What is an ambulette?
Ambulette companies offer emergency and non-emergency transportation to hospitals, nursing homes, doctors appointments and health related facilities. Their services could be paid for by Medicare or other government organizations depending upon the qualifications of the individual being transported so make sure to check with each individual company regarding your Medicare eligibility.
The Types of Wheel Chairs
Wheelchairs come in different shapes and sizes. The variations include:
Manual wheelchairs, where the occupant of the wheelchair must use arm strength to move themselves.
Powered wheelchairs, where the occupant uses a joystick control to operate an electric motor that provides mobility.
Mobility scooters—these are ideal for the individual who can operate independently around the home, but who need some mobility support when they the home (to go food shopping, for instance)
It’s important for you to assess your individual needs, as the costs vary with the type of wheelchair you choose. Another factor to consider is the amount of accessories you may need for your wheelchair. The most important of these are wheelchair ramps and lifts, which you may need for your vehicle or home to allow for easy access into or out of your home or vehicle.
What is a stairlift?
A stair lift is a device that allows a person who is unable to climb a flight of stairs to ride a chair from one floor to the next. This is tremendously important for seniors as falls down a staircase are one of the leading causes of injury in the home.
The advantages that a stair lift provides are its ability to allow those who ordinarily would not be able to independence and freedom of movement in their own residence to once again enjoy a multi-level house.
Mobility Scooters
A mobility scooter is a mobility aid similar to a wheelchair but configured like a motor scooter. It is often referred to as an electric scooter as well.
These scooters provide important advantages to people with mobility problems throughout the world. A scooter is useful for persons without the stamina or arm/shoulder flexibility necessary to use a manual wheelchair. Also, swiveling the seat of an electric scooter is generally easier than moving the foot supports on most conventional wheelchairs. A mobility scooter is very helpful for persons with systemic or whole-body disabling conditions (coronary or lung issues, some forms of arthritis, obesity, etc.) who are still able to stand and walk a few steps, sit upright without torso support, and control the steering tiller.
Scooter Store http://www.thescooterstore.com 1-800-391-7237
Senior Wheels USA 1-800-246-6010
U.scoot http://www.uscoot.com/electricwheelchairs 1-866-387-2668
Three Wishes 1-800-535-3063
Rascal http://www.rascalinsurance.com 1-800-662-4548
The Types of Medical Walkers
Medical walkers are used to assist those rehabilitating from injury and those with permanent conditions to have the freedom of movement they had before their accident or illness without aid.
Most medical walkers are not equipped with wheels. These are ideal for individuals who, with the aid that a mobility walker can provide, are capable of being independent.
Less frequently used are rolling walkers with wheels attached. The advantage to this type of medical walker is that the user does not have to lift the walker, making it ideal for those senior citizens who lack upper body strength. But the operator must be strong enough to hold onto the walker, because if it does roll away or slip it could lead to serious injury.
The Types of Crutches Available
Crutches are medical tools used when a patient is injured usually anywhere below the waist. There are several different types of medical crutches:
Underarm
These are the most common type in the United States, and are used most often by people with temporary disability orinjury. These are used by placing the pads against the rib cage beneath the armpits and holding the grip, which is below and parallel to the pad.
Strutters
These are a variation on under-arm crutches, incorporating large soles which remain flat on the floor or ground while the user walks. They allow for an improved walking gait, and distribute body weight to reduce the risk of nerve damage caused by underarm crutches.
Platform
These are less common and used by those with poor hand grip due to arthritis, cerebral palsy, or other condition. The arm rests on a horizontal platform and is strapped in place. The hand rests on a grip which, if properly designed, can be angled appropriately depending on the user's physical handicap.
Knee Support
These crutches are useful for patients whose injury or disability is below the knee. They allow the knee of the injured leg to be placed on a support, so the injured leg now points backward behind the patient. This style of crutch affords the patient the ability to have one or both hands free to carry objects. Upper thigh atrophy is also reduced because half the patients weight is now supported by each thigh rather than one thigh and the arms."
