Power Wheelchairs and MS: What You Need to Know

As a professional who evaluates people at home, community and at work, I analyze equipment with its ability to provide meaningful function but also enhance its potential in meeting the ambiguous nature of MS. Because of the expense, buying a power wheelchair requires some straightforward planning and vision, both of which I give to you today.

My goal is not to give you the best wheelchair to buy for your situation, as the model is always changing, but to give you some basic principles that you can apply no matter if you need a power wheel today or sometime in the future. .

When ordering a power wheelchair we separate basis (parts with motors, batteries and electronics) from seating system. Seat systems (cushions, back support, head support, foot support) are viewed as accessory to the wheelchair base like other accessories like tires and colors. Insurance companies will buy outdated accessories or no longer meet the customer's medical needs for a 5-year wheelchair, what they don't buy is a new power wheel base. (very important, remember this!)

Seating systems range from Standard seats that looks and functions like a bucket seat from a car, to Recovery Seat for customers who need more support. The recovery seats are more supportive and are often powered by motor and electronics. Recovery seats allow people to lean, lean, lift their feet and put themselves back when they can no longer. Recovery seats allow people to spend several hours if not all day in their wheelchairs without having to move from there. Powerful recovery seats can mean the difference between people living more freely, working full-time and integrating into society when without them they may need a significant amount of caregiver assistance.

In terms of MS you may decide to start with a standard seat and then move to the recovery area when and when the need arises. However, if you do not buy an upgraded power base for the recovery and power seat then you are drowning. I can't tell you how many people came to see me when they were 1-3 years old who couldn't handle the upgraded seats and how many options they had to fix things.

When considering purchasing your wheelchair with your doctor, therapist, and wheelchair vendor, use planning and vision to provide the possibility that MS Disease may progress to a required power-seat seat. Taking this responsibility in the first place and deciding on a power base that will handle the seating scenario can save you some discomfort in the future.

There are several wheelchair companies that offer a base of wheelchairs that will accommodate both standard seating as well as power recovery areas if you need them. With just the help of your doctor, reputable wheelchair seller, and guidance from a physical therapist or occupation trained in seating and mobility, you can work together to get the wheelchair you need today and into the year ahead.

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