development they are the only way to allow independent movement. If you currently use a manual wheelchair, then you may want to consider upgrading to an electric power wheelchair.

Medicare and Electric Wheelchairs

Medicare is used by over 40 million Americans as their source of health insurance. Instituted in the 1960’s, it provides a valuable service to those who are disabled or over 65 years of age. One of the major advantages of Medicare is that it covers durable home Medical equipment.

With Medicare, almost any piece of equipment that can be reused is classified as durable medical equipment. This includes things like hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and power chairs. In order for the power chair to be covered, it is necessary to have a prescription from a doctor that states that the power chair is necessary. The chair must be necessary for movement around the home, and if it is only needed for outdoor use then it will not be covered.

Those who have Part B Medicare benefits are eligible to have many of their home medical equipment purchases covered. In the past few years a law was passed that allows people to use private insurance companies in place of Medicare, but these insurance companies must cover the same things that Medicare does. These types of plans are called Medicare Advantage Plus plans.

Those who have Medicare Part B benefits are usually only responsible for 20% of the cost of the chair. The amount covered by a Medicare Advantage Plus plan varies depending on the company holding it. While the private insurance company must cover everything that Medicare does, they can choose how they cover it. This may mean that the power chair costs more to you, but hospital visits cost less. This is one reason that it is very important to carefully choose your Medicare Advantage Plus plan.

With Medicare Part B benefits it is possible to buy the chair, and then submit all necessary paperwork for reimbursement. Medicare will also generally cover some repairs of these units, usually with the same 20% co-pay required from the insured.

Medicare provides a great service for those who need to purchase home medical equipment and many would not be able to afford it without Medicare.

Using a Laptop in Your Power Chair

In this day almost everyone is connected to the Internet. You can instantly be in contact with your family, friends, or carry on conversations across with strangers across the globe. With the advent of wireless internet connections it is now possible to take a laptop computer with you and remain connected to your friends from the local coffee shop, library, or any of the other numerous places that offer free wireless Internet Access.

If you want to use your laptop in your power chair there are a few accessories you will probably want to invest in. You will need to get some sort of laptop bag that can attach to your chair or can rest under it. Remember to always pack your laptop’s charger just in case you run out of juice.

Another accessories that is not always necessary, but is extremely useful is a Power Chair Tray. These are trays that attach to the handles and pretty much create your own personal desk. It can be used to eat on or to write on. They are also perfect for using a laptop and provide enough room for an external mouse or other type of pointing device. When you are using your laptop they also give you an advantage because you can place your self in a position that is closest to the wireless access point, so you are getting the best signal possible.