Wheelchair Advice

[Texas Star]

I fell three weeks ago and couldn't get up. Firemen who came sent me to the hospital and I was in a rehab center after.

I have peripheral neuropathy, which causes muscle weakness and loss. Also had some respiratory issues, probably an asthma flare, not infection. Hello Prednisone...

I've been using a walker instead of the cane that I previously relied on. I think my fall was due to a shoe coming off in mid step, but do NOT want another fall, so the walker.

I am also relying on a wheelchair much of the time, inc. sitting at the computer. The one I have is borrowed from the rehab center and I need to buy one.

Insurance will cover 80% of a "standard", but they can't define standard. I also need to know what "standard" means in pricing and in comfort. I don't want a too small chair, although I'm not a bulky person. The chair I have says Dalton on the side, but has no model number. Is Dalton a good brand?? What is? What should I pay for a good one? I don't need a foot rest.

Can I use the wheelchair as a regular chair? Replacing my normal chair?

What can someone tell me about buying a wheelchair? Things to look for or avoid? The rehab center was unhelpful and I detested that place. And a salesman may try to take advantage of my lack of knowledge.

Should I expect the company I buy from to deliver and assemble the chair? I certainly can't do that work!

I need to move on this ASAP. Help!

 

[Ματθιας]

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

I can't help you too much on the brands but I might be able to offer some other advice.

There are two types of wheelchairs, transport chairs - with the smaller wheels lighter weight - and the regular wheelchairs. You might want to keep footrests - you can take them on and off as you may need them later.

The light weight ones you'll have to maneuver with your feet. The full size ones you can maneuver with both hands and feet.

My dad had a "Medline". It seemed to be well built.

You might be able to get your primary to write you a script that says your wheelchair is a medical necessity - you insurance should cover all of it - i don't know what kind of coverage you have.

For example, in the case of my mom, she wanted a walker with a seat. Her primary wrote her a script and the medical supply company delivered it to the house and set it up. I think it's a Medline, too.

It might be a good idea to talk to your primary and see if they can do that for you. You might also call the local medical supply place and see what they say.

Hopefully, I was of some help... Good luck!

 

[Old&Retired]

Daughter was stuck in a wheelchair for several years. She wore out two chairs and is on her third now (thankfully only when in a mall or such).
I highly recommend Everest Jennings chairs. Everest & Jennings Products | 1800wheelchair.com
You do not want a "transport" chair. Also a "standard" chair can weigh close to 60 pounds and doesn't fit in a car truck/hatchback easily.
E&J has a series of lightweight chairs that are around 30 pounds but easily handle a 6' 200lb person.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

From a standpoint of your home. I owned older homes and new ADA compliant homes for rentals. The wider the chair the more it will "Bump & Grind" the walls and the corners of cabinets & furniture. It doesn't seem to matter the width of doorways, hallways, or house hold choke points; thing get bumped into.

You have two ways to go on this:

1) My house is valuable and I don't want to hurt it's market price!

2) My house is where I LIVE and I will LIVE the rest of my days not worrying about the value of a "thing"!

After my stroke I was in a walker, 4 footed cane, single cane and am now free standing. My limited experience says, LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST, don't sweat the nicks & dings, get a paint job every few years!

Ivan

 

[Amp]

Go and get yourself fit to a chair first.
Size matters.
Then have them submit to insurance so you know its covered.
You will find its best to transfer out of the chair when you can.

 

[Texas Star]

From a standpoint of your home. I owned older homes and new ADA compliant homes for rentals. The wider the chair the more it will "Bump & Grind" the walls and the corners of cabinets & furniture. It doesn't seem to matter the width of doorways, hallways, or house hold choke points; thing get bumped into.

You have two ways to go on this:

1) My house is valuable and I don't want to hurt it's market price!

2) My house is where I LIVE and I will LIVE the rest of my days not worrying about the value of a "thing"!

After my stroke I was in a walker, 4 footed cane, single cane and am now free standing. My limited experience says, LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST, don't sweat the nicks & dings, get a paint job every few years!

Ivan

Thanks. Good advice, but guess I drive my loaner chair better. So far, no wall scraping.