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Hello all,


Dad has Parkinsons, uses a regular 4-wheel walker, but it's way too short (or he's way too tall: 6'2, 250). Doc prescribed a UStep upright walker for him. Medicare will pay for some of it as I understand (waiting to see how much.) My question is will Medicare pay for the electric wheelchair he will need in the near future, say like a year from now, if they already paid for this walker?


The goal is to keep him walking as much and as long as possible, hence this specialized upright walker now. But realistically PD is progressing right along and he's not being as active as he needs to be to keep the strength in his legs. He is losing strength, we can't force him to get active, and he will be chair bound in the not too far off future. Family and doctors and physical therapists have talked and talked but he won't be active. The activity decline has been steady for years now, but really fast now that mom passed. He says he doesn't want to be wheelchair bound, but he's headed there. Fast.


So, I'm looking at the right now (expensive upright walker) and the 'in a year needs' (electric wheel chair)... is there someone out there who knows or has been through the Medicare issue? He lives in an AL facility, but comes over to our houses, and goes out and about to places in the community. Any advice about products to consider, or other issues to think about? Will a person with PD and hand tremors even be able to control an electric wheel chair? I expect we can't take it IN cars, and will have to get a hitch carrier (? is electric chair waterproof, can we transport in the rain??) OH MY GOSH, so many questions! Thanks in advance!

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Most Medicare plans pay for "1 appliance every 5 years". So I chose to buy dad a walker and have Medicare pay for a wheelchair at the time. You may want to pay for the specialized walker and have Medicare pay for the electric wheelchair AFTER consulting his PD doctor to get his or her feelings on whether dad will be able to operate the electric w/c next year.

What happens if a power wheelchair gets wet?

Water can cause electrical components to corrode and the power chair's frame to rust. Power wheelchairs should be examined periodically for signs of corrosion caused by water exposure, bodily fluid exposure, or incontinence. Damaged components should be replaced or treated immediately.

You can buy a waterproof cover to protect the wheelchair if it's in the rain on a trailer behind your car. Google "can my electric wheelchair get wet" for more info and tips.
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My husband with PD is going to need wheelchair soon as well.
So it is very good question, maybe there will be more advice.
But I think his doctor along with team of specialists in neurology department will be able to come up with best solution.
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I am with lea here. I worked for our local VNA as a secretary. We had a women come in to borrow equipment from our loan closet. She knew exactly what she needed to borrow so she could get a bed.

I would go to a store that sells durable equipment and run the scenario by them.
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I would get the walker Dad needs now for his daily use, via Medicare if you can.

I think I would also consider getting a portable wheelchair now - to make life easier for both of you when he visits. The manual type you push (not powered self-driven).

While Dad can transfer into a regular car, do that. Look for a lightweight, foldable wheelchair that fits into your car.

Try an equipment hire store but avoid getting talked into the most $$$. Hire a manual chair that fits his height & leg length for a trial. (The cost of a manual wheelchair is much much cheaper than powered).

Many people use a wheelchair 'part-time' like this for visits/outings.

Later, if required, you can look into a powered wheelchair. A person usually would have an OT assessment for a powered chair, as they need the dexterity, eyesight & cognition to drive it. It's a big step. May also mean having to using a wheelchair taxi service for transportation as too cumbersome for private cars. Cross that bridge later I think. Consider if the apathy & depression that is known to be part of the PD mix may be a hidden yet real factor for your Dad.

Wishing you the best for this next stage.
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Hi, If you are near Tacoma, WA I can help you with an upright walker.
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For the equipment, I would go to any good medical equipment store and speak with them. They are really up on the rules. They make their living this way. When my bro lived in San Diego his next door neighbor gals ran a medical equipment store. Just having a glass of wine with them was an education. They had to wait sooooo long for some payments to come through all the while having to purchase ever more equipment. But they knew all the rules about who would pay for what and under what circumstances. If they don't know they will guide you to someone with the answers, and often it is all about what doctors or rehab facilities deem these types of walkers or chairs crucial to your well being.
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Check your area for durable medical equipment recycling locations.
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One alternative solution would be to locate durable medical recycling places in your area. Many give away or have waiting lists for special requests. When donations come in, they match special requests. In our area, the service is free and many people are glad to donate the equipment when it's no longer needed. Medicare will limit how many new medical items and how often. Suggest calling Medicare directly. The helpline is open 24 hours a day. Easy to reach later in the evenings. I wish you all the best.
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Mrslala541: Seek the assistance of his physician.
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Just a word of caution regarding the U-Step walker: it isn’t really portable. It won’t fit into the average sized car and EMTs won’t take it in the ambulance. 🚑
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If he is currently receiving PT services or has recently, I would speak to the therapist and ask for their honest opinion. As previously stated, Medicare will not pay for both a U-step and a wheelchair.
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Mom had Parkinson’s disease. She did home health services several times and she also did rehab in a facility.

Medicare did pay for a rollator walker. It is a basic walker but the height is adjustable.

My mother was fortunate to escape ever being in a wheelchair. So I can’t speak to that. Mom did have bad knees but wasn’t a candidate for surgery.

A Methodist church had opened up its doors for people who were evacuating New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.

The church was a nice place to rest for a while before traveling onto Houston.

The pastor saw how tired Mom was and brought over a wheelchair for Mom to use.

When we finished resting and I brought the wheelchair back to him, this kind man said, “No, I am giving it to your mother.” I insisted on giving it back. He refused to take it. I will never forget his kindness.

Mom was blessed not to be in a wheelchair full time. The only time she used one was when she had to walk a farther distance than usual.

When Mom died we gave the chair to someone who needed it. Pay it forward.
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Is dad a Veteran? If so the VA may provide a walker that will fit him.
If he is a Veteran he may qualify for many other services and benefits.
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