Guest guest Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Power Chair I own one that I purchased as I wouldn't qualify for medicare to pay for one yet. I also have a lift in my van so I can carry it anywhere. I see a lot of future use for it, although to this point I use it very little. I did use it though to explore the riverfront in Chattanooga, so i could just go and not worry about getting back. I can see me using it even now at a place like Disney World or the zoo. In the future I see it as very valuable in maintaining mobility. Now, as to indoor use, again, I'm not to that point. But it would be possible in my house and I do see the time it would just give me some freedom to get around and do things I otherwise couldn't. Also, if you live in a neighborhood with things nearby lets you just head out the door and down the street. I see people all the time in our area headed to the stores on the corner in power chairs. When the time comes I'll get one through medicare. However, I got a $5000 chair used for $500 so feel great about having it. You can always find good deals on used ones. The greater expense is a way to transport it. > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 I have a hover round and I love it. One of my doctor's is just a few blocks away and I take it to see him. House use isn't so easy though unless you set your house of specially for the chair. Sunny 51 PF '09, Lupus/Sjogrens/Arthritis/Asthma '04, GERD '04, Barrett's Disease '08, Hyperthyroid '08, CAN '09, Hiatal Hernia '09, Idaho From: jolethin Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 3:40 PM To: Breathe-Support Subject: power chair Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Dorothy Yes, I found it on craigslist. Now as to the POC's, they are much more difficult and I'd only buy one on craigslist locally where I could see and test it. However, there are a few suppliers out there selling used ones. The problem is that the prices are still quite high. Google " used Sequal Eclipse " and you can see examples of used ones being sold by dealers. I just did craigslist locally and found an Airsep but it was still $2800. Now that is with extra batteries and a few things. I've just never seen a POC at a price I could justify purchasing. Takes a long time to payback even at the $30/day price. > > > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 I got a Jazzy power chair from (of course) the Scooterstore. Insurance paid for it so that was not a problem. I really wanted a scooter but the ins would only pay for a chair. I use it now when I know there will be a lot of walking. Since I am high flow the only way to get more than a few hours out of an E tank is to sit so I can turn it down a little. Also saves me from being soooo tired. I will take it to Denver with me to National Jewish. I can see also that later I would use it in the house but again you would need to do some re-arrainging of furniture. I love it though, the grandkids fight to see who gets to ride on my lap. LOL The lift does cost and that is a pain, $2000 for mine but I figured I may not live to get my IRA out at 59 so simply took the money from there. The biggest advantage is less tiring and you can stretch the o2.Dyane Phoenix IPF 02>> Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that?> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Dorothy Medicare will actually supply you a POC but then it has to be all they supply. So not only does it mean they won't pay for the home concentrator, they won't for cylinders for portable use. Now, one strategy is to get them to pay for the POC and then pay for the others yourself (since you can get a home concentrator new for $700 and used for half that). For a COPD patient that can often be a good move, but the problem we have is when we reach the point a POC no longer provides the flow we need. > > > > > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that? > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 I found a scooter on craigslist for $80 and used that for a time. The downside was I had to pay for any maintainence myself. My resources are very limited so that was hard. But, it gave me my independence back. I could go to the grocery store and short trips around my neighborhood. After having the scooter for a while, I spoke to my doctor about a power chair. With his help, I got my power chair last Oct. My ins. covered the whole thing. It is so comfortable and I go everywhere. Living in Massachusetts, we have a program called " The Ride " . It's run through public transit. They come to my house with a wheelchair equiped van, drive me to the doctor, shopping, out to the movies, etc. I called the scooter store. They were so happy to speak to me until they found out that I didn't have medicare. Then the guy hung up on me!! Besides the PF, I have rheumatiod and other things. So, having the chair is wonderful for me. I strap my O2 to the back of my chair and off I go. I'm not sure if there's a similar site that covers your area. But, there's a website called assistive technologies. In my area it's run by Mass. Rehab. comission. People post used durable medical equipment. It can be for sale and sometimes it's free. Maybe something you can check into???? Nan 49, MA List started '82 PF '08 Asthma '09 > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Dorothy You never know and you do have the advantage of living in a large metropolitan area where it might just turn up. Most of us are going to graduate from our current equipment and any we own will be available for sale. An Eclipse isn't much use to someone it won't service so they have to take the best price they can get. > > > > > > > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about that? > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Dorothy If its in good condition it seems to me like a good deal on something very hard to find. You need to test it both on electricity and the battery since replacing the battery would be expensive. It just shows that if we look and are patient sometimes these things are out there. I would also think when you get beyond the point it works for you, then you'll be able to recover at least some portion of what you pay. Like nearly everyone here, I'm on a fixed income. However, when I have been able to find exceptional deals that would provide me extra backup or something for unusual situations and where I have been able to afford it, I have spent money on things to make my life easier or better. This goes from oximeters and liter meters to a treadmill to my power chair. Hope the unit is in good condition. > > > > > > > > > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about > that? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 26, 2009 Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Dorothy Out of curiosity I just decided to scan craiglist in different cities and see what I found for a general idea. Found an Eclipse in LA at same price. Found Inogens and Airseps many places. So for people looking for anything, your local craigslist is a resource. Again, I'd never order anything that I couldn't go see and try on craigslist, but when you can go like Dorothy can it can be helpful. > > > > > > > > > > Has anyone gotten a power chair and what do you think about > that? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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