Powered Wheelchairs- Driving Options

Although the Wheelchair has not significantly changed over the past 10 years, the technology that allows them to operate has.  There is a saying in our company, if a person has any consistent independent movement and the desire, we will get them mobile. 

Even with all the negative pressures in the Medical industry, innovation is no longer limited by the big four wheelchair producers. There are many switch and electronic companies that lead the charge in offering more creative ways to drive powered mobility.  Additionally many universities have gotten involved and have been stretching the options....from using an Ipad, eyegaze and video game controllers to EEG, and Voice Control.

Traditionally the joystick has been used to operate a powered wheelchair. When users could not control a joystick, there was switch control and sip and puff.  Later head control using proximity switches and modified head joysticks.  Modifying a joystick to be mounted on a arm or footrest was common.  In the past decade, fiber optics, magitek, light touch joystick has been used. More recently game controllers (ie PS4 and Xbox) have been converted to allow individuals to drive their powered wheelchairs with these systems. Many of the new technologies that are emerging are adapters, and supports to hold current control devies.

In the past few years, we have seen the Wii balance board used as a input device for children who when lean, can control a powered wheelchair.  Although this is not yet in the market place it certainly offers a wider range of options for those who have limitations in access or those who do not understand movement through space.   We are seeing many universities experiment with EEG as when you communicate and think, the waves are consistent and can be converted into a signal in which to drive a powered wheelchair.  Speech communication has also been used to drive a powered wheelchair.   Most recently, a university has been piercing people's tongues using it as a way to drive a powered wheelchair.

Unfortunately most of these newer technologies have not yet become commercially available or even made it through FDA consideration.  All these technologies are exciting for people who have lost the ability to move independently.  It is truly exciting to see more and more options available which will allow more access and integration.

We are really excited to see people thinking outside the traditional box, and are  looking forward to these new technologies that will enable more people to drive and be independent.

This Article was written by Carey Britton, he can be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com  or at 954-946-5793.

Active Mobility Previews CinemAbility.



Carey and Jenni

I was lucky enough to be invited to the screening of CinemAbility on 10/19/2013 at the Muvico at Pompano Beach. CinemAbility is a documentary of Disability on the Silver Screen from the the early silent films  through the present day.  Jenni Gold, Director created an amazing journey with viewer, with a star studded cast. Our local celebrity Danny Murphy had several parts helping to show the importance of using actors with disabilities in TV and in the Movies to help bring more awareness  and realism.  Jenni explained that few movie writers give much thought to the disabled community when writing their screen plays; there is a push to bring more awareness to writers toward inclusion.


This Documentary will be traveling the US over the next few months, it is a must see.  It is being considered for an Award in the Documentary Category- Tell your friends, and family.

 

For anyone in South Florida, there will be another screening (part of the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival) on November 2nd.

 

This article was written by Carey Britton, Seating Specialist for Active Mobility Center. Carey can be reached at 954-946-5793 or at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com .



Danny and Carey

Walker & Wheelchair Combo

For years we have consulted customers for four wheeled walkers and companion wheelchairs. For individuals who limited ambulation and nee the support from a walker and fatigues needing a seat, the four wheeled walker has been a great solution. For long distances, these walker users, have sat on the seat and had a caregiver push them which is not safe; but for many transporting a walker and wheelchair is not practical.

Now mobility challenged individuals have another choice, a 4 wheeled walker, with seat that converts to a companion wheelchairs.

 

 

 

This article was provided by Carey J. Britton, Seating and Mobility Specialist for Active Mobility Center and can be contacted at (954) 946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com . 



Wheelchairs, Medicare and the Five Year Rule

As is a theme in Durable Medical Equipment (DME), there are established guidlines for how long equipment needs to last and how often in can be replaced. In this article we will be discussing Seating and Mobility Equipment guidelines; it is important to know that all equipment has a usable and functional life and is listed in the fee schedule. 

Ultra Light Wheelchair

CMS/Medicare generally set's the standard for all other insurance companies follow their guidelines, it is after all easier to copy than create your own standards; and if it is good enough for the government than it is safe for other insurance companies to follow.

Seating and Mobility Equipment has a five (5) year usable life expectancy.  Until a few years ago, it was an expected entitlment that after five years you get a new wheelchair, scooter, powered wheelchair or seating system.  Although it is the eligaiblity requirement, due to over utilization, there are new guidelines that require an equipment provider detail why the equipment is no longer working, too costly to repair, is discontinued, is outgrown, or no longer provides for some other need; even after the five year term.


Scooters

It is also important to know that Medicare allows for condition progression and will consider new equipment if a patient has changed and where the current equipment no longer provides function and independence.  An example may be a patient receives a wheelchair, and loses the ability to self propel. With adequate documentation, this patient may then qualify for a scooter or powered wheelchair depending on their needs; prior to using the equipment for five years.


It is also a requirement for much more documentation to support the need coming from a physician 

Power Wheelchairs

and/or clinician. 

If you have questions on the Five Year Rule, or if you are having problems with your currently equipment, contact Carey Britton, your guide to Seating and Mobility. Carey is the resident Seating and Mobility Specialist at Active Mobility Center. He may be reached at cbritton@wheelchairguys.com or (800) 326-4463.