Transitioning to Life in a Power Wheelchair

Most people are positively excited when they accept home delivery of a new power wheel chair. That's because they know that by renewing their personal mobility and independence, they'll be able to get their life back. With the assistance of a power wheelchair, they'll be free to once again do more of the things they've always enjoyed.But they also know that making the life-changing transition to an electric wheelchair for day-to-day mobility assistance may present a few challenges.

They might be concerned about many different issues, among them:

• Learning how to use a power wheelchair safely
• Caring for the power mobility chairto maintain proper functioning
• Finding ways to modify the home for wheelchair accessibility

While adapting to this "new identity" may take time and patience, there are resources immediately available that may help to make the adjustment to make power mobility a little easier.For instance, clicking on any of the links above will provide useful information on power chair use, maintenance and modifications for a more wheelchair-friendly home.

Adapting to the use of a power operated vehicle is a change that affects virtually every aspect of daily living. And, there is supportive evidence that the effect can be a positive one.

In fact, a study on the effects of transitioning to power mobility¹ concluded that the transition to a power mobility device is a life enhancing experience for the majority of persons with mobility impairments.

Hoveround mobility specialists are available to respond to all questions regarding our motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchair accessories. They will gladly provide the help and the resources needed to make informed decisions about personal mobility solutions.

Please contact Hoveround at 1-800-542-7236 to learn more.

This article is for informational purposes only and not as a substitute for professional medical advice. All information is general in nature and may not necessarily apply to every one and every situation.

¹Buning, Mary Ellen (MS, OTR, ATP); Angelo, Jennifer A. (PhD, OTR, FAOTA, ATP) & Schmeler, Mark R. (MS, OTR/L, ATP) (2001). Occupational Performance and the Transition to Powered Mobility: A Pilot Study, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 55, 339-344