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Bobbie,
Alot of folks are giving you some good info. But remember ... they are also telling you what works for THEM.
Since we're all different ... you need to think out what is important for YOU in a power chair.
I think you said you had another power chair ... if so what do YOU like abt IT and what DON'T *YOU* like
about it?
Seating specialists can "help" by measuring your leg length, your approx weight, your hip width and USE that
info to offer advice on what seating on what chairs may fit your body more comfortably. They can help
with choosing a good cushion for the new chair by doing pressure mapping (which THEY can explain to you.)
Also, seating specialists can sway Medicaid to buy a chair that they may not otherwise pay for unless they
get "good" documents from "experts" as to WHY you need a particular chair or feature.
I've ALWAYS insisted on "trying out" a wheelchair for a week or two before buying something that may be
a mistake. And ONLY by test-driving something that BECOMES A PART OF YOU DAILY ... will you then
get an idea of your comfort level and needs. ANY vendor who wants to make a sale will be ok with this.
If one is not open to let you try out a chair ... you do NOT want their business. It shows how they'll
treat you when you need adjustments later or repairs.
I'm eligible for a new chair too but with soooooooooooooo many on the market I have no idea what I'll
choose. I DO KNOW that I love my tilt feature. I DO KNOW this chair (Permobil) sits to high and can't be
adjusted lower - uncool. I DO KNOW getting batteries installed in this chair is a big ordeal - uncool.
You get the idea. You've done this before however, have you not? So me confused on all your questions
when it should be 'old hat' to you. I apologize if this IS ALL NEW to you.
Lori
-------Original Message-------
Date: 07/07/05 08:10:24
Subject: [QUAD-L] What to inform the seating specialist when ordering a new chair?
OK All who use power chair's,
I have more questions. What should a seating specialist know before ordering a power chair for me? My insurance, Medicaid. That I drive, and love to roam around out side in all kinds of weather.
What is very important that he/she should know about me? What kind of questions should I be asking?
Bobbie
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