When My Wheelchair Starts Falling Apart…

This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Tiffiny Carlson.  Tiffiny is a C5-6 quadriplegic and founder of Beautyability.

…I start looking at the cost benefit ratio of the repairs versus getting a new power chair. Here in my home state of Minnesota you used to be (literally, almost) given a new power chair every 5 years. That was just the way the state set it up.

Well over the years, wheelchair designs have improved and they now last longer than 5 years; especially if you take care of them. You now only get a new chair if the repair costs outweigh the cost of a new chair (or if your current chair has become a hazard).

Despite these changes, the process of ordering a new chair has stayed the same; but if you’re new to the game (unlike me. I’ve been at this for 15 years now) it can be a bit dizzying. So to help anyone out there who is finding themselves in this situation, let me show you how I go about ordering a new wheelchair in the year 2009.

The very first, and most important step, is finding a reputable wheelchair dealer. I go through Reliable Medical Supply. They’re not a chain so if you don’t live here in the Twin Cities, don’t bother looking them up. Instead, go by word of mouth. Ask your fellow disabled friends, people at your home health care agency, people at your PT/OT gym; go anywhere where people with wheelchair-knowledge might hang out, and ask them where they like to purchase their new wheelchairs.

The next step is setting-up an appointment with a rep. They may come to your house, which makes things easier for you, and come bearing loads of catalogs from every possible wheelchair manufacturer your insurance may cover. They will go with you over every possible option and extra, almost making shopping for a wheelchair a pleasant experience (if that’s possible). Do you want tilt, an elevator seat, foot rests or a foot plate, what color (always go with “wet black”)….and on and on…

I have never had anything other than an Invacare power chair. I’m used to them, they’re reliable, they’re quiet (brushless motors. I like sneaking up on people), and they aren’t that overly-bulky. I really wish they had funky options, like bad ass rim designs for my back wheels, but only Permobil sells this uber cool “extra” and my insurance rarely, if ever, covers these Sweden-produced chairs.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of time it takes for your chair to arrive after ordering. Actually, waiting for insurance approval AND waiting for your chair to arrive from the manufacturer (which can take about 8 weeks) can make it seem like eons for your new shiny wheelchair to arrive on your doorstep. Plan accordingly and store up some much needed patience. You’ll need it.

Do you have any other helpful tips to share? How does the process vary in your state?