subject: Top Tips for Affording Medical Wheelchairs [print this page] It's evident how important medical wheelchairs are for those who can no longer move about in a functional way because of injury, disease, or advanced years. The exorbitant costs for disability wheelchairs prevents many from being able to benefit from this much needed mobility tool, but with a discount healthcare membership, as much as 50% can be saved on the purchase of medical wheelchairs and other health equipment.Many individuals have had to compromise and settle for a cheap model wheelchair because of the expense involved with a properly suited chair. The substantial discount offered by a healthcare discount card allows an individual to purchase the wheelchair that is right for them.The primary types of wheelchair choices are:* Wheelchairs that are self propelled - The least expensive and simplest medical wheelchairs are those that must be pushed by a caregiver or propelled by the person in the chair. These chairs are easily transportable, breaking down into a smaller size for traveling, but they are made primarily for a flat surface only, and a person with limited strength might be unable to propel the chair without assistance.* Motorized electric wheelchairs - The better chairs for the weak or aged are the electric disability wheelchairs that allow for movement without the need for someone else to push them. Electric wheelchairs must be charged regularly, but they give the stationary individual more freedom of movement.Many electric medical wheelchairs are not recommended for exterior use, and they have small wheels that work better on smooth and flat surfaces. It may be dangerous for the user to be outside alone in one of these, especially if the terrain is rough.* Medical wheelchairs for better mobility - A sports wheelchair is a great solution for someone who enjoys being active but is limited by leg problems. Larger tires with the ability to go into places other electric chairs cannot and greater speeds make the sports wheelchair diverse.Important Points in Choosing the Best Medical Wheelchairs for the ApplicationWith a discount health card, cost does not have nearly as much to do with choice as it would otherwise. More important concerns are how safe, functional, or comfortable the medical wheelchair is. The four key items in the decision making process are:* From where is the chair powered - Electric wheelchairs are powered from either the front wheels or the back, and the rear powered wheels usually are the faster models.* The size of the person - Wheelchairs are rated as to how much weight they can carry. Weight can be a big concern for individuals who sit often and are inactive the majority of the time.* The size of the chair itself - The width of the posterior of the user as well as the height of the person when standing are important considerations in the size of the chair. It is not uncommon for some individuals to require custom built disability wheelchairs.* Safety to match the individual - Safety is one of the most important considerations when matching the right wheelchair to the individual. Chairs are designed with safety features that are based on the many different types of individuals who use them.Consider the future possibilities of what would happen should you or a family member need a medical wheelchair.If a disability situation does arise, some of the associated expense and stress can be relieved through the use of a healthcare savings plan. This savings plan will allow you to get the right wheelchair for the right price.
