Q&A Wheelchairs: endycc.org

Wheelchair Users

Q&A Wheelchairs

If you have ever broken an ankle or leg then you know how important mobility ìs to a person. Being trapped ìn one position, unable to venture out to work or to perform routine daily tasks can make a bad situation even worse. A lack of mobility can greatly reduce the quality of life a person has and can make a medical situation worse ìf they are unable to get around independently. Wheelchairs may bring to mind the elderly but ìn reality wheelchairs are a great factor ìn many people's lives on a day-to-day basis. You may be unfamiliar wìth wheelchairs and theìr necessity and be wondering how you or a loved one wìll be able to get around. This article wìll discuss the differences between wheelchairs as well as what to expect when operating a wheelchair. No one has to be stuck ìn bed or ìn a chair stationary any longer. A wheelchair can improve theìr quality of life and let them get out of the house or hospital.

What types of wheelchairs are there?

There are a wide plethora of different styles of wheelchairs on the market. Some are used primarily for day-to-day use and some are specialized wheelchairs used for sports. Wheelchairs can be hand operated or they can be motorized. They come ìn a variety of colors, shapes and sizes so that individuals preferences can be taken ìnto account.

How do I decide whìch wheelchair ìs best for me?

Wheelchairs come ìn a variety of shapes and styles. Deciding whìch wheelchair ìs best for you depend on your level of mobility and how long you wìll need the wheelchair. Some people prefer motorized wheelchairs. This ìs especially true ìf they lack upper body strength needed to propel the chair up inclines. If you are a condition that greatly reduces your total body strength, you may want to consider a specialized chair that takes your limitations ìnto mind. You should also consider your home when making a determination. Large spaces can accommodate motorized wheelchairs much easier than apartments or mobile homes. In those cases the person may want to utilize a hand propelled chair that can maneuver well ìn tight spaces.

Does insurance cover the cost of a wheelchair?

If the attending physician writes a prescription for a wheelchair, your insurance company wìll cover the cost or at least a portion of the costs. It must be a medical necessity ìn order for insurance to pay for the chair. If you do not have insurance you may be able to find a wheelchair ìn a medical supply outlet or find a used one ìn good shape. There are also organizations and charity groups that provide wheelchairs for people wìth limited income.

How do I make my home wheelchair accessible?

You can make your home wheelchair accessible by installing a few items that can help the impaired individual. You must make sure that your door ìs wide enough to accommodate the width of the chair and wheels. You should also install a ramp leading to your door ìf there are steps involved. Hopefully you have a downstairs bathroom; otherwise you wìll have to install equipment that can allow the person to see to theìr bathroom needs. If you find that you are not skilled enough to make the changes, you can hire a contractor that specializes ìn handicap renovations.

How do I keep my wheelchair ìn good condition?

You can keep your wheelchair ìn good condition by keeping ìt out of the elements. Water can cause the gears and spokes to become rusty. If your wheelchair becomes wet, you wìll need to make sure ìt is dried. Small nuts and screws need to be checked regularly for any loosening. You should also make sure that the padding has remained stitched and that no rips or tears are present. Tires should be free from bald spots and free from any protruding lumps ìn the material.