Advantages And Disadvantages Of Power Wheelchairs
Advantages and Disadvantages of Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchairs have greatly increased in popularity among
elderly and disabled individuals. You may also hear power
wheelchairs referred to as electric wheelchairs. Just like
any other wheelchair style or brand, power wheelchairs have
their advantages and disadvantages.
The most obvious advantage to owning a power wheelchair
is that they are easy and convenient. Although power
wheelchairs do have an electric motor, they are still controlled
by the individual in the chair. Depending on the model,
some power wheelchairs are controlled by the hands and others
may even be controlled by the mouth or other workable body
parts. This feature is very important for someone who may
not have full use of their hands or arms.
The fact that there are so many varieties of power wheelchairs
available is another big plus. There are thousands of
wheelchair companies, online websites, and stores that sell
power wheelchairs and other styles. Individuals of all
ages, shapes, and sizes can end up needing a wheelchair at one
point in their life. For this reason, wheelchair
manufactures tend to customized chairs or provide a large
variety of different styles for each power wheelchair
model. Individuals of all weight and heights should be
able to find a compatible power wheelchair.
Although power wheelchairs do have some disadvantages, many of
them can be turned into advantages with extra money or
additional features. Typically a power wheelchair will not
fold up or come apart. Most individuals who need to travel
may not have a van or larger vehicle to store the power
wheelchair; therefore they will have to make other plans.
You may have to purchase an additional manual wheelchair for
trips. Another option would be to spend more money on a
power wheelchair and purchase one that folds ups or will
disassemble fairly easily. The fold up power wheelchairs
are available in most stores; however, they can cost quite a bit
more than traditional power wheelchairs.
Even since power wheelchairs have increased in popularity, there
are still many disabled, injured, or elderly individuals who are
unable to purchase a power wheelchair. The number one reason why an
individual who would like to purchase a power wheelchair cannot
is due to financial reasons. Before purchasing a power
wheelchair or completely ruling one out, it is important to
speak with insurance or Medicare representatives. Many
individuals are not aware of the fact that if a wheelchair is
advised by a doctor, it may be fully or partial covered by the
two.
Power wheelchairs are not only handy but comfortable too.
Many power wheelchairs somewhat resemble comfortable computer
chairs. Whether a power wheelchair is the best option will
depend upon the needs of the individual in question.
Although they do not always come cheap, power wheelchairs are
comfortable, easy, and safe for everyone to use.