Forgive me while I rant a little. If you're a wheelchair user, every now and then you face yet more decisions about keeping your chair running well - or ultimately, replacing it, just like we replace our cars every now and then.
A few weeks ago my chair seemed to be losing power too fast, especially toward the end of the day. Even on days when I moved around very little, actually staying in the house, or only going out to physio where I'm sure I didn't ride further than 200 yards, by evening it was dropping precipitously down close to zero. We started charging it every day.
Then last Friday, coming home from the church potluck, I couldn't get in the house at all! You have to cross a small threshold (that strip of wood under the bottom of the door) and when I tried, the chair just stalled out, the control unit showing a stop sign and the message 'low voltage'. I've come through that door 4000 times before, so I was just a little concerned!
The same thing happened today when we came home from church! It's actually infuriating. The chair shows you how much battery power is left, but it doesn't warn you when voltage is too low.
If my battery power has failed, I don't want to be trapped outside the house. That means I have to stay inside, and that in turn means no physio, no lunches downtown, and no church. So I got on the phone to the company that services my wheelchair, and begged for a quick visit. The nearest date was 5 days away, and that would be only to assess the situation. If it's the batteries, they have to be ordered and who knows how long that would take. The uncertainty at this stage was the most frustrating!
My friendly service guy came sooner after I called and begged again, and yes indeed, it is the batteries. After 6 weeks of uncertainty we face a $1200.00 bill and an indefinite further wait! I'll be on the phone again at 9 a.m. tomorrow!
So should we think about a new chair rather than just new batteries? I've been told repeatedly that wheelchairs of this sort will last about 5 years, and it's been 6 years now. We've replaced the power wheels, the four casters, the cushion (of course), the control unit, and the batteries (already). Is this the tipping point when the chair becomes unreliable?
And then, if we look at a new chair, what brand, what features, what wheelbase? I've been using a MWD or mid-wheel drive, but I think I would find a FWD or front-wheel drive better for the use I make of it - getting out and about during spring/summer/fall, going over curbs to get to where I want to go. If we go this route it will be at least another 6 weeks, and possibly 6 months, so I think we have to cough up for new batteries now to keep me moving in the meantime.
And when I start looking at websites, they have a way of writing them that just uses a bunch of great words but doesn't really tell you what you need to know! I should add, we don't do this ourselves, we have to work with both the saleslady and our Occupational Therapist.
It's a long list of decisions to make, and this time I'm going to do my own research and not just be pushed into something the saleslady wants to sell!
The cost: In Ontario, a government program pays most of the cost for wheelchairs of this sort (which cost much more than you would believe), but we're dependent on the Occupational Therapist to approve it and submit an application on our behalf. If both the saleslady and the OT agree with us, this could be quick. I'll let you know.
And to think that this is in Canada, where in the US it would cost much more and be much slower. I'm hopeful this is able to be resolved quickly. Fingers crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds mighty frustrating. I can't imagine your OT not approving the purchase of the chair you decide upon. It is clearly your means of independence. Good luck with getting the batteries, as it sounds as though a new chair isn't likely to arrive for some time. Can you determine if the batteries you buy would be compatible with the new chair you decide to get? If so, you'd have a spare set, if and when needed.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Frustrating to say the least. Thank you for sharing this information, FG. It helps me understand more about life in a wheelchair. I hope the batteries arrive soon.
ReplyDeleteI will ask our son-in-law what drive his is. It was government funded, he is now in it all the time, it raises, lowers, tips back, forward, and he has a hand control on the right hand side. He can go down the footpath or the road, which has less potholes, and it can go on a plane. Our daughter spent hours in his wheelchair before planning their new home. Tiled floor, extra bracing in the ceiling in case a rail track need to be installed later, high bench with a front that juts out, and power plugs either in the floor, for the chair, or high on the bench top or wall for phone and iPad etc. Easy access round the island bench in the kitchen. It is a realisation, as we recently had 13 days staying with them, as how limiting life can be. In winter they will have snow, not as much as you, but maybe enough to prohibit road trips. The front and back doors are all level access from the outside, and one heavy door has a push button on the wall with big letters, " Push to Exit" in red.Cavity sliding doors all through,. His chair was designed round his body size, I don't know what they do for you. Meantime, we are home , I'll update my blog with a post soon, drama before we left the first airport, and more as we waited for older daughter to join us on the second leg. All this to be together for Hugh's birthday !!!
ReplyDeleteI'd have thought those chairs would use a couple of 12-volt marine batteries, similar to car batteries, that can be recharged easily and almost as easily replaced -- silly me, shows how little I know. But then the company couldn't sell replacement batteries. Hopefully your new chair will meet your needs and arrive in a timely manner.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor who uses an electric wheelchair just got a new one. She rides at highest speed everywhere she goes, as she knows the roads/sidewalks well. I only said I like the look of her new chair, and didn't pay much attention to it. We only meet occasionally when passing on the sidewalks, and this time of year it's seldom due to cold weather.
ReplyDeleteBut I meant to say that I'm sorry you're having to do all this research while the battery situation needs attention immediately!
DeleteI can absolutely understand your frustration—dealing with wheelchair issues is not just a technical hassle, but it impacts your daily life so deeply. The uncertainty about whether to repair or replace the chair is a massive decision, especially with the added complexity of costs and waiting times. It's tough when something so essential feels unreliable, and I can only imagine the added stress of navigating the process with salespeople, the OT, and trying to make sure you're getting the best solution. I really hope the process goes smoothly from here on out, and that you’re able to get the support you need. You’ve got a lot of decisions to make, but it’s great that you’re taking charge of your own research!
ReplyDeleteI invite you to read my new blog post: melodyjacob.com. Have a lovely week ahead.
This must be unsettling and frustrating, but it sounds like they do better at covering your wheelchair needs than my hearing aid needs. Since the cost must be great that is a very good thing for you/
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