Use your new wheels to keep moving forward!

Do yourself a big favor and be fitted for the correct wheelchair. Think twice before buying one off a website, etc. Batteries are different, seats are different and so are the back measurements. You may be spending a lot of time and if it is not comfortable you will opt for the bed more than the chair.

We are on our 2nd Permobil electric in 6 years. Curly just received his 2nd chair as Medicare will replace them every 5 years. At the time you order your chair you can add some bells and whistles that may make your life a little easier for a small cost.

We did add the elevated height option. This makes it extremely helpful to be at the same height as the person talking to you in a larger gathering. It also has helped Curly to be noticed at the Deli counter…

There is a learning curve on the electric wheelchairs. I just try and remind myself that this is his home too. Sand down the door jams and with a little bit of paint they will be good as new…

We had also purchased a regular lightweight collapsible wheelchair where everything comes off, wheels, etc. and makes it easy for transporting. Ours is the Cadillac of wheelchairs, Motion Concepts, which he was fitted for through Numotion. After you take the wheels and footrest, cushion off it folds nicely in the car. Not only that but your caregiver can pretty much direct this with one hand. Expensive, yes! However, if you are going to need a portable wheelchair it may be one of the best investments. My only concern with this one is traveling by air. When you take all the pieces off make sure you have them when you arrive at your destination.

Visit the Numotion website www.numotion.com/locations and set up an appointment, they will be able to fit and direct you to the perfect chair for you.

We did have some issues with Curly’s 2nd wheelchair and the representative from Permobil came to our home and corrected everything….

Moving forward…. never stop asking questions if something is not right, keep asking until it is resolved. If you are currently in a rehab facility you may need to wait until you are home for your own chair to be delivered and covered by Medicare. They would be able to measure you and make sure that everything will be ready when you are released from the facility. In the meantime, they may give you a loaner.

How does Medicare coverage work with a wheelchair?

Wheelchairs are considered durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare guidelines. Other examples of DME for mobility include walkers, canes, power scooters, and power wheelchairs. To qualify for Part B Medicare coverage of your wheelchair or other mobility device, you must meet the following conditions:

• Your doctor must write an order indicating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair to get around in your home (Medicare will not cover a wheelchair if you only need it to get around outside your home or for leisure and recreational activities).

• You have a health condition that limits your mobility and makes it difficult for you to move around your home.

• You need a wheelchair to help you with daily activities of living such as going to the bathroom, bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed.

• You are physically able to safely operate a wheelchair or you have someone in the home that is always available to help you use it safely.

• Both the doctor who orders the wheelchair and the supplier who provides it must participate in the Medicare program.

How does Medicare coverage work for a power wheelchair?

In some cases, Medicare coverage is available for a power wheelchair. You must have a face-to-face exam with the doctor who is recommending the power wheelchair and he or she will have to write an order for it, explaining to Medicare why you need a power wheelchair and certifying that you are physically capable of using it. Unfortunately, this is a strict assessment that sometimes makes getting a power wheelchair impossible.