When you have a loved one who is elderly and in need of care and assistance, your primary concern is for their well-being and safety. As such, you want to be sure that they have all of the medical equipment and supplies that they need to give your loved one the highest quality of life possible without hindering their independence and personal freedoms. And if your loved one is having issues getting around and caring for themselves, you may be wondering whether or not an electric wheelchair is the right choice for them. Get to know more about getting an electric wheelchair for your loved one so that you can better decide if it is the right choice for them.

Understanding If Your Loved One Needs An Electric or Manual Wheelchair

When your loved one finds it too difficult to walk on their own throughout their home, even for a simple visit to the restroom, you may be tempted to jump right from them walking to an electric wheelchair to make moving around as easy as possible for them. However, this may not be the best course of action for your loved one's health and strength.

Manual wheelchairs are also an option for an elderly person who struggles to walk around their home. If your loved one is able to move themselves around their home using a manual wheelchair, they may benefit from the exertion and effort to do so. This activity and exercise will keep their body strong, give them a bit of exercise, and help them to feel more independent and in control.

However, if your loved one suffers from severe arthritis or struggles to move a manual wheelchair on their own, causing them physical pain and fatigue, the electric wheelchair may indeed be the right option.

Insurance Coverage for Electric Wheelchairs

Electric wheelchairs can be a major benefit to the people who truly need them. Insurance companies and Medicare recognize this and do cover the cost of this type of medical equipment in some cases.

However, in order to get help paying for the electric wheelchair for your elderly loved one, it is not enough for you to say that they need one. Instead, your loved one will have to visit their doctor and discuss the electric wheelchair option. If their doctor indicates that a power wheelchair is necessary for your loved one to maintain their quality of life and to complete important daily living tasks, they will need to sign a form to that effect to provide to your insurance company.

For more information, contact Jay Hatfield Mobility or a similar company.