How do I choose an elderly wheelchair?

To help your older adult get the wheelchair that best suits their needs, talk with their doctor and research the different types available. You may also want to look for a local DME company that's Medicare approved. And, if there are any questions about coverage, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to find out.

What are the most comfortable wheelchair for elderly?

What should I look for when buying a wheelchair?

How do I know what size wheelchair I need?

What is a geriatric wheelchair?

Geriatric Wheelchairs (or Geri Chairs as they are often called) are a comfortable, fully reclining chair with wheels so that they can be used for mobility. These chairs are great for older users with limited mobility as they allow for easier assistance from a caregiver or attendant.

Top 10 Things to Know When Buying a Manual Wheelchair

How is a Geri chair different from a wheelchair?

A Geri chair is a useful addition to a clinical environment or home where a patient needs more substantial seating than what is provided by a conventional wheelchair. Geri chairs are great for the elderly, but they can also be used in any situation where comfortable seating is important.

What size is a standard size wheelchair?

There is no uniform standard for wheelchair dimensions. Much like a piece of clothing, a wheelchair user needs to find the right fit for their chair. However, the typical wheelchair is around 36 inches tall, 25 inches wide and 32 inches long.

How wide is a 22 inch wheelchair?

Wheelchairs that are considered “22 inch” come standard with a seat width of 22”. This is considered extra wide when it comes to manual Wheelchairs. The most common seat width for a wheelchair is 18 inches, while 16” inch chairs are the second most used.

What is the easiest wheelchair to push?

Remember, transit wheelchairs (otherwise known as transport wheelchairs) are usually designed to be pushed by a caregiver, rather than being self-propelled. So they're a great option for those who rely on someone else pushing the chair.

How do I ask my doctor for a wheelchair?

To get a power wheelchair, your doctor will need to examine you in person. After your exam, your doctor will need to write an order saying that you're capable of using a power wheelchair safely and explaining why you need one. Certain types of power wheelchairs need a “prior authorization” before you can get one.

Do I need a prescription to buy a wheelchair?

Though your doctor may suggest you to use a wheelchair after assessing your physical condition there's no requirement of a prescription for purchasing or using a wheelchair. So, if you feel that you need a wheelchair, you can get one without a doctor's prescription.

How much does a good wheelchair cost?

The average cost of a new wheelchair is between $500 and $1,500, but it really depends upon what kind of wheelchair you're shopping for. You can find manual wheelchairs priced as low as $100, while the cost of a power wheelchair can be as high as $30,000.

Does Medicare cover the cost of a wheelchair?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers power-operated vehicles (scooters), walkers, and wheelchairs as durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare helps cover DME if: The doctor treating your condition submits a written order stating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.

What is a positioning wheelchair?

Broda Positioning Wheelchairs provide profound comfort during everyday use with a design that promotes safety, pressure relief, and correct posture. The versatile functionality of the chairs was crafted with caregivers in mind to make providing support safe, easy, and efficient.

What is the narrowest wheelchair available?

The narrowest wheelchair is the Drive Medical Lightweight Transport Chair which is only 21 inches wide from edge to edge with a 17″ seat width. The narrowest self-propelled wheelchair though is the Medline Excel K4 which is only 23.5 inches wide from wheel to wheel with a 16″ seat width.

What is the widest wheelchair available?

Description. Medline's Excel Extra-Wide is the wheelchair of choice for those who desire an extra wide, heavy-duty chair. This model provides up to a 500 lb. weight capacity and is available in 20" 22", and 24" seat widths.

Can a wheelchair fit through a standard door?

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) sets forth the following recommendations: A door requires a minimum of 32” with a maximum of 48” which would accommodate most wheelchairs. (Hallways require 36”). The height of a door should be 80”.

What is the standard seat height for a wheelchair?

Standard seat-to-floor height for a wheelchair is 18" to 20". Hemi-Height is 17.5 to 18.5- inches and varies somewhat with manufacturers.

What does Hemi height mean in a wheelchair?

Most hemi wheelchairs are built on a a dual axle, which allow for adjustments from standard height to hemi height. The lower hemi height, which is generally two to three inches, allows the seated user to easily propel their wheelchair with their feet.

What is a Jerry chair?

A Geri Chair is a Medical Recliner Chair designed to allow someone to get out of the confines of their bed and be able to sit comfortably in a variety of positions while being fully supported. This type of medical seating nurtures a patient's independence and improves their quality of life significantly.

What is a Barton chair?

A Barton chair provides a “no-lift” solution that is revolutionizing health care by providing a safe, comfortable and dignified method of transferring and moving non- and limited-ambulatory patients. This medical device can make it much easier when it comes to moving, repositioning, and transferring patients safely.

What is a reclining wheelchair?

Recline wheelchairs are designed to allow the user to recline comfortably at incremental angle positions, without exerting so much energy. These types of chairs offer a change in positioning, allowing the user to open the seat to back angle, which is a lot more comfortable than a conventional seating system.