Does medicare pay for safety rails in the house?

[violas]

What is the name of your state?Washington. My sister in law critized me for buying Mom a brand new fancy adjustable bed. She said "you didn't have to do that. Medicare would have paid for it. She also said medicare would pay for Mom's wheelchair. However, when I contacted Mom's doctor, the doctor said "NO. Mom's diagnosis would not cover a wheelchair. Anyway, I went and bought Mom a brand new wheelchair yesterday with Mom's money. Now Ms. Know-it-all(sister-in-law) is acting like I am a fool for getting these things with Mom's money. Now she is insisting that medicare will pay for shower and toilet safety rails etc. Does anyone know if Medicare will pay for safety rails for the bathroom and toilet in Mom's home? Thanks

 

[BlondiePB]

What is the name of your state?Washington. My sister in law critized me for buying Mom a brand new fancy adjustable bed. She said "you didn't have to do that. Medicare would have paid for it. She also said medicare would pay for Mom's wheelchair. However, when I contacted Mom's doctor, the doctor said "NO. Mom's diagnosis would not cover a wheelchair. Anyway, I went and bought Mom a brand new wheelchair yesterday with Mom's money. Now Ms. Know-it-all(sister-in-law) is acting like I am a fool for getting these things with Mom's money. Now she is insisting that medicare will pay for shower and toilet safety rails etc. Does anyone know if Medicare will pay for safety rails for the bathroom and toilet in Mom's home? Thanks

www.medicare.gov

If you do not find what you need, call medicare. If mom's doctor won't write an Rx for a wheelchair because her condition does not warrant one, it's best to keep her ambulatory and out of one. If she's tripping over her feet and her legs are weak, and having problems with balance, hire a physical therapist. She'll have to pay for it without having an Rx. When was the last time she had her hearing checked? Hearing will affect balance.

Watch her walking. Teach her to walk heel - toe (heel down first, then toe). She would probably be more receptive to a physical therapist. Crest Health Care Supply also sells wheelchair alarms.

 

[violas]

Thanks BlondiePB. I have learned that medicare does not pay for safety rails for the shower or toilet areas. Yes I will only use the wheelchair for emergencies. Mom of course, refuses oxygen because she says "she doesn't need it" and then becomes short of breath and stops walking when I take her shopping for clothing.

 

[BlondiePB]

Thanks BlondiePB. I have learned that medicare does not pay for safety rails for the shower or toilet areas. Yes I will only use the wheelchair for emergencies. Mom of course, refuses oxygen because she says "she doesn't need it" and then becomes short of breath and stops walking when I take her shopping for clothing.

I knew the answer and just directed you to finding the answer yourself.

Always remember, they know not what they do.