Limited mobility can take a real toll on your health and your quality of life. Whether those limitations in mobility are caused by severe arthritis, a hip or knee problem or just regular aging, a powered wheelchair can help you regain your independence and get around much more easily.
Whether you are thinking about a powered wheelchair for a loved one or considering one for yourself, there are a few signs that one of these advanced devices is the right choice for you. If you recognize any of these signs, it may be time to consider a powered wheelchair to become more mobile.
You Have a Health Condition that Makes it Difficult or Dangerous to Get Around
If you have problems getting around your home, doing your normal housework and maintaining a suitable quality of life, a powered wheelchair may be the best solution. A powered wheelchair can be even more important for someone whose condition puts them are risk of injury.
For instance, an individual with severe hip problems and osteoporosis will probably be safer with a powered wheelchair than a walker or cane. Since a fall could result in a life-threatening injury, using a powered wheelchair could greatly enhance safety.
You Have Trouble Performing the Tasks of Daily Living
If you have trouble bathing, showering, getting in and out of bed or going back and forth to the bathroom, a power wheelchair can definitely make your life easier.
Problems with the tasks of daily living may even qualify you for Medicare coverage. If your doctor determines that you need a power wheelchair, the Medicare program may help you pay for it.
Your Disability is Permanent or Semi-Permanent
If you have a temporary disability like a broken bone, a regular wheelchair, a pair of crutches or a walker will probably be enough to get you through the hardest part of your recovery. Once you bone has healed and your physical therapy has been completed, you can give up your cane, walker or wheelchair and get on with the rest of your life.
On the other hand, if your disability is expected to be permanent or long lasting, a power wheelchair may be the best option in the long run. A power wheelchair can be easier to control and move around, especially if you live alone or do not want to rely on others to push a manual wheelchair. If your doctor has indicated that you are likely to need a wheelchair for the foreseeable future, you might want to ask about a powered model.
No one wants to rely on a wheelchair, but sometimes limitations on mobility make assistive devices necessary. Whether you are suffering from arthritis, recovering from a hip transplant or knee replacement or just need more support than a cane or walker can provide, a power wheelchair could be the perfect solution for you.
Even if you only suspect a power wheelchair could improve your life, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can discuss your options, give you further information and even provide the paperwork that could help you get a great powered wheelchair for an affordable price.
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