Wheelchair Cushions
Filed under Wheelchair
A wheelchair cushion is the most important accessory of a wheelchair but is often the most overlooked. It is the cushion support that gives a person a sense of comfort and the confidence to travel long distances. Wheelchair cushions are made to provide quality support to their users who spend extended amounts of time in a sitting position. They are designed to assist a person’s overall body posture, and should match a person’s body figure. No one should ever feel uncomfortable because of a poorly made cushion to where it bottoms out or they are slipping on the cushion cover.
Choosing a Seat Cushion
There are many factors that are used to determine the best wheelchair cushion for a particular individual. Their physical needs, transportations needs, how they handle a wheelchair and daily activities all should play a role in choosing an adequate cushion. The best seating solution for a physically active individual will differ from someone who is limited with their physical movement. When looking for the best cushion it needs to be measured correctly in width, depth, and height to insure the weight is properly distributed.
Wheelchair Cushions Types
The most common wheelchair cushions are made of these three materials, foam, gel and air. Foam cushions are the best shock absorbers for bumpy surfaces but makes for a hot seat.
Gel cushions can minimize heat well and absorbs minor vibration but not for bumpy or impact surfaces. Air cushions conforms to the user but must be maintained properly for the most efficient use. Too much or too little air can make the wheelchair cushion user feel uncomfortable and be a safety issue.
Enhancing stability and pelvic positioning, maintaining a healthy body temperature, and helping to reduce unwanted pressure are just some benefits of wheelchair cushions that play a huge role to its user. In addition to these benefits you also want to look for features such as, washable non slip cushion or cover, easily transferred and transported cushions, cushions that molds to body shapes, and that very durable. Using the correct wheelchair cushions can lessen or prevent poor postural stability, dangerous pressure sores, and minimal physical movement.
Medicare will reimburse for wheelchair cushions as long as it is deemed medically necessary. For most wheelchair users, if their wheelchair qualified for Medicare, their cushions will also qualify. If you do not have insurance, prices for cushions can range from $50 to $300 for the higher end materials and the ones fully customized for the wheelchair.
Tags: Air wheelchair cushions, Foam wheelchair cushions, Gel wheelchair cushions
How To Apply For A Wheelchair
Filed under Wheelchair
Whether it is due to injury, or long-term health problems, mobility issues can be devastating for an individual or a family. The obvious answer is a wheelchair, but sometimes that can be difficult to afford. In many cases, it is possible to apply for a free wheelchair through a variety of services, and in other cases, an individual may have insurance that will cover the cost of a wheelchair. There is no reason to pay for an expensive wheelchair when you may have other options.
Power Wheelchairs and Medicare
The first thing to do is check your insurance policy, and see if it covers the cost of a wheelchair. If it does, then your answer is easy. Find a wheelchair that’s comfortable, and has the features you want, and then use your insurance to pay for it.
You must have a medical need for Medicare to cover a power wheelchair or scooter. 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, after you’ve met the Part B deductible is paid by them. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Medicare won’t cover this equipment if it will be used mainly for leisure or recreational activities, or if it’s only needed to move around outside your home.
If your insurance does not cover you, things get a little more complicated, but you still have a great chance to get a wheelchair without paying for it.
Wheelchair Application
Check online for all the different services that can provide free wheelchairs to people with mobility problems. Usually these services will require you to fill out an application, detailing your income, age, the extent of any injuries, and other issues. If you meet their requirements, they will provide you with a wheelchair, and usually you won’t have to pay for anything. In some cases, you may have to pay something, but it will often be greatly discounted. Click here to apply for a wheelchair.
If you are looking for a mobility scooter or want an electric wheelchair better configured to meet your needs, Spin Life offers many choices for someone who might require funding help from insurance. They will work with your non-HMO Medicare and private insurance companies to make sure you get the right handicapped equipment.
Losing your mobility is a terrible thing all by itself. There are going to be new expenses because of your injuries, and you’ll probably need help from friends and family, especially in the beginning. Even if your mobility is only partially affected, a wheelchair can make things much easier. The sense of independence they provide is almost priceless; it’s well worth the effort it takes to apply for one.
