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