A wheelchair enables a person with disabilities to function in everyday life. It supports people with lower limb dysfunction by compensating such functions as stabilizing and maintaining body position, as well as moving around.
Is it possible to get a wheelchair refund?
People with a documented disability, who have social and health insurance (ZUS), can get a medical accessories refund. The subsidy for a wheelchair is PLN 650 for adults and PLN 600 for a child’s wheelchair.
How to apply for a wheelchair refund?
To apply for a wheelchair refund, the patient must first visit a doctor and receive a referral. Standard manual wheelchair can be prescribed by a primary care physician. In the case of electric and active wheelchairs, however, the referral can only be signed by a doctor with a specific specialization related to a given disease. Doctor’s referral is then confirmed by the NFZ e-ZWM system and the order number is issued. Once the patient has an order number, they have 12 months to complete it in a medical store that has signed a contract with NFZ.
What to take into account while choosing a wheelchair?
While choosing a wheelchair, it is necessary to take into account such variables as:
- seat width, depth, height, and inclination angle,
- backrest height and angle,
- width and height of the footrest,
- inclination of the rear wheels,
- type and diameter of front wheels,
- mounting angle of the front castor wheel forks,
- distance of the rear wheel axles from the front wheels,
- brake position,
- mounting of drive hoops,
- location of the center of gravity.
The buyer should also consider the frame color and the total cost of the wheelchair.
Wheelchair maintenance
In order to keep the wheelchair in good condition, it is advised to do regular maintenance work. Its frequency depends on the intensity of use and operating conditions, which may vary in relation to the seasons. The maintenance work consists of cleaning, checking for wear and tear, as well as making necessary adjustments and replacements.
What parts can be changed in a wheelchair?
Due to wear and tear, some parts of a wheelchair need replacement over time. The most commonly changed components are:
- tires,
- hand rims,
- upholstery,
- brakes,
- armrests.
In the case of electric wheelchairs, the user needs to also remember about replacing batteries, which, depending on usage, need changing every 1–2 years. Other components that can wear out are control systems, such as joysticks.
The impact of correct parts replacement on the safety of a wheelchair user
Every wheelchair user needs to remember that an improper installation of a medical accessories can gravely affect a wheelchair’s performance and its safety. It is crucial to always use parts designed for a specific wheelchair model, as it is the only way to ensure proper fit and functionality. Moreover, it is necessary to properly fix the components, making sure all bolts and nuts are tight and secure, as using a wheelchair with loose parts is a huge safety risk and may lead to an accident.
Is it possible to replace parts in a wheelchair by yourself?
Some parts in a wheelchair can be successfully replaced at home. It is relatively easy to change such components as tires and cushions. The replacements of some other parts, however, may require professional help. This is the case especially with motors and controls systems in electric wheelchairs. Before deciding to replace wheelchair parts at home, the users should always consider their abilities and comfort levels with the presented task.