When a person's physical condition reaches a point where he can no longer walk in his home and he cannot propel a manual wheelchair for more than a few feet, he may want to consider using a power wheelchair. There are several models and many accessories to maximize the driver's ability to perform activities of daily living and keep him comfortable for many hours. Some of the latest power wheelchairs can travel over 8 miles per hour, stand the driver up, elevate the seat base and recline to 50 degrees.
Evaluating for a Power Wheelchair
Power wheelchairs are expensive in comparison to manual wheelchairs and scooters. If the driver plans to use medical insurance to pay for a power wheelchair, he will need assistance in completing the authorization process. He should obtain a recommendation from a physician experienced and knowledgeable in wheelchair use, as well as recommendations from therapist and medical supplier. After a home evaluation, a vehicle evaluation would be done. An assessment of desired activities would further determine the type of wheelchair. All power wheelchairs should be used on a trial run to determine any further issues.
Types
Power wheelchairs come in mid-wheel, rear wheel, and all wheel drive. There are models that enable the driver to stand, tilt or recline. The majority of users have a rear wheel or mid-wheel drive, since these are typically approved by insurance carriers and meet the needs of the majority of drivers. A therapist will decide if the user would drive more efficiently with her hand, head, foot or mouth. This decision would determine what type of joystick is needed. Her method of driving, preferences for how the chair feels and looks, and how well the model fits in her home and vehicle will lead her to pick a specific model. Power chairs come in standard colors with upgrade options for paint and style.
Features
The driver's diagnosis is used to determine additional accessories needed. These could include a tilt in space seat frame, elevating leg rests, elevating seat lift mechanism, or tilt and recline functions.The power chair user is more sedentary than a person who walks and is at increased risk for pressure sores. A good quality seat cushion allows for increased comfort and more time in the power wheelchair. Other options to consider would be a headrest, arm supports, trunk and hip bolsters, knee bolsters, foot straps, seat belt, back support, and tray. If the driver is transported in the power wheelchair, he should order the frame with transit tie downs.
Authorization and Coverage
The driver and her care team would complete a Certificate of Medical Necessity and obtain a specific prescription from the physician. The medical supplier would submit these along with a description of the power wheelchair to the insurance company. When insurance approves the power wheelchair, the supplier will order and configure the frame.
Fitting Details
When the wheelchair is fit, the driver would get an owner's manual, serial number and warranty. The joystick would be programmed. Instruction in maintenance and battery charging would be provided. The driver would be given the opportunity to drive within her home. Once these steps have been completed, she would sign a delivery ticket acknowledging receipt of the power wheelchair. The supplier needs this paperwork in order to bill insurance.
Considerations
A power wheelchair should not be lifted. Ramps or vehicle lifts are necessary for entering homes and vehicles. Models that travel at 8 mph are available, but these are not meant to be used as ATVs, and should be driven on smooth surfaces with minimal grades. Lightweight folding power wheelchairs are recommended for indoor use and are not as durable as the non-folding mid-wheel or front wheel drive models.
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