Hello all,
Dad has Parkinsons, uses a regular 4-wheel walker, but it's way too short (or he's way too tall: 6'2, 250). Doc prescribed a UStep upright walker for him. Medicare will pay for some of it as I understand (waiting to see how much.) My question is will Medicare pay for the electric wheelchair he will need in the near future, say like a year from now, if they already paid for this walker?
The goal is to keep him walking as much and as long as possible, hence this specialized upright walker now. But realistically PD is progressing right along and he's not being as active as he needs to be to keep the strength in his legs. He is losing strength, we can't force him to get active, and he will be chair bound in the not too far off future. Family and doctors and physical therapists have talked and talked but he won't be active. The activity decline has been steady for years now, but really fast now that mom passed. He says he doesn't want to be wheelchair bound, but he's headed there. Fast.
So, I'm looking at the right now (expensive upright walker) and the 'in a year needs' (electric wheel chair)... is there someone out there who knows or has been through the Medicare issue? He lives in an AL facility, but comes over to our houses, and goes out and about to places in the community. Any advice about products to consider, or other issues to think about? Will a person with PD and hand tremors even be able to control an electric wheel chair? I expect we can't take it IN cars, and will have to get a hitch carrier (? is electric chair waterproof, can we transport in the rain??) OH MY GOSH, so many questions! Thanks in advance!
If he is a Veteran he may qualify for many other services and benefits.
Medicare did pay for a rollator walker. It is a basic walker but the height is adjustable.
My mother was fortunate to escape ever being in a wheelchair. So I can’t speak to that. Mom did have bad knees but wasn’t a candidate for surgery.
A Methodist church had opened up its doors for people who were evacuating New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
The church was a nice place to rest for a while before traveling onto Houston.
The pastor saw how tired Mom was and brought over a wheelchair for Mom to use.
When we finished resting and I brought the wheelchair back to him, this kind man said, “No, I am giving it to your mother.” I insisted on giving it back. He refused to take it. I will never forget his kindness.
Mom was blessed not to be in a wheelchair full time. The only time she used one was when she had to walk a farther distance than usual.
When Mom died we gave the chair to someone who needed it. Pay it forward.
I think I would also consider getting a portable wheelchair now - to make life easier for both of you when he visits. The manual type you push (not powered self-driven).
While Dad can transfer into a regular car, do that. Look for a lightweight, foldable wheelchair that fits into your car.
Try an equipment hire store but avoid getting talked into the most $$$. Hire a manual chair that fits his height & leg length for a trial. (The cost of a manual wheelchair is much much cheaper than powered).
Many people use a wheelchair 'part-time' like this for visits/outings.
Later, if required, you can look into a powered wheelchair. A person usually would have an OT assessment for a powered chair, as they need the dexterity, eyesight & cognition to drive it. It's a big step. May also mean having to using a wheelchair taxi service for transportation as too cumbersome for private cars. Cross that bridge later I think. Consider if the apathy & depression that is known to be part of the PD mix may be a hidden yet real factor for your Dad.
Wishing you the best for this next stage.
I would go to a store that sells durable equipment and run the scenario by them.
So it is very good question, maybe there will be more advice.
But I think his doctor along with team of specialists in neurology department will be able to come up with best solution.
What happens if a power wheelchair gets wet?
Water can cause electrical components to corrode and the power chair's frame to rust. Power wheelchairs should be examined periodically for signs of corrosion caused by water exposure, bodily fluid exposure, or incontinence. Damaged components should be replaced or treated immediately.
You can buy a waterproof cover to protect the wheelchair if it's in the rain on a trailer behind your car. Google "can my electric wheelchair get wet" for more info and tips.