Can you get funding for a wheelchair?

An assistive device is any technology people with disabilities can use to help them function better, including wheelchairs, walking aids, etc. If you are a new patient, your hospital rehabilitation program will include an Occupational Therapist who will call in the Medop cc product specialist in order to assess, prescribe, and fit your most clinically appropriate assistive device. If you have a long-standing disability, you can ask your local clinic or community health center to refer you to a rehabilitation service. Medop CC aims to provide quality mobility products like wheelchairs at affordable prices. As such, we offer financial assistance for those who require mobility equipment but cannot obtain it due to financial constraints as well as for donations in the case of Corporate Social Responsibility. Contact us today for more information.

Furthermore, we help our clients Submit medical aid claims for mobility equipment, making the process of purchasing, financing, and obtaining critical mobility care simple, straightforward, and convenient.

Did you know that Medop cc is a preferred provider for Discovery Health and can also assist with the submissions for Road Accident Fund, Compensation Fund, and many other institutions

What is a manual wheelchair?

Manual wheelchairs are the most common and well-known types of wheelchairs. As the name implies, this type of wheelchair is propelled by human power, either by the person using the wheelchair or by a caregiver. There are several types of manual wheelchairs, but they can be divided into three categories: self-propelled, attendant-propelled, and wheelbase wheelchairs.

When someone refers to a manual wheelchair, they usually refer to a self-propelled wheelchair.

Attendant-propelled manual wheelchairs are frequently foldable for less severe users designed like traditional manual wheelchairs can be stored in the back of a vehicle.  For more severe disabilities Medop cc offers specialised attendant wheelchairs for positioning and comfort. This range of Attendant wheelchairs are known as PASSIVE wheelchairs as the user does not normally self-propel.

Wheelbase wheelchairs differ from other types of wheelchairs in that the seat is usually customisable to fit the user’s posture, pressure, and positioning needs.

What are the different types of manual wheelchairs?

Type 1 wheelchairs are standard wheelchairs with standard mobility capabilities. They are long-lasting and versatile, making them ideal for short-term rentals.

Type 2 wheelchairs are lightweight and high-performance wheelchairs equipped with several features that allow you to adjust the wheelchair vertically (known as Centre of Gravity) and horizontally (known as seat angel adjustment).

Type 3 wheelchairs are lightweight wheelchairs that feature a modular design with clean, modern lines and the ability to be customised for fit and superior performance. Most models in this category fold up easily to fit into small spaces and vehicles.

Type 4 wheelchairs are perfect for people who live very active lives. Models are lightweight, made of high-quality materials, and adjustable to your specific needs.

Type 5 wheelchairs are tilt-in-space wheelchairs and offer numerous positioning options. Models include tilt assist adjustment capabilities and are designed for maximum comfort.

What are power wheelchairs?

A motorised wheelchair powered by one or more rechargeable batteries is known as an electric wheelchair. This enables the power wheelchair to be used easily away from home on indoor and outdoor terrain.

If you lack the upper body strength to get around in a manual version, electric power wheelchairs can help.

What is a bariatric wheelchair?

This is a heavy-duty wheelchair designed for people who weigh more than 115kg and is typically constructed of reinforced steel or aluminum. The main features of a bariatric wheelchair are wider and sturdier seats that can tilt for added comfort. One needs to take care that wider Bariatric models are not suitable to fit through a standard doorway in a home environment.

How long should a wheelchair last?

Each person’s experience varies depending on factors such as the type of wheelchair they use, their age, how quickly they outgrow the wheelchair, how much time per day the wheelchair is used, how much weight is carried, and the wheelchair’s material. In addition, it is critical to maintaining your wheelchair to improve its longevity.

A manual wheelchair has fewer functions than a powered wheelchair and is more likely to last longer, around 5 years, with only a few wheels, tire, and seat cushion replacements, and regular maintenance.

A power wheelchair is typically equipped with a heavy-duty motor and batteries. They require electricity and a battery for 10 to 12 hours per day, depending on the individual’s activity. Aside from the weight of the person in the wheelchair, there may be the weight of their daily necessities like laptops. Because all these objects and their weight drain the wheelchair’s battery, powered wheelchairs require replacing every four to five years, regardless of how carefully they are used and batteries require replacing every 6 to 36 months depending on the lifestyle and activity of the user.

Some people only need the chair to move from one location to another for a short period. These people do not need to replace wheelchairs for a long time. However, some people have medical conditions or daily routines that require them to move around a lot and use wheelchairs for most of the day. In these instances, a wheelchair may need to be replaced more often.

Children younger than 16 need to replace their wheelchairs according to their growth spurts and specialised Paediatric wheelchairs are more costly but often have seat width adjustability in order to accommodate this growth.

Extra weight can deplete the motor and batteries in a powered wheelchair and wear out the tires and wheels in a manual wheelchair as well as the environment the user operates in.

Entry-level steel wheelchairs are inexpensive, usually heavy prone to rust quickly at the coastal regions, making them prone to cracking However, they are heavy, challenging to maneuver, unsuitable for long-term personal use, and may cause other complications.

Aluminum wheelchairs are usually lightweight, have numerous seat adjustability, removable rear wheels for loading, and are better for long-term use as they are less strenuous for the user to propel.

How frequently should you service your wheelchair?

Wheelchairs require routine maintenance to ensure that they continue to function correctly. Furthermore, certain wheelchair parts like tires must be replaced regularly. Regular inspection will quickly identify any problems, allowing for repair before they become costly. As an authorised supplier, Medop CC can perform an annual check and assist with ad hoc wheelchair servicing and repair to ensure your wheelchair is optimally maintained. Make sure to contact Medop cc and bring your wheelchair in for maintenance as soon as a problem is identified as continued use will cause additional costly damage.

What diagnosis qualifies for a wheelchair?

A wheelchair can be used for a variety of diagnoses. Which one you get will be determined by your situation and needs. Many diagnoses, including but not limited to arthritis, obesity, COPD, scoliosis, MS, fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Spinal Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, etc., can qualify a person for a wheelchair, many medical aids will require a diagnosis, prescription, and motivation in order to provide coverage for your wheelchair and mobility aids. In some cases, like when a patient is severely obese or has a debilitating injury, your doctor or treating therapist may prescribe a wheelchair.

Contact Medop CC for details

Medop CC’s dealer network in South Africa provides a wide range of high-quality wheelchairs and mobility aids for disabled people. In addition, we are South Africa’s sole distributor of Invacare and Kuschall products. Please browse our product catalogues to find the best mobility solution for you and request a free quote today. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our specialists today on 011 827 5893 or email enquiries@medop.co.za .

Medop CC is committed to ensuring an enhanced customer experience for each of our clients, and we want to help you make an informed choice when working with us. To help with this, we offer a comprehensive set of answers to our most frequently asked questions, to help you make a choice with absolute confidence.

Feel free to browse our disability FAQs below to find the answer you are looking for. If you can’t find answers to your question, be sure to contact us to ask us directly.

CONTACT US FOR DETAILS

If you would like to know more about our offers on manual and powered wheelchairs, be sure to get in contact with a representative from Medop CC today.