  
Wheelman
Posts: 2
Joined: 2/3/2008
Status: offline
|
 RE: Question for Wheelchair Expert/... (in reply to Wheelman)
|
|
|
 Wow, don't everyone all answer at once here. lol :)
This was a frustrating question for me to ask, it seems that modern medical science does not have any one way to view the many types of manual wheelchairs being offered today. It seems it comes down to the end users needs as to whatever wheelchair works best for them. Now, if it was that easy then when people request help from insurance companies we would not be denied at the drop of a hat.
Well here to offer some help to this ansswer is my list of manual wheelchair types and the uses they are mostly used for.
Manual Wheelchair Types and Uses:
 Standard Institutional/Nursing Home/Depot Chair* - These weigh 35 lbs. and up. -This is the type of wheelchair most able bodied average people first think of as a wheelchair. The least expensive type of chair available, the institutional chair, is designed for institutional usage only, such as transporting patients in hospitals or nursing homes. It is not an appropriate alternative for anyone who requires independent movement, as the institutional chair is not fitted for a specific individual. These types of chairs are now also used as rental chairs and by commercial enterprises (such as grocery stores and airports) for temporary use. Institutional chairs are designed for use of less than two to four hours maximum a day, and for short term, non permanent daily full time use as users will end up with more medical issues as a direct result of using this type of chair.
Lightweight/High Strength Lightweight Chair* - These weigh between 30 to 34 lbs. - Lighter weight versions of the above standard institutional chair, and does provide somewhat more ability for the user to self propel. These are also found in many elder care home facilities as they make it easier for staff to transport people, and easier for the staff to lift and handle the chair when needing to travel to appointments. Not designed around any one individuals needs, and is not much different other than the lighter weight of the above standard institutional type chairs.
* Denotes the type of wheelchair Aetna will allow me to acquire at this point.
Daily Use/Ultra Light/Sport Chairs - These weigh from 9 to 29 lbs. - The most popular type of wheelchair for everyday use for a person with good upper body mobility is the lightweight manual wheelchair. These chairs provide maximum independence of movement with a minimum of effort. Many active wheelchair users also prefer the more ergonomic features daily use chairs offer compared with the more standard institutional chairs or the lighter version of the institutional type chairs. The daily use ultra lightweight chairs of today are now used by people in virtually all walks of life as a preferred mode of assisted mobility. The features found on daily use chairs come in two styles one being for the new full time user to daily living from a wheelchair these offer adjustments not offered or found on the institutional type chairs, and are designed with the wheelchair user in mind, as to best allow for the new user to find the best seating position. The next style in the daily use chair type are designed for the user who knows what position they prefer, and can find daily use chairs with the unique measurements they require for the best ergonomics for them. No longer to all options, or measurements need to be a custom order, many manufactures also offer different base models that the end may find just what they require without the need for a custom made frame. Three-wheeled chairs, also developed for such sports as tennis and basketball, are now also everyday chair alternatives.
Hope this offers some help.
:)
And, the very same insurance industry that prevents access to the most correct possible equipment, services and such is costing itself untold billions of dollars per year in medical condtions that are created by denying people what they most need. Each type of wheelchair has a defined use it was designed. Each also offers not only benefits, but a negative side to the ways they are used if used as not designed.
_____________________________
Riding Proud
|
|
Printable Version
New Messages
No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages
Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages
Locked w/o New Messages
Post New Thread