Wheelchair Specifications

[DgtofTNfan]

A recent post on here indicated that a PALS had a power wheelchair however the seating system did not include some features that would have been beneficial for care. In another thread a member had mentioned looking at scooters and quickly learned from this great community to skip the scooter and look at more advanced seating systems to accommodate future needs since in the US Medicare will not cover another chair for 5 years.

This made me think that we should be able to learn from each other so that we can ensure PALS are getting the best seating system within reasonable limits based on costs. I thought it would be helpful if there was a thread listing what type of seating system PALS are using and what features are on the chair. This could be a useful tool for PALS/CALs to reference when planning for the PALS seating system.

Not all PALS are going to use the same seating system however there may be features that are essential and/or highly recommended along with features that were mistakes or regretted.


Below is the list of features from my Dad's wheelchair invoice. My Dad met with an Assistive Technology specialist at a rehab center to be evaluated and help to justify this seating system. Medicare and his supplement along with a grant from the MDA covered this chair at 100%. My Dad was still walking at the household level when he died so I don't have much trial and error to report as far as usage.

• Permobil C300 Corpus Group 3 Power Wheelchair **
• Power tilt and recline
• Power Seat Elevator (Not covered by Medicare - MDA grant paid for this option and is reportedly not available in 2010.)
• Power articulating leg rests center mount
• 34 NF Gel Batteries (2)
• Swing away mount for joystick right hand
• Controller expandable
• Harness for expandable electronics
• Multiple power electronics
• Ego back cushion
• Headrest pad
• Swing away mount for headrest
• Thigh support pad (2)
• Swing away mount for thigh supports (2)
• Roho Cushion

**Medicare Group 3 – Complex Rehab Category Summary
Group 3 Coverage Criteria -The end-user must have a mobility limitation due to a neurological condition, myopathy, or congenital skeletal deformity. Diagnosis may include: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Muscular Dystrophy (MD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Spina Bifida (SB), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), etc.

Rehab technology is not something we are readily familiar with but the more we know, the more likely we will get a seating system to maximize PALS independence and alleviate care needs for CALS.

Anybody else have Do's or Don'ts?

 

[Al]

Thought this was a good start for a thread and we'll sticky it.

AL.

 

[brooksea]

Great thread Dana! Thanks!

I would like to point out that the seat elevate feature is helpful for transfers (although we don't have the chair yet, so I have no experience). An attendant joy stick on the back is also helpful.

Depending on the dealer, there may be a hefty co-pay. Be prepared to fill out paperwork for "financial hardship."

 

[mare]

Dana-

This is great! Another great idea/ thread. Thanks for your continued support here to PALS & CALS. I know I appreciate it!

 

[irismarie]

Hi, friends
Yes Dana,, this is important. I had a proper wheelchair specialist come to prepare and measure and even look at the terrain around me to order exactly the right power chair (still waiting for it to arrive but I am confident it is the best for me now).

When he came to the house, he took one look at me in my manual chair and said how badly it was fitted for me. I had gone to the chemist with a prescription from my doctor for this one. They measured and took note I needed something light but when it came later that day it was very heavy, far too wide for me and now I know it was already badly calibrated. I have never been comfy in it and always slide down and down till I am nothing but a lump of rotting flesh (not true, but I like the sound of that;-)) flopping about on the seat.

Sorry - I recounted all that to echo Dana that good fitting and proper advice is necessary.
love to all