Wheelchair update, wrap up, and time for a five year break …
Pearlsky’s wheelchair was hand delivered on Friday by the manufacturer, Sunrise Medical, and the DME, National Seating and Mobility. It took a couple of tries, but yes, Pearlsky has a wonderful new chair, just as her dad promised.
Is it perfect? Well, no. Is it close? Yes. Is it scratched? NO! Do the casters work? YES! Are dad and Pearlsky happy? YES.
What is the lesson here? Damned if I know. But when making an eight thousand dollar purchase, make sure it meets all your requirements, make sure it is in the proper delivered condition, make sure it does what it should, AND STAND UP FOR YOUR KID if not yourself!
Both companies understood the problems along the way and did try to do the right thing, and in the end, they did. In five years when we are due for a new chair, we intend to use the same vendors.
So, no more on the chair saga, it’s all here in the blog, and it has a happy ending. And the gentleman from Sunrise Medical was great, listened to lots of issues from a parental point of view, took some notes, said the right things, joined me and the RTS in a round of Turkish Coffee, and was great, … other than his misguided choice in baseball teams …
But, there are other wheelchair issues out there, not about our chair specifically, and you will hear me talking about them in due time.
Thank you Sunrise Medical and National Seating and Mobility.
A note to anyone who requires, or is involved with an individual who requires wheeled mobility; Just as you would do the footwork to ensure that you were working with the most competent professional specializing in whatever medical challenge you were facing, with the growth of the Rehab Technology Industry, you may look for an RTS with the credentials earned to ensure your best outcomes. There are exams for Board Certification in Seating and Wheeled Mobility, as well as ethics groups that such people must be recommended for and accepted to, based on experience, multiple recommendations from referral sources, and proof of continuing education credits. A Certified RTS,and NRRTS member will have the credetials ATP, CRTS after their name. This will be the best place to start. *see http://www.NRRTS.org, and http://www.RESNA.org
Obviously Mala is new around here. (No offense, Mala.)
I am so pleased for you and Pearlsky, SD. Giving you all the credit for bringing the best out of the companies.
If there were no more issues what would the rest of blog be about?
Hello!
The gentleman from Sunrise Medical is my dad, who showed me your blog. I’m glad to hear that you are happy with the chair, and best of luck to both of you!
I’m glad to hear that things were finally sorted out, and the gentleman from Sunrise was so helpful. By the way, which baseball fans do you consider to be misguided – Red Sox, Yankees or none of the above?
Mala: Thanks for the comment, maybe I can get you to do a guest post!
Barbara: Mala knows of most of the issues I’ve had … she has helped solve some. Thanks for the good words … while there may not be issues with OUR chair, that does not mean there are no wheelchair issues. Especially around transit options … you’ll be hearing more!
Lauren: Your dad is a good man and was great. Welcome to the blog.
Jo: Tough question, having grown up in New York, there are two teams I root for: The Yankees and anyone playing against the Red Sox!
Great news about the chair.
Enjoy!
Hey,
Really glad to hear the chair was a winner. Sounds like your feeling pretty positive about it and that will go a long way. Standing up for your kid is the most important job we will ever have.
molliter carpe diem (Gently Seize the Day)
AJ
Here (in Israel) there is really only one supplier for children’s specialty wheelchairs. In the end the technician pulled out his hair and said, “well that’s the best i can do!” I made many more modifications and ended with a reasonable result. Monopoly, it sucks.