Re: Wheelchairs, other used equipment

[Guest guest]

<< http://www.stepstn.com/nord/mead/

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[Guest guest]

SJ,

That is something we on the list should consider (or the National Support

Group). While a lot of

our equipment is rented and has to go back to Medicare - some of it is purchased

and can still be

used. If it was donated to the National group you could take a tax deduction as

a gift and the

National group could give it to others in need. It actually does not have to go

physically to the

organization as long as they did the transfer. Your local atatia or Parkinson's

group may have such

a system in place also.

Take a look at this site:

http://www.stepstn.com/nord/mead/

Do remember that power w/c's also have a power limit (especially when the

battery is low. The site

above is run by NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.). MSA is

considered a rare

disorder.

Take care, Bill and Charlotte

====================================

SJ Staub wrote:

> you wrote to Bill:

>

> <Yup. I'm finally starting to talk with my wife about

> needing a wheelchair. At this point, I don't need it

> but on some occasions. But the need is increasing.

> As this progresses, I will NOT be able to stay upright

> in those settings. And I refuse to just sit at home.

> That would be giving into this.>

>

> I use a manual wheel chair when I go out. I've fallen

> on too many occasions. The manual wheelchair not only

> helps with the balance problems but it also helps with

> the fatigue and provides more endurance (2-3 hours

> anyways). It allows me to get out occasionally to see

> friends, attend concerts, YMCA pool or even see a

> movie now and then.

>

> I just wish I had a power wheelchair or cart because

> the driveway to my house is too steep for a manual

> wheelchair and pretty dangerous.

>

> One evening coming back from a doctor's visit, I

> actually flipped the wheelchair trying to propel

> myself up the driveway on my own and ended-up on the

> ground with a bruised and cut arm. Fortunately, the

> driver who dropped me at home hadn't departed and was

> able to help me back in the chair and into the house.

>

> I checked on the cost on a low to moderate priced

> power wheelchair and it runs around $5,000! Carts are

> even more expensive and not covered by Medicare. If

> anyone on the list knows of a reputable, used power

> wheelchair/cart dealership, please post or e-mail me

> privately.

>

> Eventually, I will have to consider purchasing one or

> the other if I can afford it after the divorce is

> finalized. I still do not know what I'm going to have

> to live on after deducting from my disability check

> child support, spousal support, college contribution

> for wife and son, family health insurance premiums,

> health insurance bills, etc, etc. Nevertheless, I

> still hope to have something for a power

> wheelchair/cart.

>

> Thanks for taking the time to read this...

>

> SJ

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Bill:

This an excellent idea. I know after passed on, I really didn't

know what to do with her w/c and cpap machine. Ended up giving both to

our local senior citzens center. They were thrilled to get the w/c.

Said they make alot of trips/year and some seniors could not go because

they could not walk. Now with the w/c they could go. They were also

famaliar with the cpap machine. They were going to keep it in their

stock room should any of their members need one & could not afford it.

We did have a pwr. w/c for a little while, but just could not

handle it, so it went back. Her ins. paid for both W/Cs.

Carole Barber

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