Need answers to your mobility questions?? Want to know the latest in Assistive Technology? Would you like to learn money saving tips on how to purchase your next van, scooter or lift? Get these answers and more from “The Mobile Lifestyle Advisor” brought to you by Disabled Dealer of Virginia and West Virginia. This monthly column might make you roll with laughter, cringe with fear, or jump for joy, but it guarantees to produce solutions that you can take to the bank. So “Let’s Get Rolling”. Q. I am looking at replacing my full size conversion van and have found one on the internet. It sounds good but I am a little hesitant because I need to move my lift, hand controls and transfer seat over to it. What questions do I need to ask to make sure my old equipment will fit? Ron H.-VA.
A. Great question and one of many that buyers contemplate before purchasing a van off of the internet. Looking at the purchase as a two step process is somewhat easier than trying to buy a vehicle already converted for accessibility. You know your equipment and it works for you in the old van so the biggest hurdle is solved. I would first ask the dealer if they have had experience in handicapped vans. This would make it easier to find out if the equipment would fit in the van they are selling to you. Next, look at the van as it is and make sure it is sound, dependable and has a clean CARFAX. The dealer should provide you with CARFAX documentation and also previous owner information. As always, a one owner trade in would be preferable over a van that had moved from one owner to another. If the dealer seems reluctant to provide info then BUYER BEWARE they are hiding something. Now, find a mobility dealer that you want to work with in moving the old equipment to the new van. Ask them to evaluate what will fit and give you a cost estimate. It may be cheaper to install new hand controls vs. moving your old ones because of the bracket differences and rod lengths. The other items should work in either van with slight modifications. Do your background investigation and you should be ok. I would be most concerned with the van purchase, if that works out good then you can work through the equipment install. Good luck!
Q. I have just recently purchased a new Hoveround wheelchair for my Mom to use when we are out shopping. The dealer said it would fit in my Honda SUV if I take it apart. Well after trying to take it apart, and reassemble it twice, I realize that there has to be a better way. What is it? Lora J.—VA
A. Lora, welcome to the treacherous world of mobility challenges. Suffice it to say you are not the first to find out that picture, TV ads, and slick tongued salesmen do NOT have YOUR best interest in mind. Mobility challenges are only solved by trying out the whole process before you spend your money. Now, I would recommend you go to the local mobility store, with the Hoveround in the back of your SUV and ask what you can now do to make it easier to transport the chair. I would offer 3 suggestions. Look at an inside lift, an outside carrier or lift and lastly a set of portable ramps. Have the salesmen show you actual examples and let you try the products BEFORE you spend anymore money. You wanted to make life easier for Mom and easier on you, the complete package must work. Good luck!
Q. I now have my new hot tub installed in a room adjacent to the family room. The old one was outside on the patio and I had a tub lift that I used to get in and out of the tub. My shoulders are not what they used to be and I want to eliminate the arduous transfer from my chair to the tub lift seat. There are several ceiling lifts available, and I was wondering if I could use one of those types of lifts? George H.-VA.
A. Out of the box thinking George! The manufactures all agree that this a great use for their ceiling lifts. Of course a special water sling is used but the lift is totally safe for water usage and yes, it is a great way to solve the continual shoulder pain that so many chair users suffer from after years of transferring. Thanks for showing other readers that there is always a better mobility product or alternative use for an existing product.
Q. My Mom has a manual wheelchair that she uses around the house. She would like to go outside in her garden on sunny days but finds it hard to push her chair in the grass and garden plot. What type of scooter or wheelchair do you recommend we look at? Ron M.-VA
A. Ron it sounds like Mom has good upper body control and balance. If she can transfer easily out of her wheel chair and into a scooter I would suggest this over a power wheelchair. The scooter will give her easier range of movement with its swivel seat, making it much easier for her to bend down and tend the garden. Most power wheel chairs have fixed position seats and a larger power base making it hard to reach down and to the side. I would also recommend a 4 wheel scooter for added safety on unleveled terrain and give her additional stability while outside on the grassy areas. Cost wise, scooters will be much less expensive and if you search this issue you will find several good buys on pre-owned units. As I always recommend, go to you local mobility store with Mom and try out several styles before you buy.
