Wheelchair Bound

Dear Linda:

My aged father has needed a wheelchair for quite some time, but he’s been resistant. I finally convinced him, but I’m not sure what type to buy or what the costs will be. Can you help?

Wheelchair bound


Dear Wheelchair bound:


Wheelchairs fall into two general categories: manual (powered by the user or someone pushing) or motorized (power wheelchairs or scooters). Both mobilize the user, but have drawbacks. Manual wheelchairs, particularly those collapsible for transport, (costing between $150–550.00) aren’t as sturdy and don’t offer as much independence, and power wheelchairs (costing $1,500–7,500) are heavy and require more maintenance.

Before making any decisions, consider the following: that the chair width should be narrow enough to pass through his home but wide enough to accommodate his hips with two inches extra on each side; the chair frame should be designed for durability (a folding chair is less sturdy because of its moving parts but a rigid-frame chair is harder to transport), the chair material should be comfortable (vinyl to cloth to leather) for the user, and should have easy-to-apply brakes, a safety-lock system, and a warranty.

Wheelchair cost is a consideration, so have your dad’s physician write a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prescription. Medicare Part B (for those over 65 or with certain disabilities) will cover 80% of the approved amount, not including the deductible, if the DME is reasonable and necessary in the treatment of an injury or illness and is used in the home. Call Medicare at 800-633-4227.

If your dad isn’t covered by Medicare Part B, other sources of wheelchair funding include Medicaid and the Veterans Administration, and call Wishes on Wheels at 800-535-3063 for help in acquiring a power wheelchair.

Remember that losing anything as precious as our mobility and independence is a major event, often wrought with anger, sadness and depression. The senior must recognize and accept that the body, a betrayer of sorts, is not only aging but ailing as well, so it’s important to understand, empathize, and be patient during this process.