Unfortunately, there will come a point when your loved one needs a wheelchair. This can be disheartening but it is not the end of the world. A good wheelchair or mobility scooter will help ensure that your loved one is able to travel the world. And, you’ll be able to take them anywhere and everywhere. With that being said, you’ll want to find them a good wheelchair. So, which one is going to suit their needs best? What do you need to consider when choosing a wheelchair for your mother or grandmother? Within this guide, you’ll find out.
Which Type?
First and foremost, you need to find out which type of wheelchair is going to work best for you. Depending on your needs, you may find that you want a motorized scooter. This is a good option since you won’t need to use any physical strength. You’ll be able to control the scooter’s movements using a joystick near your hand. Alternatively, you may want to strengthen your upper body. If this is the case, you’ll want to stick with a manual or push wheelchair. This can be tough but it’ll be rewarding.
You’ll need to use your hands to push the wheelchair in the direction you want to go. It is pertinent to familiarize yourself with the different types so you can find out which one is going to work best for you. Once you’ve learned more about each time, you’ll have a better understanding of which one is going to work best for you.
Do You Qualify?
While you’re at it, you’ll want to make sure that you qualify for a wheelchair. If you do, it is going to make a big difference. Qualifying for a wheelchair means that your doctor thinks it is a necessity for you to have one of these devices. Once you’ve qualified for a wheelchair, you can rest assured knowing that your insurance provider will cover some of the costs. With that being said, it is wise to visit your doctor and try to get qualified. If you’re able to do that, you won’t have to worry about paying the costs. To qualify, you need to show your doctor that you have limited mobility or cannot move around on your own.
Prescription
In most cases, you won’t need a prescription to obtain or use a wheelchair. However, you may want a prescription so you can receive help with the costs. If you want to take advantage of your insurance benefits, you should obtain a prescription. This will help guarantee that the insurance is going to cover the costs. Speaking with your doctor is highly recommended. If you get lucky, you’ll get a prescription and you may get the wheelchair for free. This will depend on your insurance and how much coverage you have.
Comfort
At the end of the day, you’ll want to make sure that you’re going to be comfortable everywhere you go. With this in mind, you should pay close attention to the wheelchair seat cushion. You’ll want the most comfortable cushion possible so you don’t have to worry about your backside hurting at the end of the day, You may need to spend more to obtain a more comfortable wheelchair but that will pay off dividends in the long run. With that being said, you should pay a little more in this category. Do that and you won’t have to worry about aches and pains.
Portability
Another thing to note is that you’re going to need to transport your wheelchair. When you’re in a vehicle, you’re not going to be using it. So, you’ll need to put it into your vehicle and go from there. Well, you have to understand that some wheelchairs can be folded. This makes them more compact and ensures that you’re able to transport them easier. If you want to make your life easier, you should choose a wheelchair that can be transported without much effort.
Summary
Buying a wheelchair can be heartbreaking but you may have to do it at some point. When you do, you’ll want to get the best chair for your loved one. With that being said, you should refer to the tips above so you can guarantee that you’ll be able to increase their mobility and keep them comfortable at all times.