Independence With Health Aids and Equipment

So life has dealt you a set back that has turned your life upside down.  What you learned to do when you were just 1 year old is now something that you cannot do at all.  But now you want to know what aid you can find to get your life back on track to somewhere near what it was before you learned what disabled really means.

That is where I am trying to help.  You see, in 1985 my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and I mean the really nasty kind that will take a person down very quickly.  Throughout the years she has gone from a manual wheelchair to an electric scooter to a powered wheelchair.  She requires a hoyer lift for bathing, lift chairs to sit and visit and lifts from one floor to another.  There are ramps into our home and a ramp into our van. 

To say I know a little something about health aids would probably be correct but you are just starting to think about how this equipment can help and you have probably discovered that the internet has an overwhelming amount of information that leaves you with no clue where to start.

That is the reason that I have created this website.  To help people like you learn what is available and where to find it.  I am publishing articles on the various types of equipment and making recommendations on the best sources you should go to first, what price ranges to expect and even what choices you may have in how you can purchase.

1. Aids help maintain your independence.

To travel from point A to point B will mean everything when you are no longer able to do it by yourself.  Assistance of a health aid will give you the ability on your own terms and schedule without relying on the time and kindness of others.

2. Aids can be manual or motorized.

Due to innovations in technology, manual aids are no longer your only choice for health aids.  Lifts, three and four wheel chairs along with recliner chairs are now motorized.  Some operate from a direct current and some from gel cell batteries that can then be charged when not in use.

3. Aids can be constructed to fit your size and needs.

Many chairs, both manual and electric, can be constructed to fit your personal dimensions for width, height and leg length.  No longer are you forced to make due with a one size fits all chair that does not meet all the personal needs you require in your aid equipment.

4. Many price ranges and payment methods to choose from.

Both manual and electric wheel chairs, scooters and lifts can be found from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.  They can also be rented for weeks to months and even years.  Your insurance and Medicare will usually help with your purchase, especially if your doctor has written an order for the aid equipment.

5. Public accessibility is quickly catching up with the needs of the disabled.

Many cities and even states have passed laws that require handicapped accessibility for any new construction that will be accessed by the public.  Some cities such as the one I live in are replacing sidewalk corners with wheel chair accessible entry instead of the usual curb step that makes navigation quite difficult for someone using a wheel chair or scooter.

6. Wheels are cool.

The old stigma associated with health aid equipment is quickly fading.  Seeing wheel chairs and scooters is becoming common place in stores and malls everywhere you go.  There are even stores that will provide their customers with a chair or scooter for use while shopping in the store.

Things to remember

• Aids and equipment can help you live independently.
• Aids can be purchased or rented and cost can vary depending on options and brand. 
• Assistance in purchasing aids may be available from your insurance company and Medicare.
• Public accessibility for wheels are becoming more available.