Sunday, June 7, 2009

What to expect about your choosen power wheelchair provider

Now that you have done your homework, checked the credentials, and you are happy with the initial consultation, you have probably made your choice on the provider of your power wheelchair. You will need to know how the professional provider will behave and what can you expect from him.

The power wheelchair provider should respond in a proficient manner, return phone calls promptly, keep up with the appointments, perform repairs in a timely manner and will handle the paperwork correctly.

The provider should also be able to recognize and understand your physiological, functional and technical needs. He or she will make every effort to communicate, while listening to what you are telling him. If a provider is unclear about something, he should do what ever he can to find the information you need. If a provider is not trained in the area of expertise you need, then you will want to find another provider. The provider should direct you to someone who is an expert or call someone in who is an expert in the area you need.

The provider should have knowledge of the specifications of the power wheelchair and which applications the product is best suited for, and then be able to provide you with a list of product choices that will meet all of your needs.

The provider should discuss pricing and funding options with you. He should explain your financial responsibilities to your understanding.

A provider should also inform you that you have the right to work with a power chair supplier of your choice.

You should be told by the provider of the complaint resolution procedures governed by the organization.

The handling of the ordering, assembly, fitting, adjusting delivery and follow-up consultations regarding adjustments need by the product should be handled by the provider.

The provider should ensure the condition of the high-quality equipment, any ongoing support needed, and long-term services.

It is essential that the provider preserves the confidentiality of the customer, and serves all customers equally regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation and disability.

Managed health care has greatly complicated the issue of your right to select your provider. The best method to get around the insurer’s demand that you deal with a single provider is to read the fine print. Make sure to explore all of your options should the insurer insist on you dealing with a provider you do not like.

Courtesy:http://www.mobilitywheelsonline.com
Chris I.

How Much Speed Do You Need From Your Power Wheelchair?

One of the most common questions asked by those who need a power wheelchair is. “How fast do I need to go in my power wheelchair?” So how much does the maximum speed really benefit a user? What is the difference between 5mph, 8.5mph, and faster? We are going to cover those questions for those of you who may be in the market for a power wheelchair or for those of you who are considering a power wheelchair for a family member or loved one.

First thing you will want to look into is the lifestyle of the person who will be using the chair. This will help you put the speed of the power chair into the real-world perspective.

Let’s start with the lowest maximum speed of the power wheelchair or power chair. We are talking about 5mph, which is the top speed baseline for all rehab products. 5mph is plenty of speed for the person who spends the majority of their time indoors whether it is at home or in other facilities, and they have some sort of transportation, such as a van or other vehicle. This is a practical speed for maneuvering indoors and to and from a building to the parking lot.

If the user has a more active lifestyle, then a higher rate of speed may be more practical for their needs. Examples of those who might need the higher rate of speed is the user who uses public transportation, such as buses or the student maneuvering between classes on large campuses. Even though 6.5 may seem to fast for some, it is merely about the same speed as a jogger.

For those users who travel long distances to run errands around town, and spend the majority of their time outdoors, then it may be more practical for this user to have a chair with a maximum speed of 8.5 mph. If for some reason that speed is to slow, then you may want to look into the 10 mph or faster power wheelchair.

Don’t misunderstand; just because a power chair can travel at a higher rate of speed than another, does not mean that it is a better power chair than the chair with the maximum speed of 5 mph. In the case of the power chair, speed merely represents a one-sided purpose. Smart users understand that speed is in the characteristics of one’s lifestyle.

Courtesy: www.mobilitywheelsonline.com
Chris I.

What is the Pivot Point on Your Power Wheelchair?

If you already own a power wheelchair, then you will already know how it maneuvers indoors. However, you may not know why it maneuvers that way.

The drive wheel on your power chair is the reason the chair maneuvers the way it does. There are several other factors that determine how your power chair maneuvers, but the main reason is the drive wheels.

Power chairs, like vehicles come in rear wheel drive, front wheel drive and center or mid wheel drive. They each have a different pivot point, which determines how the chair will maneuver. The pivot point is where the drive wheel axle line and the power base’s centerline cross. The chair maneuvers and turns around this point.

On a rear wheel drive power wheelchair the pivot point can be found in the rear of the power chair behind where you sit. The majority of the power chair is in front of the pivot point. This is the old stand-by and the most stable chairs in most cases. If you own one of these types of chairs, you may have noticed when going up steep hills, the chair will lean back on its anti-tip tubes to prevent the chair from tipping backwards. The top speed for this chair is about 6 mph. Because it is rear-wheel drive it has the largest turning radius. If you have owned one of these types of chairs and are planning on replacing with a different type of drive wheel, keep in mind the tie-down you use in your van will need to be replaced to accommodate the new style chair.

On a front wheel drive power wheelchair the pivot point will be in the very front of the chair with the majority of the chair behind it. This means you will be sitting behind the pivot point on this type of chair. This chair is very stable in uneven terrain with up and down hills. Of the three types of chairs, the front wheel drive power chair will move over obstacles well. Since most of the chair will be behind you, you will need to adjust the way you turn to accommodate the rear of the chair. This type of chair drives a lot like a forklift. The maximum speed for this type of chair is slower than all of the others. It will range from 5 to 5.5 mph because the front wheel drive chairs have a tendency to “fish tail” at a higher rate of speed. The turning radius is only slightly smaller than that of the rear wheel drive chair.

On a mid wheel drive or center wheel drive power wheelchair the pivot point is directly beneath you. It is in the middle of the chair with the chair on top of the pivot point. You will have equal parts of the chair in front and behind you and your center of gravity is about the same as the pivot point. With this type of chair you will have a much smaller turning radius than the rear wheel and front wheel drive chairs. The speed of this chair is limited to about 5.5 mph. If you ride on uneven terrain on a regular basis, you may want to reconsider buying one of these chairs. These chairs have a tendency of getting stuck if you are riding on uneven terrain or up and down steep curbs. The front or the rear wheels will get stuck, which will suspend the drive wheel so they cannot touch the ground.

Your specific lifestyle and needs should determine the chair you buy. So consider your choices carefully.

Courtesy: http://www.mobilitywheelsonline.com
Chris I.

Staying Mobile with a Power wheelchair or Mobility scooter Despite Immobility

When immobility is a part of life, mobility remains an option with the use of power wheelchairs and scooters. Just because illness or injury has left the body unable to maintain mobility does not mean that movement needs to be restricted. Power wheelchairs and scooters are there to bring movement back where motion has ceased.

There are three products available for a person with decreased mobility - Power Wheelchairs, scooters and traditional wheelchairs. Each provides a different level of movement and mobility for the immobile user. With the help of a family physician or a physical or occupational therapist, the patient will be able to choose which type of mobility device is the best option for them. General questions for choosing the right power wheelchair, scooter or traditional wheelchair include:

* How far can you walk before needing assistance?

* Will your condition deteriorate over time?

* Will you be able to easily get into and out of the different devices?

* Is there sufficient strength in the upper body to self propel a traditional wheelchair?

These requirements are sometimes required if you are looking to purchase your equipment through Medicare. If you are looking to avoid all the hassles of Medicare another option is to purchase them at a low price on the internet.
Once these questions are answered, choosing which mobility device is best for your condition will be far easier. For instance, if there is enough upper body strength to move a traditional wheelchair, this option may be the most effective and the most economical. On the other hand, if you feel your condition may worsen over time, the power wheelchair may prove to be a long term investment well worth the extra money spent. If walking for short distances is plausible, but longer distances are more difficult, the scooter can provide just enough support to keep mobility in the picture. A power wheelchair or scooter is a good alternative for enjoying in the summer. It can help you travel, visit friends, mall and play with your grandchildren.
The main thing to remember when choosing the correct mobility device is the term mobility. No physical condition should be allowed to inhibit mobility to the point where movement is lost. Any individual and all individuals have the right to continue living life with the freedom allowed with movement and that is why mobility devices like Power wheelchairs, Scooters and Traditional Wheelchairs are so important to clients.

Courtesy: www.mobilitywheelsonline.com