My DH is in stage 5-6 along with Parkenism and spinal stenosis. He can only walk 50' without sitting for a few minutes. We want to attend our grandson's ballgames and I mentioned a wheelchair to him and he was {gasp} agreeable. Does anyone have information about wheelchairs, things to look for, etc? I thought we would look next week and maybe rent for a week or two. I imagine Medicare will take care of it rental or buy?
Medicare provided one for my mother through Hospice and rental. lmohr
Imohr the medical equipment companies will help you with medicare. Something to think about=how are you going to use it. Wheel chairs are very heavy. There is a very light weight transfer model available. It isn't meant for all day use but is great for occasional use. Doubt MC will cover that one but they aren't very expensive.
Imohr--Try to buy a used one. Check the local paper. Also, you can go to a seniors mobile home park or housing development, hospice, a retirement center, or your church. Check their bulletin boards for used ones for sale.
My DH also has spinal stenosis, but refuses a wheelchair. I was able to purchase a cane which opens to a seat, not the one with 3 legs, that was shaky, but I got this one with 4 legs when you sit, kind of like a directors chair with no back, just to take the pressure off his back. We are going on a trip, and sometimes you have to stand on line, he just can't do it anymore, this , I'm hoping , will fill the bill. He gets very agitated if he has to wait for anything and I'd really like to avoid that, especially since the children will be along, and they don't need to see thier Papa having a meltdown.
Our local American Legion has wheelchairs and everything else you could need for use as long as you need it.Some people need them just a short time and donate them to the legion,Maybe you could check it out with your local legion.There's no cost to you at all,just a public service.I was told the Red Cross also has items to lend.Hope this helps.
Ask your insurance company what company they will pay for providing you one. Most will pay for one, and I understand that Medicare will as well. Also, you can get with the wheelchair company in your city and see which one fits him best and is easier on you. There is a big variety.
Thank you all for your suggestions. Going to check it out next week.
Chris ruggleri I would like you to e-mail me and talk to someone else who is dealing with spinal stenosis along with dementia. My address is lmohr @casinternet.net. Thanks. lmohr
I ordered a transfer chair over the Internet yesterday for $149.00. The lady said it was there best seller and only weighs 19 pounds. I borrowed a wheelchair from our Pharmacy yesterday to have until this one comes and it is so heavy I could hardly get it in the trunk by myself.
Imohr glad you got the transfer chair. That is what I suggested when first you asked. It will make your life so much easier. It's also smaller for fitting in tight places like restaurants and bathrooms.
The transfer chair I bought is working out fine. I have just used it 3 or 4 times to take him from the car to the gym and he sits in it during the game instead of on the bleachers. It is lighter than a wheelchair and easier to put in the car. Thank you all for your suggestions.