Russ works for the Triumph Foundation, but sometimes we get lucky enough to see his smiling face on our side of town! We caught him for a little interview when he was in getting the final adjustments on his new chair. Take a look!
Showing posts with label Power Chairs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Power Chairs. Show all posts
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
No, not that little fuzzy purple thing your daughter left in the corner with 3 Cheerios to hold it over till dinner. We’re talking about the fact that medical equipment usually doesn’t come cheap. (And if it does, it probably won’t last or work well. But that’s a whole other issue…)
It’s tough.
You have medical bills for treatments, check-ups, and tests, and now you’re also expected to purchase one of the biggest technological advancements of the modern age like a standing power chair?
It’s asking a lot.
But the truth is, unlike many other countries in the world, there are many different avenues to explore for large purchases.
Still doesn’t make it easy, but it’s not impossible.
As a business that has been around for over 20 years, we hate knowing that many of you get sent on wild goose chase with your questions about equipment costs and financing. We don’t always have an easy solution, but we are dedicated to working with you and helping you figure out an option that will work for your situation.
To start, here’s the top 5 ways many people who have come through our doors have used to get the medical equipment they need:
1 - Family Support
It’s never really comfortable to ask your family for help, but if there was ever a worthy reason, this is it. You didn’t go out to Vegas and end up with a debt collector on your tail. You didn’t spend all your cash on a new Bugatti (hopefully) and then realize you have nothing left for the equipment you need for daily life.
This isn’t something you should be ashamed of asking help for.
That’s what family is for.
They come through for you now, and you will come through for them at times as well. Whether it’s for emotional support, friendship, advice, your very presence- you have something valuable to offer them no one else can give.
You’re worth their investment.
You are.
2- Fundraisers
Round up some of your best friends and have a brainstorming session for a fundraiser to get funds.
Chances are, within your group of friends you’ll find all the key players you’ll need to come up with creative ideas, plan it out, and execute it. Some people might actually be waiting for just such an opportunity to use their planning skills!
3- Lenders
If money pooled from friends, family, and supporters still falls short, there are loan opportunities for purchasing medical equipment.
Several of our customers have gone this route when needed, and have made payments on loans for the equipment that they simple couldn’t put off purchasing.
4- CareCredit
We’re happy to say we now accept CareCredit!
This healthcare financing credit card offers a period of time with 0% interest to pay off your purchases. Depending on the business you’re purchasing from and a few other factors, they may offer you anywhere from 6-18 months with no interest on a given purchase.
This way you can get the equipment you need and make smaller payments on a monthly basis without building up interest that will come back to bite you like other credit cards.
Just make sure you keep make that monthly minimum payment!
5- Rental
Do you know some extra money is coming down the pipeline but you need the equipment now?
Why not just get a rental?
We offer quality rentals that can get you by until your funds come through from that insurance check, fundraiser, business venture, etc.
A rental might just buy you the time you need to get your finances in order for the final purchase without having to get a loan.
We hope this helps show you some of the possibilities out there, and that one of these will work for you. But if you still need help feel free to call us any time and we’ll be right beside you through the process.
Before we head out of September, we'd like to take a moment to remember it is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. There are some amazing organizations out there that support the amazing community who have been affected by SCIs.
For visitors to our page who are less familiar with Spinal Cord Injuries, here are some facts from UnitedSpinal.org to get you up to speed:
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Facts
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an injury to the spinal cord that results in temporary or permanent changes in the spinal cord’s normal motor, sensory, or autonomic function. People who sustain a spinal cord injury often have permanent and profound neurologic deficits and accompanying paralysis.
- There are approximately 285,000 people in the U.S. living with SCI in 2017.
- There are approximately 17,500 new SCI cases in the U.S. each year.
- The average age at injury has increased from 29 years during the 1970s to 42 years currently.
- Males account for about 81% of new SCI cases.
- Vehicle crashes are currently the leading cause of SCI (38.4%), followed by falls, acts of violence, and sports/recreation activities.
- About 30% of people with SCI are re-hospitalized one or more times during any given year following injury.
- SCI costs roughly $40.5 billion annually
Here are some more great organizations with information, research and programs on SCIs:
United Spinal Association
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Triumph Foundation
We are privileged to know some amazing people with an SCI who are just...amazing people.
Those of you who we haven't gotten to meet yet: we'd love to see you at our Sherman Oaks Showroom, our Pacioma repair center, or at the 2018 Abilities Expo in Los Angeles!
1) Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Everyone gets discouraged and needs the reassurance from someone else who has “been through it” - someone who can show you it’s possible to keep moving
forward. Christopher Reeve’s story of perseverance has inspired many to not
give up on their own stories. We especially love the incredible advice,
encouragement and heart that breathes out of the blog of this incredible
organization.
2) Abilities Expo
Having a community is important for anyone, but having the type of people around you that understand your unique hobbies, personality, challenges, or passions can literally turn your life around.
Abilities Expo creates an amazing
atmosphere for those in common locations with common experiences to get together,
meet, and get exposed to some amazing resources.
And the Los Angeles Expo is
coming up soon!
3) Art Shop Therapy
Art has always had a mysterious power- as though it unlocks
a hidden door inside us and releases the inner treasures of our hearts and
minds in a way the world can experience them with us.
Art Shop Therapy is a
great resource to engage this inner world, and offers therapeutic art lessons
for children and adults with disabilities.
4) The Mighty
The biggest lie we can start to believe in our lives is that
we’re facing things alone, but the amazing website The Mighty is here to dissolve
that lie:
“Billions of people are facing serious health conditions” they say “— including many of us at The Mighty.
It’s so easy to feel like we are facing these challenges alone. The truth is,
we are all facing disability, disease and mental illness together.”
Check out
the wealth of articles and input written by people just like you.
5) Pinterest
Believe it or not, Pinterest is one of our favorite places
on the web!
Whether you’re a parent who’s looking for fresh ideas for how to play with your child, or someone who needs more information on applying for
disability benefits, this online “bulletin board” has ideas, tips, images, and
advice from people all over the world who have had the same questions and are just one step ahead of you.
Check it out!
Medical equipment is a real investment, and it should take every bit as much of research, consideration and information as purchasing a car or home.
We don't want you to get caught making a decision that will come back to bite you down the road, so we've put together this list of 4 most common mistakes when purchasing medical equipment!:
1- Buying Online
It’s fast- it’s easy- it’s often cheaper- what could go wrong?
Well, lots of things, sadly.
We all love the instant gratification when we click the “Buy Now” button and have our whole purchase done in just a matter of minutes, but what are we actually “saving” on in this scenario? We may be saving a few bucks up front, but think about down the road...
With a major purchase like a power chair, buying online means that you’re cutting the cost- but you might just be cutting out the very perks that will make your life the most easy and care-free down the road.
While buying online might be a great option for books, movies and household products, for large investments it’s most likely going to be followed by some regret. For instance, if something about the equipment isn’t as good of quality as you were expecting, or if the picture didn’t show you something about the equipment, you now have to deal with it.
2- Not Testing it Out
You wouldn’t by a car online or without testing it for yourself- you’d want to try it first!
You want to see how you feel in the drivers seat, make sure the interior suits your preferences, and most of all- that it drives and operates how you expect it. It’s a big investment so you want to make sure it works great and works for your needs.
Medical equipment like power chairs and mobility scooters are the same way. Don’t plop down your money til you’ve tested it out in person!
3- Overlooking Customization
Another mistake is agreeing to buy something before reviewing customization options.
Everyone is different and has different needs, so why think a standard chair is going to fit all your needs?
With a large medical investment, you want to ensure it’s perfectly suited to you. If there’s something about a chair or scooter that isn’t perfectly comfortable but seems like a “small issue," it will probably become really bothersome and a much bigger issue down the line once you’ve lived with it for a long time.
It’s always better to get everything customized just the way you want it from the get-go, instead of having to find a company for customization after you've made the purchase- or worse- buy something that can’t be customized the way wish it could be!
4- Customer Service Nightmares
With computers and buying online, more and more people are running into the problem of frustrating customer service.
Companies who offer great prices online often cut corners with the customer service department. Why pay an expert who actually knows real practical information about the equipment when you can pay someone in another country half the wage to answer general questions that don’t even really answer your problem!
Finding a medical supply business with expert and warm customer service will save you so many headaches and heartaches down the line. Instead of chatting online, sending in requests, or trying to decipher things over the phone every time, get someone who wants to see you face to face and actually know you!
Real customer service isn’t about the problem, it’s about the person.
A real customer service agent will not only be an expert in medical equipment, they’ll be a compassionate person who genuinely wants to help you, not just clock in and out and get their pay check every day.
Don’t fall for these mistakes.
Make sure you test out your equipment, explore personal customization, and find caring and skilled staff before you invest in medical supplies. Down the line when you run into any question or issue with your equipment, you wont be urgently trying to get help from someone on the phone who doesn't really have solutions to offer you. You’ll be able to make one call and get quick, caring, personalized solutions right at the moment you need it most!
Is a standing power chair the right choice for your life?
If these awesome machines have been on your radar,
you probably have tons of questions before you buy:
Is it right for my lifestyle?
Will it work with my current living situation?
What are the pros and cons?
We made it super easy for you to grab the facts and decide
whether or not a standing power chair is right for you.
Here’s
a list of pros and cons of standing power chairs to help you make the best decision for your life and needs:
PROS
Pressure Relief
A
sitting position inflicts pressure on your back that is released when you rise
to a standing position. As described by SpineHealth.com:
“Sitting
puts pressure on the discs, causing low back pain to worsen after sitting for
long periods of time.”
A
standing power chair is an effective way to help release the pressure in your
lower back throughout the day; easing or preventing reoccurring pain in your
lower back.
Blood Circulation
We
all know blood is what keeps us alive, but did you know this:
One
of the biggest benefits of a standing power chair is increased blood
circulation throughout the whole body.
As
the body reaches the standing position, the blood flows more seamlessly into
all the limbs, thereby bringing oxygen into all extremities and strengthening
muscles, arteries, and heart.
Bone Density
Remember
all those milk commercials that claimed milk built strong bones? Well, maybe it
does. But another thing that builds strong bones is movement!
Bone
strength is directly related to body movement:
When
bones are moved and used they are strengthened, and a standing power chair
creates just the opportunity for this movement, keeping your bones strong and
healthy for years to come.
Digestion
Many recent studies show just how vital digestion
is to our overall health.
Staying
seated for long periods of time also has a large effect on your digestive
system. Elongating the body into a standing position from time to time has a drastic
impact on the digestive tract, freeing it up and promoting better digestion.
If
you’ve been noticing increasing issues with your digestion or stomach, this benefit
alone might be a good reason to make this important investment.
Enhanced Social Interaction
People
care about people, and social interaction is core to overall health!
It
may seem less important than the aforementioned health benefits, but is probably
just as vital. Positive social interaction will affect self-confidence and
relationships in a way that will improve mood, and therefore, overall physical
health.
A
standing power chair reinforces your independence by giving you the ability to
take more ownership of your daily needs. This machine helps you reach things commonly used in daily life and reduces frustration throughout your day.
CONS
Bulky Base
Because
of the need for a sufficient counterweight to keep you stable when raised to
the standing position, the base of a standing power chair can be a bit bulkier
than power chairs that do not extend in the same way.
Insurance
While
medical insurance may be a viable option for many other medical equipment
needs, most insurance companies don’t cover standing power chairs, so a
different financing option may be required for this investment.
Best on Flat Terrain
Although
standing power chairs are very sturdy in their upright position, they are still
not meant to be driven over uneven surfaces when fully extended. For this
reason, they are best qualified for smooth or even surfaces.
Expensive to Maintain
Because
of their advanced design standing power chairs can be pricey to maintain,
however, if you invest in one with an in-home warranty attached, you can get
the incredible benefit of free in-home repairs!
While
we hope this list helps clarify what this investment could mean for you, there
is nothing like trying a power chair out for yourself! If you live in or around Los
Angeles California, we encourage you to come try out a power chair for free!
Everyone
is different, and we’d love to address your unique questions, concerns and
potential customizations to make the chair a perfect fit for you.
And
to make things even simpler:
For
our local friends, we even offer a free home inspection to ensure your new
power chair will be compatible with your current living arrangement!
The last thing you’d want is to make a great investment, only to discover it conflicts with the layout or accessibility of your home- but we’ll assess all that for you and give our professional opinion free of charge!
The last thing you’d want is to make a great investment, only to discover it conflicts with the layout or accessibility of your home- but we’ll assess all that for you and give our professional opinion free of charge!
-
If
you have any other questions about standing power chairs or our services, feel
free to reach out in the comments below or on our social media!
Sherman Oaks Medical Equipment has a wide variety of Power Wheelchairs you can try out yourself at our Sherman Oaks showroom right off the 101!
We've got over 20 years of experience to draw from as we help you find the ideal Power Wheelchair for you and your budget.
At Sherman Oaks Medical our experienced staff and factory certified technicians will help you find the best choices available in power chairs by explaining the features and applications each model offers, so you'll get a clear understanding of which Power Wheelchair will best meet your needs.
Below is an overview of different types of Power Chairs available at Sherman Oaks Medical Supplies.
Types of Power Wheelchairs
Welcome to our Permobil Power Wheelchair Section!
Sherman Oaks Medical Equipment is an authorized Permobil Power Wheelchair dealer in Los Angeles Area! We are here to answer all of you powered mobility questions.
Due to the complexity of these Power Wheelchairs we require you to contact us to place your order.
We will be more than happy to assist you in picking out the best Permobil Power Wheelchair for your lifestyle.
The models we carry offer an array of power bases and varieties of seating options to further enhance your ability to customize your mobility needs...from simple to complex.
Types of Permobil Power Wheelchairs we offer:
- Rehab Power Wheelchairs
- Pediatric Power Wheelchairs
- Standing Power Wheelchairs (VS Stander)
Notice:
- Our Permobil Power Wheelchairs are restricted to Southern California only. Please contact Permobil at 1(800) 736-0925 for a dealer near you.
- Prices for Permobil Power Wheelchairs are for the bases only and do not include the seat or any customizable functions.
Heavy Duty Power Wheelchairs are designed for users over 300 lbs.
These chairs are extremely durable and are designed for everyday use.
If you need a Power Chair with a weight capacity over 300 lbs. you should only get a heavy duty chair, otherwise see standard power chairs.
Folding Frame Power Wheelchairs are conventional power chairs constructed with an X-shaped brace at the center, allowing the frame to be folded sideways.
Some effort is required in transporting the Power Chair, but overall when folded it can be stored in fairly compact spaces.
Before folding the frame, you must remove the batteries from the wheelchair by simply disconnecting and lifting the battery unit.
You may need a Folding Power Wheelchair if you are looking for:
- Foldable electric wheelchair for easy transport in a vehicle
- Range of up to 22 miles
- Speeds up to 6 mph
- Indoor & Outdoor Use
You should NOT get a Folding Power Wheelchair if you are looking for:
- Excellent maneuverability
- Use on rough terrain
Mid-Wheel Power Wheelchairs, also known are center-wheel power chairs, are known for being extremely maneuverable!
This maneuverability comes from the drive wheels being located right under the user allowing the chair to turn on center.
A Mid-Wheel Power Wheelchair is great for in-home use with tight spaces, and outdoor use for everyday needs.
You may need a Mid-Wheel Power Wheelchairs if you are looking for:
- Outstanding maneuverability
- Everyday full-time use power chair
- Captain high-back or medium back seating styles
- Elevating leg rests on your power wheelchair
- Speeds up to 6 mph
- Battery range of up to 16.65 miles
You should NOT get Mid-Wheel Power Wheelchair if you are looking for:
- Portable electric wheelchair for easily transport in a vehicle (see travel power wheelchairs)
- Compact electric wheelchair
- Light weight electric wheelchair
Are you a frequent traveller? If so, a travel electric wheelchair might be just what you need!
Travel electric wheelchairs can be folded or disassembled to be stored in a car or on an airplane.
They are much lighter and take up less space than a standard electric wheelchair.
Once disassembled, the heaviest part of these wheelchairs ranges from 35 to 75 pounds, and they can support a weight up to 275 pounds.
You may need a Electric Travel Wheelchairs if you are looking for:
- Portable electric wheelchair for easily transport in a vehicle
- Extensive maneuverability
- Range of less than 10 miles
- A part-time/secondary wheelchair for in home and outdoor use
You should NOT get Electric Travel Wheelchair if you are looking for:
- A full-time electric wheelchair for everyday use
- Sophisticated seating & positioning
- Driving range of more than 10 miles
