I have developed a condition in my lower back, legs and feet that is making it difficult for me to walk for much distance. I have seen all the doctors, tests, etc - and this is not going away. Not terminal, but chronic.
My doctor has suggested a scooter. I have looked at some - and like the little ones that break down easily and can go in the trunk of the car. I haven't decided if that is what i want to do - don't think I am ready to accept that I am "scooter" needy. However, I do use them whenever they are available and they do help a great deal. My lack of mobility does restrict what we do and where we go.
Do any of you have any experience with these machines and guidelines that I should follow. There is no scooter store in our town and it all has to be done online and I am not comfortable like that. I need to see it, etc. I have visited some of the medical stores that have them.
Medicare and my other insurance will cover what I need. But that scares me too, I don't think I should "use" that money. All of my family and doctor have suggested the scooter. I started with a regular cane, to the four pronged one to the sit down walker. The walker slows me down and keeps me from being able to get to my AD husband quick enough when he is getting into things - especially when we are out. He wanders away. I have tried a regular wheel chair, but I just don't have the stamina to do that for long.
I have all the paperwork and permission, I just need to think about it some more before I see my doctor this week. Any suggestions.
Why on earth wouldn't you want to "use" the Medicare money? You've paid for it and your insurance for years. That's what it's there for. As long as you have the permission, GET THE SCOOTER. It will make your life so much easier.
Go to the medical store, pick out what you need, and give them the paperwork from the doctor. They will file all the paperwork. Or call 1-866-823-8854 - that's the official Scooter Store #, and they will do it.
dagma3 Be very careful here. Medicare will not pay for the mobility product unless it is needed for inside the home. Medicare could care less that you need it for outside the home, go figure, I guess they feel going out for necessities of life are not important. anyway, when you have your evaluation Medicare will require a lot of information, most likely will refer you to a physical therapist etc. Once they pay for the scooter then you will not be allowed another wheel chair of any TYPE for 5 years as the rules stand right now. Just be aware, you need to stress the need is for inside your home. They don't care if you take it out but the main criteria is for INSIDE THE HOME.
Also you say you have permission, who is the permission from??? Medicare does not pre-authorize that I am aware of. Maybe the store is telling you they have the authorization. That happened to us when we got the power chair and if I had not known better and if Medicare had not paid once we got the chair it would have been our responsibility. They do not tell you this until after the fact.
Medicare does not authorize payment until the chair has been ordered and delivered. Some of these stores tell you whatever they can to sale the item. Let us know, we are all interested in this. I am going by our experience and the rules of record.
I have a friend who lost her left leg up to her HIP to bone cancer. when she was back in high school . If there's a mobility device chair on the market, I believe she has tried it.
That being said, she LOVES her Jazzy. It's small and easy to maneuver in stores and at home..and one isn't even aware she's on it after a little while. It's so small. She drives herself everywhere, hops like a bunny from the driver's seat to the trunk..lifts out her Jazzy ..clicks it together and off she goes!
My husband's aunt used a 3 wheel scooter until a door closed on her and the scooter turned over. She decided then that she needed a four wheel scooter for safety, though she had some further problems and never got to the point of being able to use it.
My DH and I shopped and decided on the Pride Quantum 600, also made by Pride. Little bigger and handles rougher terrain than the Jazzy, but I think Pride makes good products.
We used the chair for a number of years until my DH can no longer figure out how to operate it. He doesnt even know how to turn around to sit in it. So..we have a really nice Pride chair here in ABQ. Anyone nearby need one? We are using a manual now.
The info on Medicare is right, they could care less if you need to use it outside the house and will not help with any lifts that may be needed.
We found that the chair gave a "less handicapped" look to my DH. Just looked like him sitting, whereas the scooter has equipment on 4 sides that blocks the view of the beautiful "you". Just personal preferences.
I understood the mobility "thingy" is NOT for her Alzheimer husband, ...but for herself. She just cannot walk distances and it would increase her ability to get out and about..and maybe endulge herself in some retail therapy.