Where do I get a wheelchair near my home so I can look at them before ordering for my dad?

Aug 27, 2011

We have a couple of places here in my area that cater to senior citizen needs. One is a pharmacy that has lots of geriatric stuff, the other is next to a small hospital that has medical equipment sales and rentals. I thought that if you told the place that carries medical equipment how tall he is and what his specific needs are, they'd find you one that will work. If you DO buy one out of your own pocket, make sure you customize the looks of it so it won't get taken by someone else. My mother-in-law lives in asst living and uses a walker. Well every single person (almost) use walkers too. Her's is the kind with only 2 wheels and no seat, but again there are lots of people with those types too. So I blinged it up for her. I glued plastic rhinestones all over that sucker for a few reasons. One was because she can't see very well, but she can SEE that one I tell ya. Also it's a conversation starter for her, but the most important reason was that there isn't anyone in that place that doesn't know it's hers. ha.

Helpful Answer (2)

Cara

Aug 27, 2011

Usually you can look at wheelchairs before you buy them at a home health aid supply center. You can go on line and check to see where they are located in your area, or call Medicare and see if they suggest a particular place near you. If you get a prescription from your Dad's doctor and a letter of medical necessity Medicare should pay for it, without any expense to him.

There are senior transportation vans in most cities that you can call. I am not sure if they will take him to more than one place in a day but it's worth a call.

Good luck,
Cara

cricketinafp

Aug 27, 2011

Usually the persons primary doctor can get one ordered and delivered to the patient. They should know the patients needs and be glad to help you. I would suggest you can your Dads doctors nurse and discuss it with her and see if she can make it happen for you. Just make sure they are aware of your fathers size and what he needs it for.

Fortress

Aug 27, 2011

My dad is in a nursing home (VA) and they are the ones who ordered the last two. \
He doesn't have a doctor. The nurses are ..... blind? They expect these people to be old and to be going downhill. They don't care about the wheelchair. They'd like my dad to be laying in bed all day sleeping.
Their PT dept ordered both previous ones and they were completely inappropriate and contrary to his needs. -- (( it really is them... I am not delusion.. although sometimes I do feel like I am.. and sometimes I want to give up and just let them do what they want (if I did dad would be a bedridden drugged zombie in the alz unit)) - It is VA but they use Medicare Physical Therapy department that is .... so so

I really do want to just give up and run off. At least dad never complains and he likes all the nurses and they are good to him.

FeelingNuts

Aug 30, 2011

You can look at Pharmacy or if you have a local American Leigon they sometime have them to. We got our wheelchair from a pharmacy and they fit it to my father.
He is a VA nursing home? You should be able to get one from the legion, Does he have medicare? You can take him to a doctor that is not through the VA.
Good Luck