Wheelchair Facts

Getting a wheelchair is a huge investment. Every detail must be thought out carefully, from the cost to determining what features are needed, to making sure the wheelchair is a good fit and is comfortable for its user. With an increase in the elderly population in America, wheelchair use is becoming more prevalent.

Basic Types

• The two main types are manual and power, or motorized, wheelchairs. Manual wheelchairs are considerably lighter and are moved by either the user pushing the wheels with his hands or by the assistance of someone else pushing from behind. These wheelchairs can be folded up or have a seat back that can be folded forward and wheels that can be taken off for easy break down and transport into a vehicle. Power wheelchairs are for people with less mobility. They move either by a joystick-like system or by blowing into a straw. Motorized wheelchairs are powered by a battery that must be charged every few days.

Varieties

• There are hundreds of different kinds of wheelchairs. Some have seats that rise up, recline back or even tilt upward to place the user at a standing position. There are also wheelchairs that are used for special occasions such as beach wheelchairs, wheelchairs specially designed for certain sports and shower wheelchairs.

Getting One

• In order to receive a power or manual wheelchair, a written prescription from a physician must be provided to the insurance company or Medicare. For a manual wheelchair, the doctor must state that the intended user needs the chair for use both inside and outside the home. For power chairs, the doctor must state that the intended user does not have enough upper body strength to use a manual wheelchair and needs a wheelchair for everyday life. This process does not move swiftly. It may take weeks (or even months) before the wheelchair is delivered to the client. In most cases, Medicare or a person's health insurance will pay either all or 50 percent to 80 percent of the cost of the wheelchair.

For Children

• Most disabled young children use a manual wheelchair until it is believed that they can responsibly handle a power wheelchair. Most insurance companies will not provide a new wheelchair until at least five years have passed since the last one was purchased. Because of this, it is important to choose a wheelchair that can be adjusted to fit children and teens as they continue to grow.

Cost

• According to AbleData.com, a manual wheelchair can cost from $500 to upwards of $5,000, with an average cost of about $2,000 to $3,000. According to TheWheelChairSite.com, the cost of a motorized wheelchair normally runs from $1,600 to $7,500, although the price can be considerably higher with each custom feature that is added. There are many different styles of chairs that come in various colors and designs to add a personal touch.

History

• According to KidsHealth.org, evidence exists that the ancient Egyptians were the first to use wheelchairs pushed by hand. From 1933 to 1945, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used a wheelchair in everyday life. Roosevelt had polio and could not walk on his own; however, he was still a very effective president. He successfully helped the United States recover from the terrible effects of the Great Depression.