September 16, 2009
Mobility Scooter For Seniors – Going Beyond Hindrances
If a person unfortunately gets incapacitated due to a congenital disease, a bout of poliomyelitis, or any other such health problems, or has a leg amputated as a result of an accident, (s)he generally has to rely on a electric mobility scooter, for the normal mobility needs. Although these scooters appear somewhat similar to big playthings of children, they are tough and reliable gadgets, and they can be operated through hand-manipulated controlling options – there is also the handle bar for support. They are capable of transporting their riders to most destinations. There are joystick-levers in these scooters using which the various operations can be used and this includes the brake as well.
Two alternative models of these scooters are available and they are the 3-wheeler and the 4-wheeler variety. The 3 wheeled type is light-weight, easy to handle and can turn almost on its own axis. You can also load these scooters easily in the trunk of your car, while unloading them is not difficult either. The four-wheeler scooters have the option of an attendant sitting on them (next to the user), and they are also very sturdy.
However the relatively high cost of acquiring a electric mobility scooter often poses a big problem. A case in point is the advanced models of these scooters, which are typically on the expensive side. If a person (someone who is underprivileged or a senior) needs this scooter, (s)he can seek financial help from Medicaid, which is a federal healthcare program, but this aid is sanctioned only if the individual fulfils certain criteria. The present capacity of earning of the person, his/her plans of repaying, the characteristics of his/her disability are some of the information that must be supplied for this. This, of course, takes up a great deal of time, and there might be a number of problems as well.
Fortunately, a number of the makers are aware of this practical issue, and have come forward to help people with the formalities. Applicants undoubtedly, stand to benefit a lot from this. A few of these manufacturers also allow applicants to use the scooter for the interim period free of cost, while their papers are undergoing scrutiny. This undoubtedly helps many people because those who need the scooter, need it urgently.
Even in cases where the appeal for financial assistance is refused on technical grounds, there can be ways in which he or she can still get the electric mobility scooter. There is scope for deciding on a different plan of action. In some cases, special rebates and discounts are also offered to deserving candidates. In the United States, there is thus no reason why a physically challenged person should fall behind.
Filed under Bikes n Bikers by Sanjay
There are a few unfortunate people who have suffered on account of a disease or from an accident and as a result the mobility has become severely restricted – the electric mobility scooter sure enough bails them out from a difficult condition. Though looking more like over-sized toys, these three or four-wheel contraptions are in reality motorized vehicles with adequate power to help the person move about, earn a living and conduct him/her socially to a reasonable extent. For these unlucky trouble-torn people, these scooters are actually life savers.
The cost of these electric mobility scooters also termed as disabled mobility scooters is not at all pocket-friendly, especially for an average person and it becomes increasingly expensive if it is an updated model with exclusive features. Therefore, many a buyer have to seek some form of financial assistance to have one.
The electric mobility scooter is often sanctioned by Medicaid, which is a federal healthcare program for the senior citizens, disabled or underprivileged but it is mandatory to be qualified for eligibility. But the real headache associated is the form fill up that requires the person to furnish all kinds of details such as the monthly salary, the type of disability and its extent, the manner and scope of repayment and many other such issues. The person will also have to furnish tangible proofs. Of course, this makes the process quite long.
But the good news is, there are a few companies that are now doing the paper work themselves, particularly for those people who are in urgent need to get the scooter. This is a great help because it saves a lot of time and hassles for the applicant who is already burdened with disability and related problems. A number of companies step into the process and help a person in filling out the Medicaid forms. Certain companies even go to the extent of giving away the scooter absolutely free, while the Medicaid application is in process. This facility is offered to the person to ease out the tension and anxiety over the time taking procedures and the anguish in getting the scooter.
Even when the worst happens that is the application for Medicaid is turned down, there are some ways in which the person can still get the mobility scooter for seniors and enjoy its benefits. Options like deferred payment plans or easy monthly installments can be taken up by these people to keep using the scooter. If the candidate really happens to be someone who is qualified, he or she can avail special discount schemes as well.
Filed under Bikes n Bikers by Sanjay
We often get to hear about a person’s ability to move around getting affected by old age, or as a result of some crippling accident or disease. While some people may just experience some degree of difficulty in walking, others may have to live with a completely crippling state involving the total lack of the power to use one’s limbs. While such severe cases are relatively rarer, but the fact is that, we all have to live with some degree of difficulty in walking as we grow older. The mobility scooter is a great option when this is what happens.
The good news is such difficulties can easily be remedied today with the help of some excellent physiotherapeutic devices that modern medical research has produced in recent years. One of the best examples of such a device is the scooter. The scooter is a good example of the adage, “looks can be deceving” since it resembles a small motorized vehicle with a carrying capacity for a single person. It is a veritable lifesaver however, particularly for those who experience difficulty in walking or has mobility impairment. It should be remembered though that these vehicles, in spite of their small sizes, actually pack in a lot of punch and stamina.
The cheaper ones would cost one something in the region of $500 while the more expensive ones, especially those that are custom-built, can cost a few thousands. And no matter what some people may call it, a mobility scooter is surely not just a fancy toy for adults. Rather, it is an essential aid for those who want to overcome their limitations and enjoy unrestricted mobility even when the circumstances are not favorable.
And here’s word of warning: a mobility scooter, for one thing, does not usually come cheap as has been mentioned above. And thus, it is not unnatural to look for specialized financial assistance while buying one. Thankfully, there are many financial assistance schemes that are available today to help the common man stay mobile with a mobility scooter.
Medicaid, the popular federal healthcare assistance program for the elderly, disabled or underprivileged, is one such scheme. Once a person qualifies for Medicaid, he or she can apply to receive a deeply discounted or completely free disabled mobility scooter. However often the paperwork takes some time to be complete. And this is why, the authorities propose to carry this out as well so that you can get the electric mobility scooter quickly. Even if you are not qualifying for Medicaid, something can still be worked out so that the payment can be made.
Filed under Bikes n Bikers by Sanjay