If you have recently had an illness or injury that has left you confined to a wheelchair temporarily, then you may be wondering if you can save some money on medical bills by buying a used wheelchair. Normally, one would not consider buying a used wheelchair, especially if the use was to be permanent. The reason for this is because wheelchairs are often custom made for the user's needs. Things that are taken into account are the user's weight, height, limitation, capabilities, nature of illness or injury and whether the wheelchair will mainly used indoors or outdoors. All of this is taken into consideration when the doctor or physical therapist prescribes a wheelchair.
However, if you condition allows it, and because you won't be using it permanently, you might be willing to give up a little comfort in order to save some money on your wheelchair. One thing you should know up front is that wheelchair manufacturers do not allow for the transferring of warranties since wheelchairs are not intended to be resold. Therefore, you would want to think very hard about buying a used electric wheelchair. Even used, electric wheelchairs can be very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. If something is wrong with the motor or battery, you will be out of luck if you buy a used one.
Buying a manual wheelchair used is a little safer. If possible, you should sit in the chair to make sure you aren't too tall for it, or too short. Usually, the leg rest can be adjusted so a single chair can be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of people sizes. You will want to make sure the chair has its original pieces, especially if you need to keep your leg extended. In that case, you want to make sure the leg rests are with the chair and that they are the right length for your leg. Make sure the seat is sturdy and does not have any weak points especially if your weight is heavy. You will also want to check the wheels and casters to make sure the wheelchair is easy to propel.
It is fairly easy to find used manual wheelchairs. Just look for them in the classified section of the newspaper. You can even buy them online from websites that specialize in used wheelchairs. Shop around first and get the feel for both new and used wheelchairs so you can spot a good deal and recognize when someone is trying to overcharge.
It is fairly safe to buy used manual wheelchairs and used shower wheelchairs. Take special precautions when it comes to sports wheelchairs as these are often highly customized. And be very wary of buying an electric scooter used. If you do need an electric scooter, you should look into buying a new one since it will be under warranty. And remember, if your doctor prescribes a wheelchair for your use whether it is manual or electric, check to see if it is covered under your insurance first before laying out cash for one.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Wheelchair Umbrellas
One thing people in wheelchairs have to contend with outdoors is exposure to rain or blistering sun. People with disabilities cherish time spent outdoors and wheelchairs provide a degree of independence and mobility. However, they may be tempted to remain indoors when the sun is high in the sky or if rain is threatening. Well, those worries can be a thing of the past thanks to wheelchair umbrellas. By getting one of these handy items you no longer have to worry about being cooped up in the house due to the weather.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to venture outside. There is a myriad of flowers in bloom and everyone is getting out taking part in outdoor activities. Spring also brings unexpected showers and summer brings with it a risk of sunburn. There is no need to miss out on all of this action however. Just get a wheelchair umbrella. It can be easily clamped right to the side of the wheelchair via the base clamp. The angle of the umbrella can be adjusted to protect from blowing rain or the setting sun. The height can also be easily adjusted.
When shopping for a wheelchair umbrella, be sure to get one that opens up to 40 inches in diameter so it will provide adequate protection for sun use. Wheelchair umbrellas are not expensive at all especially when compared to the benefits they provide. A wheelchair umbrella would cost between $17 and $30.
Wheelchairs have come a long way from the institutional looking gray and blue seated steel chairs of the past. Today, wheel chairs come in two types, the manual and electric. Both of these can be customized and come in fashionable colors and can be accessorized. You might as well ride in style, so be prepared for all kinds of weather by clamping an umbrella to your wheelchair.
It doesn't matter what kind of wheelchair you have, an umbrella can be clamped into the frame securely. You will find that the wheelchair umbrellas come in a wide variety of styles and colors themselves. You could pick a nice bright white one or one with multi-colored panels. The key is to get one that is large enough and specially designed for wheelchair use so your entire body is shielded from the sun. Plus you want to be sure that if you get caught in the rain, the umbrella isn't so small that the water run-off lands in your lap. The umbrella can be retracted when not in use so it will stay out of your way and be barely noticeable.
You can find wheel chair umbrellas at medical supply stores and catalogs from retailers that sell wheelchairs and accessories.
Spring and summer are the best seasons to venture outside. There is a myriad of flowers in bloom and everyone is getting out taking part in outdoor activities. Spring also brings unexpected showers and summer brings with it a risk of sunburn. There is no need to miss out on all of this action however. Just get a wheelchair umbrella. It can be easily clamped right to the side of the wheelchair via the base clamp. The angle of the umbrella can be adjusted to protect from blowing rain or the setting sun. The height can also be easily adjusted.
When shopping for a wheelchair umbrella, be sure to get one that opens up to 40 inches in diameter so it will provide adequate protection for sun use. Wheelchair umbrellas are not expensive at all especially when compared to the benefits they provide. A wheelchair umbrella would cost between $17 and $30.
Wheelchairs have come a long way from the institutional looking gray and blue seated steel chairs of the past. Today, wheel chairs come in two types, the manual and electric. Both of these can be customized and come in fashionable colors and can be accessorized. You might as well ride in style, so be prepared for all kinds of weather by clamping an umbrella to your wheelchair.
It doesn't matter what kind of wheelchair you have, an umbrella can be clamped into the frame securely. You will find that the wheelchair umbrellas come in a wide variety of styles and colors themselves. You could pick a nice bright white one or one with multi-colored panels. The key is to get one that is large enough and specially designed for wheelchair use so your entire body is shielded from the sun. Plus you want to be sure that if you get caught in the rain, the umbrella isn't so small that the water run-off lands in your lap. The umbrella can be retracted when not in use so it will stay out of your way and be barely noticeable.
You can find wheel chair umbrellas at medical supply stores and catalogs from retailers that sell wheelchairs and accessories.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Types Of Wheelchairs
A wheelchair is used by those with limited mobility due to an illness, handicap, or injury. It helps them become more mobile and independent. There are different types of wheelchairs that are used for various reasons. It is important to understand the limitations and safe operation of whatever wheelchair you choose.
Manual Wheelchairs:
A manual wheelchair is one that is propelled by the user. It is usually done by pushing on round bars that surround the wheels. This wheelchair also has handles on the back so it can be pushed by another person. A manual wheelchair is easy to maintain, is lightweight, and is the least expensive to buy.
Electric Wheelchairs:
Electric wheelchairs are propelled by a motor and battery. They are very sophisticated. They are operated with a joy stick or push buttons. Some electric wheelchairs use advanced technology and can climb up stairs, move across gravel and even raise up to give access to high shelves. Electric wheelchairs need strong frames to support the motor and battery so they are very heavy and also quite expensive. The average cost of an electric wheelchair is $7000 but can fall anywhere from $3000 to $30,000.
Sports Wheelchairs:
As the name suggests, these wheelchairs are designed for playing sports. They are ultra lightweight yet very stable. They are often used for tennis, basketball and marathons.
Dog Wheelchairs:
Yes, there is such a thing as wheelchairs for dogs. They were created to help handicapped and injured dogs regain their mobility. Many times, the problem is hip displacement or a spinal cord injury that leaves the dog with no control over his back legs. The dog wheelchair fits onto the back legs and rolls across the floor and the dog moves forward with his front legs. This helps the dog regain mobility and go on to lead a happy and healthy life.
Pediatric Wheelchairs:
Pediatric wheelchairs are both in manual and electric form. They are just smaller scale down versions of the larger adult wheelchairs. These are usually adjustable so they can grow with the child and expand to accommodate increased weight and bulk as the child grows.
Anytime you are in the market for a wheelchair, no matter what type you are looking for, it is a good idea to do some comparison shopping. Different wheelchairs come with different capabilities and different prices as well. You will want to make sure you get a good deal for your money and end up with the best wheelchair for the person who will be using it. You can buy wheelchairs today in festive colors and seat prints. Plus you can further customize them after purchase to make the wheelchair uniquely the user's own.
Manual Wheelchairs:
A manual wheelchair is one that is propelled by the user. It is usually done by pushing on round bars that surround the wheels. This wheelchair also has handles on the back so it can be pushed by another person. A manual wheelchair is easy to maintain, is lightweight, and is the least expensive to buy.
Electric Wheelchairs:
Electric wheelchairs are propelled by a motor and battery. They are very sophisticated. They are operated with a joy stick or push buttons. Some electric wheelchairs use advanced technology and can climb up stairs, move across gravel and even raise up to give access to high shelves. Electric wheelchairs need strong frames to support the motor and battery so they are very heavy and also quite expensive. The average cost of an electric wheelchair is $7000 but can fall anywhere from $3000 to $30,000.
Sports Wheelchairs:
As the name suggests, these wheelchairs are designed for playing sports. They are ultra lightweight yet very stable. They are often used for tennis, basketball and marathons.
Dog Wheelchairs:
Yes, there is such a thing as wheelchairs for dogs. They were created to help handicapped and injured dogs regain their mobility. Many times, the problem is hip displacement or a spinal cord injury that leaves the dog with no control over his back legs. The dog wheelchair fits onto the back legs and rolls across the floor and the dog moves forward with his front legs. This helps the dog regain mobility and go on to lead a happy and healthy life.
Pediatric Wheelchairs:
Pediatric wheelchairs are both in manual and electric form. They are just smaller scale down versions of the larger adult wheelchairs. These are usually adjustable so they can grow with the child and expand to accommodate increased weight and bulk as the child grows.
Anytime you are in the market for a wheelchair, no matter what type you are looking for, it is a good idea to do some comparison shopping. Different wheelchairs come with different capabilities and different prices as well. You will want to make sure you get a good deal for your money and end up with the best wheelchair for the person who will be using it. You can buy wheelchairs today in festive colors and seat prints. Plus you can further customize them after purchase to make the wheelchair uniquely the user's own.
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Our Commitment To Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Our Commitment To Children’s Privacy
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 18, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 18. Under our Terms of Service, children under 18 are no allowed to access our service.
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lterations to this Privacy Statement
The content of this statement may be altered at any time.
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.
Our Commitment To Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Our Commitment To Children’s Privacy
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our website from those we actually know are under 18, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 18. Under our Terms of Service, children under 18 are no allowed to access our service.
Collection of Personal Information
On visiting this site, the IP address used to access the site will be logged along with the dates and times of access. This information is purely used to analyse trends, administer the site, track user’s movement, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. Importantly, IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.
Links to third party websites
We have included links on this site for your reference. We are not responsible for the privacy policies on these websites.
lterations to this Privacy Statement
The content of this statement may be altered at any time.
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