advantages of a power chair over an EVC??

[DisOrBust]

I know my Dad would qualify for either but his Parkinson's is progressing to the point I don't think he can handle an EVC all the time. I am wondering if a power chair is "easier" to navigate then an EVC.

He has an appointment for a tune up at Cleveland Clinic so I can always hope we won't need either!!

 

[RNMOM]

I haven't used a powerchair but I believe they can be controled by a single joystick on either arm. This would be an advantage for him to only have to use his hand on one arm to control the chair. I would speak with his doctor regarding his recommendation.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Generally a power chair is used for a person where they tend to need a wheelchair for their day to day activities but based on other physical health matters cannot use a wheelchair on their own.

An ECV is more designed for a person who has mobility/stamina problems but does have the ability to, for example, walk around their house on their own (possibly with a cane or walker) and perform routine tasks without having to be in a wheelchair.

A power chair tends to be much more expensive than an ECV. If it is being covered by insurance, the insurance company may balk at the use of a power chair.

Also, as a power chair is controlled by a joystick, if a person has a real problem in keeping the hand steady (and this is often a Parkinson's symptom) use of a joystick control may be extremely difficult even to the extent of possibly being unsafe.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I have both a scooter and a power chair. the power chair is MUCH harder to steer and control than the scooter. If he were in the chair all the time he would eventually get good at steering as long as he is capable of it. As stated a steady hand is really needed.

 

[Momma2dakidz]

ok i hate to say this but........power chair. i pushed my grandfather into getting an ecv and he litterally used it 1 time before he got so bad he is home bound. He too has parkinsons, and it has been slow progressing. The stamina needed to turn the handle is what did him in from using the ecv more. We now need to go power chair but doubt they will pay for that. UGH!

Are you in ohio? we live in ne ohio and they attend the parkinsons support groups if your interested. i am always open for brainstorming and support on this journey.

Best wishes,
Becky

 

[DisOrBust]

Thanks i'm in Wisconsin but have had a lot of luck on the yahoo groups. He is going to Cleveland since he has had DBS done and they are the best. Something to consider for your Grandfather

After moving my mom around her house in a w/c I started thinking that maybe Dad would be better off with the power chair. He does need some help getting around the house. Currently using a rolling walker but that can critical when it "rolls away". Plus it's heavy and they can't lift it into the car. My fear with the evc is his reaction time may not be fast enough. also the chair just looks more comfortable then hunched over an EVC all the time.


How hard is it to use one "in the home"? Do you end up taking off all your corners,lol.

How does it handle going from smooth to rough surfaces??

Then you have to get a car you can fit it in.. only vans/minivans??

I know cost is an issue but so is his quality of life.

TIA!
Sue

 

[mykidsintow]

I agree with the Power chair.

My daughter was 2 yrs old when she got her power wheelchair. She has a very rare genetic disorder and has contractures of her wrists, hands, elbows, etc. She didn't have much strength or stamina. That said she could drive that chair like a pro. They got a mini joystick for her. The entire chair could be controled with one finger. Hydrolics and all. She had total control.

Now that she is older she has a regular joystick. Power chair options are amazing... from head controls to touch screens, regular joysticks to mini joysticks that can be controled with a finger. Make sure he goes to a good clinic that talks about options and not just orders something generic out of a book, get a demo. EVCs, not to much. Power Chairs are also much easier to transfer in and out of without worrying about getting that one leg around the controls, etc. Its just a better option for people with health that will continue to get worse.

Good luck to you and your family!

 

[DisneyWheeler]

If he needs supportive wheelchair seating then a power chair would be the way to go. When I was looking into getting some type of power wheelchair or ECV. I wasn't sure which one to go with. I finally chose the power chair because it was much easier for me to manage than a scooter. I also knew I would need special seating support because of my scoliosis. Six years later I'm still glad that I made the right choice. I use the paratransit buses and vans to get around town, and to and from work. Getting on and off the wheelchair lifts with my power chair is easy, compared to a ECV. Plus, I love my very supportive seating system. My back does too.

Insurance would usually cover for the entire cost of a power chair. Even when some of them are fairly expensive. Mine did, and my mom and I were both happy that we didn't have to pay out-of-pocket costs towards it. She helps me with my cost for repairs on it after the insurance had paid for part of it.

Samantha

 

[Momma2dakidz]

OT: what is DBS?

As for the wheelchair, yes make sure he goes to a superb dealer and get an even better seating clinic assessment. Most dealers cant measure to save thier lives. If it doesnt fit, do not accept delivery.

 

[DisOrBust]

Thaks all I'll see how things ae after Cleveland and then I may have to tackle this pony.

DBS is short for Deep Brain Stimulation. Basically 2 leads are placed in the brain and hooked up to a pulse generator. It works 90% on tremor. About 50% on gait issues. Italso used fro Essential tremor and even OCD.