Wheelchairs and transport chairs enable those who are permanently or temporarily disabled to be more mobile, so that they can easily move around their homes and when out in public. With wheelchairs, disabled individuals can gain greater independence in the home and go more places with minimal assistance. If you or someone you love is in need of a transport chair or wheelchair, Walgreens can help you to get the ideal model for your or their needs at a competitive price. There are two main types of rolling chairs that are used as mobility aids: transport chairs and wheelchairs. Both types feature supports for the feet, arm rests and four wheels, but they are designed to be operated differently. Transport chairs are for pushing an injured or disabled person. This type is ideal for individuals who are unable to move the wheelchair on their own and must rely on a caregiver for assistance. Wheelchairs can be operated by pushing the large back wheels on either side of the chair or by using a hand control in the case of a power or motorized chair.
Many wheelchair models also have handles on the back, so that they can be pushed by a caregiver as well. Many different types of wheelchairs are available on the market to meet the needs of those who require a mobility aid. Some wheelchairs fold or collapse for easy transport when on the go, and this type may be called a folding or travel wheelchair. You can purchase wheelchairs that have reclining seats and leg supports and bars for providing extra support for the body. Bariatric wheelchairs are designed for individuals who require an extra strong mobility device to accommodate their body weight. When you're comparing wheelchairs to purchase for yourself or for a loved one, there are many things that you'll need to consider beyond what type is right for your needs. The size and turning radius will affect how easy it is to maneuver the wheelchair to do activities like playing sports and to navigate certain settings like crowded stores. Smaller chairs are generally easier to steer, but they can be less stable.
You'll also need to consider if the type of seat that the wheelchair has is adequate for supporting the body and is likely to protect the skin. The type of tires will determine which types of terrains the wheelchair will be able to safely travel. Your doctor can help you determine which wheelchair features are essential for ensuring your safety or the safety of your loved one. Depending on your needs or the needs of your loved one, you may wish to purchase wheelchair and transport chair accessories. Special seat pads and cushions can help to alleviate discomfort, improve posture and reduce the risk of pressure sores. Cup holders and storage solutions can be added to a wheelchair, and there are also trays and desks that can be used for writing, reading, eating and completing other tasks.If you need a manual wheelchair, follow these two steps to get Medicare coverage. 1. Start with your doctor. If you think you need a manual wheelchair, ask your doctor about it. Or, your doctor may be the one to recommend a manual wheelchair to you.
In any event, starting July 1, 2013, you must have a face-to-face visit with your doctor or other health care provider before Medicare will cover your DME. The visit should happen no more than 6 months before your doctor prescribes or orders your manual wheelchair and should deal with the medical reasons you need the manual wheelchair. Your order for the manual wheelchair must include a statement Your provider must sign an order or fill out a prescription or certificate that states that you need the manual wheelchair to function in the home. The order must say that: Keep in mind that the equipment must be necessary for you in the home but you can also use it outside the home. You can get only one piece of equipment at a time to address your mobility problem. Your doctor or other provider will determine what equipment you need based on your condition, what equipment can be used in your home, and what equipment you are able to use. 2. Use the Right Kind of Once you have the doctor’s order or prescription, you must take it the right kind of supplier to get coverage.
Be sure to only use suppliers with approval from Original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage Plan. If you have Original Medicare, be aware that the type of suppliers Medicare has approved for you will depend on how Medicare pays for equipment in your area and the type of DME you need. In many areas called, competitive bidding areas, Medicare will only pay for standard wheelchairs from a select group of suppliers known as contract suppliers. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to www.medicare.gov/supplier to get a list of suppliers Medicare has approved for you. Remember to find out if the competitive bidding demonstration affects you since it decides the suppliers you can use and the amount you will pay. Also, if you live in or plan to travel to a competitive bidding demonstration area and (need DME that is included in the demonstration), make sure you are informed about the types of suppliers you must use and your costs for DME. If you live in an area that is not part of the competitive bidding demonstration, you may need to rely on different kinds of suppliers.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), you must follow the plan’s rules for getting a wheelchair. Call your plan to find out what you must do to get your wheelchair covered. People in Medicare Advantage Plans will not be affected by the competitive bidding demonstration.If you have a long-term or permanent difficulty with mobility, getting a wheelchair or scooter, or other mobility equipment, may help you to live more independently. A huge variety of household equipment can help someone who is ill, disabled or frail, including: Find out more about getting the right care equipment. You may be able to get help to repair, improve, maintain or adapt your home from a local home improvement agency. These agencies are government-funded and not-for-profit, and they provide advice for free. However, they usually charge a fee if you go ahead with any work they recommend. You can find your nearest home improvement agency on the Foundations website.
If you're disabled, you can find out whether you can apply for equipment for your home on GOV.UK. If you need a wheelchair, the main decisions you’ll have to make about your chair are: There are pros and cons for each type of chair, so the choice depends on your needs. There are a large variety of wheelchairs and scooters available, so expert independent advice is essential. Some of the things to consider when choosing the right equipment are: The design of the chair affects how it can be used. You should also bear in mind that standard wheelchairs can't be modified. "Active-user" wheelchairs are usually more expensive, but they have the advantage of being adjustable and adaptable. If you need a wheelchair that’s pushed by someone else, it's still important to consider how easy it will be for them to use it. For example, can they lift it and put it in the boot of the car? Before deciding on a specific style of wheelchair, it's a good idea to try it out around the house or on the local roads.
NHS wheelchair services offer assessments to determine what type of wheelchair or mobility equipment you may be entitled to on the NHS. In most cases, you'll be referred to the service by a hospital, doctor, consultant or occupational therapists. See the directory of wheelchair services for a full list of services. In general, wheelchair services are available to people of all ages who have a long-term need for mobility help. However, the specific criteria for whether you're eligible are decided locally and will vary depending on where you live. Before you can be offered a wheelchair, you'll have to undergo an assessment. This will determine if you're eligible and, if so, what type of mobility equipment is most appropriate. The assessment is normally carried out at NHS wheelchair services centres or clinics. The people who assess you will all be health professionals, such as GPs, occupational therapists, or physiotherapists, and should include a "rehabilitation engineer" (someone who specialises in wheelchairs and seating).
There is no one-size-fits-all policy, which means you will be assessed according to your individual needs. The assessment should take into account your physical and social needs, as well as the environment in which you live and work. Many wheelchair services have a waiting list for assessment appointments, so you may have to wait several weeks after being referred to have an assessment. Take a friend, carer or your own therapist with you when you have your assessment. They can help you make the right choice. Also bear in mind that if the service comes to visit you at home or work, you won't be able to see and try the full range of chairs available. Chairs can be adapted if necessary to meet your specific needs. This is particularly important for children, as their equipment must adjust to their growth and changing needs. If you feel that your wheelchair doesn't fit your current needs any more, contact your wheelchair service and they will reassess you. Some NHS wheelchair services offer a voucher scheme so that you can have more choice of wheelchair.
You receive a voucher to the value of the chair you would have been offered after your assessment (which is determined locally in each individual case). You can then put the voucher towards the cost of a chair that you buy privately or in partnership with the NHS. If the maintenance of the wheelchair remains the responsibility of the NHS, you will have to return the chair when you no longer need it. However, you can opt for private maintenance, which will allow you to keep the chair permanently. Not all NHS wheelchair services offer the voucher scheme. Services decide locally whether to have a scheme and how that scheme is applied. You cannot exchange the voucher for cash. The voucher is non-taxable so it does not affect any disability benefits you receive. The Motability scheme may be of use if you want to hire or buy a powered wheelchair. It is available to people who receive the high rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
These benefits can be used to pay for the hire or hire purchase of a wheelchair or scooter. You can rent or buy equipment from some commercial companies, but it's important to take independent advice to ensure you make the best choice. The consumer website Which? Elderly Care has lots of advice on choosing and buying mobility products, as does Living Made Easy. Better Mobility has a list of charities that can help to fund mobility equipment for children and adults on its website. Do some research before you choose a wheelchair or scooter. Ensure the chair suits your individual needs, can be maintained, and is a reasonable price. The following 10-point checklist may help: Some towns or shopping centres have a Shopmobility scheme, where you can borrow a wheelchair or scooter to go shopping. Local authorities provide wheelchairs as part of their duty to help disabled children access education. Contact your local authority for more information. Children's wheelchair needs are different from those of adults.
They need smaller chairs that can be adapted as they grow. If your child has been assessed as needing a wheelchair, you may want to contact a charity such as Whizz Kidz or Go Kids Go!. These provide wheelchair skills training for disabled young people. As well as providing children with wheelchairs, local authorities are responsible for carrying out home adaptations if you need them to use a wheelchair at home. Your local authority is also responsible for issuing static seating (which might include chairs that offer more stability and support) and night time posture support (which might include special mattresses or bed accessories) if required. Contact your local authority for more information about what's available for you. The Access to Work scheme can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice about and support with extra costs that may arise because of your needs. Find out more about the Access to Work scheme.