Service Policy for Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, like most other pieces of medical equipment, are subject to breaks and malfunctions. It is not uncommon that, over the life of the chair, repairs and replacements will have to be performed. Service policies, however, can differ dramatically depending upon many factors.

Hospitals

• Unless you brought your own wheelchair to a hospital, chances are you are using one owned by the medical facility. The hospital may have a specific department that deals with these repairs, or their service policy may involve calling the manufacturer for assistance. At times, they may contract repairs to a private company.

Nursing Homes

• In a nursing home, you can either bring your own wheelchair (whether you are a short- or long-term resident) or use the facility's wheelchairs. Typically, either kind of chair can be repaired by the physical therapy or maintenance department, unless replacement parts are needed. In this case, the manufacturer of the chair must be contacted.

Private Homes

• If you purchased a wheelchair for your own use (or a family member's use) the service policy depends upon which company sold it to you. Most have warranties lasting several months, if not years, on certain parts and types of labor. Custom-made chairs, however, may have reduced warranties and repair policies.