Car Chair Lift

My mom has a power chair (not a scooter) and is spending more and more time in it to get around. She wants to get out of the house occasionally, like to go to the store, church or even the doctor's office, and is no longer able to manage with a walker or a cane. We need to get a lift platform (I don't know what it's really called) that attaches to the back of a car on a hitch and allows you to roll the power chair onto it so you can take it with you. I've seen them online for $1000+, and since she's on disability and Medicare, that's definitely beyond our means. Will Medicare cover this like they did the chair itself?

Your mom is lucky to have your help!

You don't say exactly where you live or how old your mom is, however you do say that she is getting Medicare, so I will assume that she is over age 60 and that you live in the United States or one of the U.S. Territories. If this is so, and you want to discuss this question with "real people" who are familiar with Medicare rules and know other possible resources for your mom and you as a caregiver, I would highly recommend that you call the Area Agency on Aging serving the community where you live.

Professionals at the Area Agency on Aging provide guidance in helping seniors and their caregivers. Believe me, questions like this pop up and affect seniors' lives every day -- Area Agency on Aging staff will know the best way to cut through the red tape to help you find out possible ways to get help that you are needing. I am confident that you will find the Area Agency staff friendly and helpful. They will help answer Medicare-related questions in an easy-to-understand way and they will likely know options that might help with your mom's mobility challenges.

If you live in the United States or one of the territories, there is an Area Agency on Aging serving where you live. You can call toll-free 1-800-677-1116 to find how to contact the one serving you. When you make the call to your local Area Agency on Aging ask for the staff in "Information and Assistance" or the staff that helps "Family Caregivers."

Another thing to know about Area Agencies on Aging is that most of them have information and resources that help and support family caregivers, so you might want to ask about this when you make your call.

If you do contact your local Area Agency on Aging and like the help that they give you, let your local county officials and your folks in Congress know. Area Agencies on Aging are funded under the Older Americans Act and they don't have big budgets! Your contribution to help provide important information and assistance services other caregivers and to your older friends and neighbors would be appreciated--but is absolutely not required-- to get the help you need .

Hope this helps! Best wishes to you and to your mom!

2007-04-24 13:28:32 by xinerevelle

The Wymo Wheelchair Hoist offers independence and freedom to the wheelchair bound motorist. The hoist fits onto the roof of a car and may be ...

Sorry, but Medicare does not pay for a lift. Medicare only pays for durable medical equipment that is used in your home.

2009-02-22 19:45:07 by Mary D

Price: $279.99 $174.28

The continuous height positioning with pneumatic lift is just a fancy way of saying you can pick the exact height you want to fit any table
No cracks, no crevices
This one-piece seat is the sleekest, smoothest thing going and it makes cleanup unbelievably easy

I just want to know

if the chair is soft, and has breathable, nto like wood or plastic, like cloth, i'll just fart into the chair since no one would hear, if its plastic/wood, it'll make a nooise when you fart

2009-07-24 22:19:41 by Anglophile

Price: $279.99 $226.00

No cracks, no crevices
BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and PVC-free
This one-piece seat is the sleekest, smoothest thing going and it makes cleanup unbelievably easy

I'm spinal cord injury, and on Social Security and company medical health insurance. Wanting to know of variety lifts, ramps, and experiences with companies which provied them.

email me, I work at a car dealership, and have done a bunch of these. It can get complicated sometimes.

2006-05-11 11:35:29 by Millie SkyLab

My soon to be daughter (step daughter) is in a wheel chair. I want to get het a power chair lift for a motorized wheel chair for my car, but how do you know what to get? There are so many different kinds!She is 9 yrs old. ANY help would be greatly appreciated! THANKS!

Yes, because there are so many different kinds of lifts, and vehicles, and chairs - it is best that you consult with SEVERAL mobility specialists. They are profit businesses that are expert in matching the right lift to your needs, but most only deal with certain brands.

It is possible that the vehicle you currently own cannot be fitted with a lift. Whether or not your soon to be stepdaughter can be transferred out of her wheelchair into the car's regular seat - or a car seat will also effect your decision.

If it is an option, I strongly recommend you get a lift that comes from the rear of your vehicle so you do not have to worry about extra wide parking spaces.

Personally I find the brand BRAUN is excellent.

2008-09-27 23:15:25 by drew