Motorized Wheelchair Recommendations and Reminders
By Milos Pesic
A motorized wheelchair as the name implies is a motor-powered wheelchair, hence it is often referred to as a power wheelchair. To operate a motorized wheelchair outdoors, make sure first to use the seatbelt. You should install a seatbelt if the unit does not have one. Likewise, attach wheelie bars if the unit has none.
A motorized wheelchair offers great speed that is why you need to be careful when moving. You do not want your arms or feet extending out during a high-speed maneuver. Foot-support straps are necessary to avoid injuries should your foot falls from a pedal.
In addition, take extra care when heading down short and sharp turns so as not jam the foot pedals. These feature automatic brakes but avoid sudden stops as this can damage your motorized wheelchair. Should you need to go fast, you can use the joystick control to keep the brakes from engaging.
Medicare “Power Mobility” Benefit
 For Medicare beneficiaries, it is possible to get a motorized wheelchair free but of course there are certain qualifications that the person must meet to get this Medicare benefit.
First, to qualify for a free power or motorized wheelchair, the person must require assistance with one or more activities of daily living listed by Medicare, which are dressing and grooming, using the toilet, bathing and eating in the home’s dining area.
In addition to this qualification, the person must also be unable or having difficulty using a cane, a walker or a manual wheelchair. Applicants who have been qualified thus far would need to consult a doctor or a medical equipment company for the motorized wheelchair evaluation to facilitate the approval process.
face=Arial color=#008000>Being Safe
Even though it might be tempting to venture out into busy streets on your powerful motorized wheelchair, avoid doing this as much as possible because it is not safe, especially if you just got your wheelchair and you are still trying to figure out how to properly control it.
If you are crossing an open ground, a dirt road, or any soft surface, choose the safest path to avoid sinking the tires into the ground. Snow-covered grounds are dangerous because it is very hard if not impossible to control a motorized wheelchair on an icy surface so if you need to go out on a snowy day, make sure you have someone to accompany you.
Because of the power and speed of a motorized wheelchair, extra care is necessary when around children and seniors or anyone with balancing difficulties. Watch out over young children who may take hold of the control unit as the wheelchair would move quickly towards them if they pulled the joystick towards their way.
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=> http://wheelchair.need-to-know.net/
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