How do you get a custom wheelchair?

Deciding to get a custom wheelchair is a big decision for most people who may be trying to improve their mobility and achieve greater independence.

In this blog article, I’ll explore how you can get a wheelchair that is specifically made for you and accounts for your requirements and tastes.

Whether you’re a seasoned wheelchair user or haven’t been using one for long, this guide is designed to be your trusted companion on the road to securing your very own custom wheelchair.

To get a custom wheelchair, consult healthcare pros for assessment, discuss needs, explore customization options, check insurance coverage, and ensure proper fitting for optimal mobility and comfort.

Here are the steps you typically go through to get a custom wheelchair.

• The assessment – Start by seeking advice from a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or a physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine. They will assess your needs, mobility requirements, and any specific medical conditions that may affect your mobility.
• A decision is made about what you need based on the assessment – You’ll be given a recommendation on what type of wheelchair would be best for you, and what features you’re likely to need. The dimensions you need will also be finalized.
• Find a supplier – The next step is to find a manufacturer that specializes in custom wheelchairs. Whoever you choose should have experience in creating personalized, custom wheelchairs and be able to meet your individual needs.
• Book a consultation with your chosen supplier – Now it’s time to schedule a consultation with your chosen supplier. This is when you’ll discuss what you need in more detail. They might take your measurements, talk about features, and recommend things to you based on your lifestyle and how you want to use your chair to improve your mobility and independence.
• Working with the supplier – Your chosen supplier will then work with you to customize your wheelchair. This could include making decisions like choosing the style of the wheelchair frame, pointing out your preferred seat depth and width, choosing the armrest and footrest, and deciding on the best backrest height for you.  You might also be asked to decide on positioning systems, depending on the type of wheelchair you’re buying.
• Consider funding – Of course, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to pay for your custom wheelchair. Sometimes, insurance may cover some or all the costs if the chair is deemed to be medically necessary.
• Delivery – When your wheelchair is ready, it will be delivered to you by the supplier. This is also when the supplier will make sure the chair is properly fitted and adjusted for your comfort and safety. Good suppliers will also give you guidance on how to operate and maintain your wheelchair.
• The follow–up -You should always follow up with your supplier after you receive your wheelchair so that you can address any concerns or issues you may have. That way, you can make any adjustments you might need to make the most of your chair and be as comfortable as possible.

By working with experienced suppliers and healthcare professionals, you can get a custom wheelchair that meets all your needs and improves your quality of life, at the same time as promoting your independence and mobility.

How much does a custom wheelchair cost?

The cost of a custom wheelchair can depend on several factors, and so differ significantly from one person to another. The cost depends on how much customization is needed, the features and accessories you choose, the brand and manufacturer, and what is covered by your insurance.

On average, a basic custom manual wheelchair can start at around $2,000 to $3,000, while more advanced models with specialized features and customization options can range from $5,000 to over $15,000.

Power or electric wheelchairs tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $7,000 to $30,000 or higher for highly customized models with advanced power assist systems, seating options, and other accessories.

It’s important to consider not only the initial cost of the wheelchair but also any additional expenses for assessments, fittings, maintenance, and repairs, plus any training you might need.

Moreover, insurance coverage like Medicaid, private insurance, or other healthcare plans, may help offset the cost of a custom wheelchair if it is deemed to be medically necessary. However, coverage policies and reimbursement rates can vary, and certain criteria must be met to get coverage.

Which diagnoses qualify you for a wheelchair?

Several medical conditions may mean that someone needs to use a wheelchair, though that does depend on how the condition affects that person’s mobility, and how severe the condition is. Here are just some of the conditions that may qualify you for a wheelchair.

• Spinal cord injuries, arthritis, MS, muscular dystrophy, and paralysis are all conditions that affect muscle strength, coordination, and range of motion.   
• People who’ve been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, neuropathy, stroke, or any other ailment that affects movement may require the use of a wheelchair.
• Those who have progressive degenerative conditions like ALS, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, and may see their mobility decline over time.
• Conditions that mean that one or more of the limbs have no or limited function would necessitate using a wheelchair. This can include amputees, people with bone injuries or fractures, or other conditions that make it difficult or impossible for people to walk or bear weight.
• Anyone with a heart condition like heart failure, arterial disease, or severe cardiac abnormalities that affect mobility.
• Walking long distances can be challenging for those with conditions including cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so they may be eligible for a wheelchair.
• Those with genetic problems, metabolic issues, or congenital defects that affect movement may also need to use a wheelchair.

The final decision about whether you qualify for a wheelchair is in the hands of doctors, physios, and occupational therapists, who will all assess your abilities, and your medical needs, and see how mobile you are. They will look at things like your ability to walk, whether you can transfer, and whether you can do all the things that you would need to if you were to live safely and independently.

How do you know which wheelchair is right for you?

If you’re in the market for a custom wheelchair, you need to have an idea of what would suit you best. The following tips will hopefully give you some idea of what to look out for.

• Consider your mobility needs – This could include asking yourself whether you can propel a manual wheelchair yourself, whether you can transfer, and how much help you need with everyday activities and getting around different places.  
• Assess your physical abilities and limitations – What is your balance and posture like? Do you have a degree of strength and endurance? How can these factors affect your mobility? How do any disabilities or medical conditions you have impact your mobility? Answering these questions can give you a better idea of what you might need.
• Think about your lifestyle – Will you mainly be using your wheelchair indoors or outdoors? Will it be used mostly for work, or when you’re doing leisure activities? Are there any accessories you’ll need to accommodate your lifestyle? This will all factor into the decisions you make when you’re looking for a wheelchair or being assessed for one.
• The type of wheelchair you need – Do you need a manual wheelchair, a power wheelchair, or a power-assisted manual wheelchair? The answer to this question will depend on things like how far you need to travel, whether you can push yourself without hope, and what you’ll be using it for.  
• Think about how you might customize your wheelchair – There are many ways you can customize a wheelchair, ranging from backrest height and footrests to wheels, cushions, and much else besides, though the options you’ll have will depend largely on the type of wheelchair you choose.  You might want to think about which customization options you might need to optimize your comfort and mobility. Some of the ones you think about might just be a matter of personal preference.
• Try the wheelchair out before you buy it if you can – Doing this will help you figure out how the wheelchair performs in a real-world setting, and you can get used to how it feels and how easy it is to use. Pay attention to how easy it is to use, how maneuverable it is, and what accessibility features you have.
• Seek advice from professionals – Seek guidance from healthcare professionals, wheelchair help you choose the right wheelchair for you.
• Consider your budget and what your insurance may cover – Consider your budget and explore options for financing or insurance coverage.

By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and choose a wheelchair that meets your individual needs, enhances your mobility, and improves your quality of life.

Summary: How do you get a custom wheelchair?

Getting a custom wheelchair is not just about making a purchase, it’s also about trying to achieve improved mobility, greater independence, and having a better life. Through careful assessment, and by working with various healthcare professionals, you can get a custom wheelchair that meets your needs and enhances your life.

As you go through the process of finding and buying a custom wheelchair, remember you’re not alone. Consult with experts, interact with the wheelchair community, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when you need them.

Good luck, and all the best with your search!