1-833-207-3433
For people with disabilities, the degree to which they are able to move freely and independently is one of the most important indicators of their quality of life since it dictates how they engage with the world around them. Around 3.2 million people who would otherwise be unable to move around freely or have difficulty doing so are able to do so with the assistance of a wheelchair, whether it be a motorised or manual one. It is common knowledge that looking for the right wheelchair, whether for oneself or for a member of one’s family, can be a highly stressful process for the one doing the looking. After all, there are hundreds of various sorts, and there is a wealth of diversity among their characteristics.
When you go out to buy a wheelchair, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is whether you need a manual or motorised wheelchair. This will help you narrow down your options. People with disabilities that are not as severe, people who are more active, or people who have injuries that are only temporary may find that they are more comfortable using manual wheelchairs. On the other hand, people who have disabilities that are very severe or people who require additional assistance may find that they benefit from using an electric wheelchair. However, in addition to these factors, there are others that need to be taken into consideration, such as the weight of the chair, its capability of being folded, its mobility, and the degree of comfort it provides.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a Wheelchair?
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 defines wheelchairs as “technology that enables a person with a mobility impairment to move about either inside or outdoors, or both.” Wheelchairs may be used both indoors and outdoors. As their names indicate, wheelchairs are essentially chairs that have been adapted in such a way as to add wheels. The kind of propulsion that is used to push a wheelchair places it in one of two categories: manual operation or power-driven. Wheelchairs may be placed in either of these categories.
Who Benefits from Using a Wheelchair?
People who are unable to walk due to an illness (physiological or physical), an accident, or a disability are the target population for wheelchairs. Those who have difficulty walking or are unable to walk altogether are also included in this target demographic.
Manual Wheelchairs: Types and Features
The individual who is seated in a manual wheelchair is the one who moves it forward by pushing on the bars that ring each of the larger wheels of the chair. This is done in order to move the chair. This enables the chair to move forward, which in turn leads the user to be propelled forward. The wheelchairs each come equipped with grips on the back, allowing two persons to simultaneously propel the chair forward. The overwhelming majority of wheelchairs that are powered manually may either be of the standard or lightweight kind.
Standard wheelchairs are the kind of wheelchairs that cost the least; nevertheless, there is a trade-off for the affordability of these chairs. Standard wheelchairs are not as comfortable as other types of wheelchairs. These wheelchairs have a weight capacity of more than 36 pounds, which makes it more challenging to manoeuvre and push them than other models that weigh less. Standard wheelchairs are often manufactured from materials that are lower in cost, and some people find that sitting in them is uncomfortable. Because of all of these factors, we do not advise using ordinary wheelchairs for extended periods of time or on a consistent basis.
Wheelchairs that are classified as lightweight, as their names suggest, weigh much less than standard wheelchairs. These wheelchairs have a weight that is lower than the standard, which is 36 pounds, and they weigh less than that. The majority of versions are equipped with extra cushioning for the user’s comfort as well as an adjustable back, footrests, and armrests. Some examples of lightweight versions of wheelchairs include the following:
Wheelchairs with high strength and low weight — These chairs are more long-lasting than either the ordinary or lightweight wheelchairs, yet at the same time they weigh less than a typical wheelchair would (about 30-34 pounds). Persons who desire to go out often and have an active lifestyle are the ones who will benefit most from wearing them.
The lightest kind of wheelchairs, known as ultra-lightweight wheelchairs, come in at a little under 30 pounds. These wheelchairs are the lightest kind of wheelchairs. In addition to this, they are the ones that are the least difficult to command. It’s possible that those who are confined to a wheelchair for extended periods of time may discover that ultra-lightweight wheelchairs provide a higher level of comfort.
The term “transporter chair” refers to yet another kind of mobility chair that is typically included in the same category as wheelchairs. Transporters are mobility aids that are comparable to wheelchairs but also have the manoeuvrability of walkers or rollators. Rollators and walkers are other names for transporters. These transporters are incapable of self-propulsion since they are equipped with four smaller wheels rather than two bigger wheels, which would allow them to go forward on their own. As a consequence of this, they are intended to be pushed by a carer rather than by the individual who is using them.
Electric Wheelchairs: Types and Features
Wheelchairs that are propelled by electric means and are attached to a power source are referred to as power-driven wheelchairs, electric-powered wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, or powerchairs. Other names for these types of wheelchairs are powerchairs and electric-powered wheelchairs (typically motors and batteries). Wheelchair propulsion methods may be broken down into three main types, which are as follows:
Wheelchairs that have front-wheel drive are built with two large driving wheels in front of the seat and two smaller casters in the rear for both stability and movement. Front-wheel drive wheelchairs are the most common kind. The most popular kind of wheelchair is one that drives on the front wheels. These chairs have the capability of moving over bumps and obstructions that are up to 2 inches in height. These have the capacity to fishtail when turning at high speeds and have the ability to turn with the smallest turning radius of any drive system.
These wheelchairs are quite comparable to front-wheel drive wheelchairs; however, the structure of the wheels is inverted, with two large driving wheels located closer to the back of the seat and two smaller casters located in front of the seat. These wheelchairs are designed for individuals who have limited mobility in their front or back legs. Wheelchairs with rear-wheel propulsion provide a high degree of stability and are simple to handle, even while travelling at high speeds. In addition to this, they are less likely to be oversteered and are the power wheelchairs that are most suited for use outdoors, especially on uneven terrain.
There are a total of six wheels on these chairs, which are known as “central drive” chairs. There are two large driving wheels located at the centre of the seat, two smaller wheels at the front of the chair, and two smaller wheels at the back of the chair. These chairs feature a turning radius that is noticeably less than the turning radius of the other two drive systems, which makes them ideal for use in interior spaces that are more compact and outdoor places that are level. They are also a viable option for usage in bigger outdoor areas. These wheelchairs, on the other hand, have a propensity to sink into softer ground and lose their grip when they do so. They are also more difficult to manoeuvre, and in general, they are designed for individuals who need a wheelchair with a big weight capacity, up to 600 pounds. They are designed for persons who require a wheelchair with a large weight capacity, up to 600 pounds. In addition to this, transporting them is more challenging.
Despite the fact that these three categories of vehicles are often confused with one another, there are some essential differences between power wheelchairs, electric scooters, and mobility scooters. One of the most recognisable characteristics of motorised wheelchairs is the presence of a joystick that acts as the main way of control for the device. This not only allows the user to exert less arm or hand force while maintaining the same level of control, but it also provides support for the user’s arms. Joysticks are simple controls that just need a light touch from the player’s fingertip to activate. Handlebars are used to steer electric scooters, which necessitates a much higher level of upper-body power from the rider.
Financial Aspects: Is Medicare Responsible for Paying for Wheelchairs?
Due to the fact that wheelchairs fall under the category of durable medical equipment, Medicare Part B will pay for their purchase. However, in order for Medicare to pay for wheelchairs, the user’s treating physician needs to provide a written order stating that the patient needs a wheelchair in their home and has met all of the requirements for limited mobility that Medicare stipulates. Only then will Medicare pay for the wheelchair. Once the conditions for the patient’s Part B deductible have been met, the patient is responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved cost, while Medicare covers the remaining 80% of the cost. It’s possible that some Medical Advantage plans’ all-inclusive benefits packages may extend coverage to wheelchairs as well.
