Status
Not open for further replies.

skipper66

Very helpful member
Joined
May 20, 2012
Messages
1,527
Reason
Lost a loved one
Diagnosis
00/0000
Country
US
State
IL
City
SMALL TOWN IN
My dad is a veteran and is getting ready to get measured soon for a power wheelchair. Right now all he has been using has been more or less a transport chair. I'm sure there are many post already on here on the subject but wasn't sure where all to look. Any suggestion on what features to make sure it has etc. Thank you, Kim:
 
There are lots of threads about this in the archives. His team at the VA probably know what will work for PALS.

Tilt and recline are must haves

Seat elevator will allow him more independence for a longer period of time
It will also make transfers much easier

I have room for a spare battery to run BiPap or a vent

Hip guides for when the legs go

A comfortable, removable headrest (I can have my hAir cut without getting out of my seat)

The hip guides and armrests should swing out of the way for transfers.
 
Thank you Deb for the info. I found some more threads to read as well. I'm going to put together a list for him.
 
Yes, the seat elevator is so helpful. Get every feature you can.
 
They will get him a Permobile C400. Great chair.
 
It looks like it was all covered. When he has the fitting they will get the size right for him. Yes, a seat elevator is wonderful. I highly recommend it.

I have a Permobile C300 series. I had them add a BIPAP tray to the back of the chair. It fits just above the wheels and is large enough to hold any BIPAP. It did make the PWC 7 inches longer though because of it's length. We place the Repironics BIPAP on the platform and use a short bungee cord to hold it in place.

BIPAP power on the PWC. I also had them add a small converter, mounted to the back of the seat. It converts the 24V of the chair to the 12V the Repironics models used. I also had to get them to order the power cord that goes from the converter and plugs into the BIPAP.

Do note that running the BIPAP all day long on the chair does run down the PWC battery. When on vacation recently and out shopping and dining for about 7 hours the power indicator on the chair had lost about 1/3 of the power. Because of this when traveling a distance of a half hour or more, I have my BIPAP plugged into the Stanley 500 amp jump starter using the Repironics Cigarette lighter adapter. The wife and I just have to remember I'm plugged in and I get ready to back out of position and leave the van. Around the house I run the BIPAP only about 2-3 hours a day so the PWC power only goes down a bar, sometimes 2. Either way with only 1/3rd power consumption the charge recharges fully in 8 hours. Yes, I plug in the PWC nightly.

So the tray and from the PWC itself make using the BIPAP easy when shopping or running around the mall. The jump starter conserves PWC battery power and also provides for additional emergency battery backup should we lose power when at home for a long period. The jump starter battery is a solid workhorse. I've run the BIPAP off of it for about 16 hours, as I recall, and it's power indicator was down to 60%
 
Thank you to all of you who took the time to reply. You are all in my prayers. Kim
 
Good and helpful advice...some reputation points should be awarded, no?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top