Seniors Driving Safely: An Educational Program to Optimize Electric-Powered Wheelchair Usage Among Seniors

For a frail, disabled senior electric power wheelchairs can be intimidating and overwhelming to use. Some seniors might not need a big, oversized chair to roam, but need a simpler type of mobility device. If a power wheelchair is medically unnecessary, but still acquired through Medicare, it is usually through an act of fraud. The elderly can avoid becoming victims of exploitation by learning signs of fraud and abuse. Whether an electric power wheelchair is obtained legally or not a senior needs to feel comfortable and confident driving the power wheelchair. There is a need for educational programs to orient and train drivers on skills and techniques as well as learning ways to avoid being taken advantage of through fraudulent acts. With this knowledge, their confidence is strengthened and seniors can feel empowered to maintain their quality of life as before.