Does Medicare Cover Shower Chairs
Written by webtechs

Does Medicare Cover Shower Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Shower Chairs

The elderly are very much at-risk for falls and other injuries at home. This calls for various devices and pieces of equipment to keep you safe at all times. One of the items may be a shower chair. Shower chairs are currently classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), so depending on balance and mobility issues that have been diagnosed, these chairs may or may not be covered by Medicare insurance.

Medicare Coverage For Shower Chairs

Medicare provides coverage for DME items only if the items meet specific criteria. The criteria is set by Medicare Part B, which covers preventative services, outpatient costs and some medical equipment, according to MedicareBenefits. For a shower chair to be covered by Part B benefits, the chair must be intended for use inside the home, be able to be used multiple times, potentially last for at least three years and necessary for a specific medical reason.

Additionally, the shower chair needs to be prescribed by your physician. Once the physician grants the approval, it is his/her responsibility to work with a Medicare-approved DME supplier to then obtain the chair and ensure Medicare coverage. Any patient must use both a physician and supplier that has been approved by Medicare and accepts Medicare assignment during this process.

Even after all requirements have been met, it’s important to understand that Medicare does not typically deem shower chairs to be a medically necessary item. If, for instance, you are in a nursing facility or hospital, you will have access to a shower chair, if needed. Stays in these facilities will be partially covered by Medicare Part A.

However, you may be more likely to get coverage for a shower chair if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. The plan must cover at least the same as Original Medicare Part A and B, but it can provide additional coverage. This coverage can include some over-the-counter allowances, which could cover an item such as a shower chair.

If you feel as though you have a medical condition that calls for usage of a shower chair, talk to your physician about this first. At this time, they will be able to assess your needs and determine if your specific Medicare plan will offer coverage for a shower chair.

Guidelines For Durable Medical Equipment

The meaning of Durable Medical Equipment is strictly and exclusively defined by Medicare Part B coverage. Equipment needs to meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage, including the following:

  • Used for specific medical reason.
  • Intended for at-home use.
  • Ability to be used repeatedly.
  • Expected to last at least 2-3 years.

In addition, DME needs to be prescribed by a doctor. The supplier and doctor must participate in Medicare and accept assignment, as detailed above. It is possible that the patient will be responsible for copayments or coinsurance. Your Part B deductible will apply, according to Medicare.

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona Sells Shower Chairs

Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, scooters, wheel chairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City.

More Articles About Senior Living

Senior In The Tub
Written by webtechs

Best Shower Chair For Elderly

Senior In The Tub

Are you looking for the best shower chairs available for the elderly? We’ve highlighted some of the best products below. 

Best Shower Chairs For The Elderly

As you age, you lose lots of mobility. This can make bathing a dangerous process to attempt for elderly citizens who live alone. Falls, especially while in the shower, can result in serious injuries. Fortunately, these shower chairs listed below can provide much-needed stability for seniors in the shower. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best shower chairs on the market.

1. Drive Medical Shower Chair (With Back)

For starters, this is the most basic shower chair you can find on the market today. Made of aluminum, the Drive Medical chair is lightweight and corrosion-proof. Constructing this chair is very simple and it requires no tools at all. Suction-style tips will keep the chair securely in place once in the shower. Each leg on the chair can be adjusted by one-inch increments.

Features:

  • Lightweight.
  • Adjustable chair legs.
  • Easy assembly.
  • Corrosion-proof.

2. Carex Bath Seat

Comfort is the main selling point with the Carex bath seat. This chair lets you enjoy the shower, while keeping you safe and secure at the same time. It can be adjusted by heights with no tools required for the process. The Carex bath seat can be quickly disassembled and stored for your convenience. Designed to fit most showers and bathtubs, it can also work well in curved tubs. It can support up to 400 pounds.

Features:

  • Adjustable by height.
  • Ease of disassembly.
  • Supports up to 400 pounds.
  • Fits curved tubs.

3. Medline Antimicrobial Tub Transfer Branch

This is an excellent option for a senior citizen nursing some sort of lower body injury. Two legs of this chair can be placed inside the tub with the other two legs outside the tub. This makes it incredibly easy to transfer in and out of the shower without putting pressure on injured body parts. In addition, the backrest is reversible so you can enter the tub in any direction possible.

Features:

  • Reversible backrest.
  • Adjustable legs.
  • Can hold up to 350 pounds.
  • Lightweight.

4. Vaunn Medical Shower Lift Chair

For the busy senior, this chair is perfect. The Vaunn Medical chair is designed for travel purposes, weighing just 8 pounds. It can extend and retract its legs, depending on the needs of the individual. Separate leg extensions are available for purchase and it comes with a detachable back. The contoured seat base will keep you comfortable throughout the bathing process.

Features:

  • Lightweight.
  • Easy to transport.
  • Detachable backrest.
  • Adjustable.

5. Drive Medical Premium Shower Chair

This chair designed by Drive Medical will keep you comfortable in the shower. Its unique threaded leg adjustment system will give you the ability to increase the height in half-inch increments. Another plus is the chair is made entirely of plastic, meaning it will never rust. Removable arms and backrest come with this chair, which weighs only 8 pounds. The armrests can double as handles, making this an easy chair to transport.

Features:

  • Lightweight.
  • Easy to transport.
  • Will not rust over time.
  • Adjustable by height.

Best Shower Chair For Elderly

6. Azadx Bath Chair

This high-quality chair is constructed of aluminum alloy and leather. It maximizes an individual’s comfort by being both height adjustable and reversible. Assembly of this chair can be done quickly without the use of tools. The chair comes complete with drainage holes to prevent any possible slippage. A sturdy A-frame will also prevent falls.

Features:

  • Reversible.
  • Prevents falls.
  • Height adjustable.
  • Easy assembly. 

7. NOVA Medical Bath Seat (With Arms)

This chair differs from most other models because it features flat feet. This can be an enormous benefit based on the type of shower/tub you are using. Some chairs with suction cups will not work well in showers that have heavily textured bottoms or slanted sides. Even though these chairs only weigh 7 pounds, they are capable of supporting up to 300 pounds.

Features:

  • Flat feet.
  • Lightweight.
  • Can support 300 pounds.
  • Drainage holes. 

8. Carex Universal Bath Seat And Shower Chair

Of course, supporting up to 300 pounds may not be enough for everyone. That’s where the Carex universal bath seat comes in! This shower chair can hold up to 400 pounds and features non-slip rubber feet. Sitting down and standing up is no longer a potential safety concern for larger individuals with this chair.

Features:

  • Supports up to 400 pounds.
  • Non-slip rubber feet.
  • No tools needed for assembly.
  • Lightweight. 

9. Vive Shower Chair (With Back)

This wide seat supports up to 300 pounds with padded handles on each side. This feature allows for easy access in and out of the tub. A larger adjustable range ensures that this chair will work for anyone, tall or short.

Features:

  • No tools needed for assembly.
  • Large adjustable range.
  • Drainage holes.
  • Padded handles.

10. Pcp Padded Bath Shower Safety Seat

This seat specializes in keeping your loved one safe in the tub. The Pcp seat makes showering safe and comfortable. Non-slip feet will grip even the slickest of shower floors, preventing any potential spills. The seat top and backrest is padded.

Features:

  • Smaller design.
  • Lightweight.
  • Grips to any floor.
  • Padded seat and backrest. 

Mobility Center In Mesa, Arizona Sells Shower Chairs

Mobility Center has been proudly serving the entire Phoenix, Arizona area since 1975 with the finest in mobility aids, scooters, wheel chairs, lifts and support equipment. Visit our convenient location to see the products and receive the individual attention that you deserve. Our service area includes Mesa, Apache Junction, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, and Sun City.

More Articles About Senior Living