---
title: "What Is Wheelchair? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "A wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe. It can be manual or powered. Medicare Part B may cover..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/wheelchair/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Safety and home

# Wheelchair

A wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe. It can be manual or powered. Medicare Part B may cover wheelchairs as durable medical equipment when a doctor orders one for home use and the rules are met.

## Why it matters for your family

Medicare says coverage can require a written doctor's order, an inability to do daily activities even with a cane or walker, and the ability to operate the chair or have help. The doctor and supplier must accept Medicare. A home visit may confirm the chair fits through doorways. You pay a share after the deductible. Families often buy a chair and later find it will not fit the bathroom or hallway. Measure first. A common mistake is to accept a free chair from a company that contacts you. Medicare warns about fraud. Ask your own doctor. A caregiver can help with transfers and with pushing the chair.

Source: [medicare.gov](https://www.medicare.gov/publications/11046-medicare-coverage-of-wheelchairs-scooters.pdf)

[Read more: Personal and advanced care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/personal-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Wheelchair ramp**A wheelchair ramp is a sloped surface that lets a person using a wheelchair, walker or scooter get over steps or a raised threshold.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/wheelchair-ramp/)
-   [**Walker**A walker is a frame with four legs that a person grips to steady themselves while walking.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/walker/)
-   [**Rollator**A rollator is a walking aid with three or four wheels, hand brakes and often a built-in seat.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/rollator/)
-   [**Transferring**Transferring, as an activity of daily living, means moving between surfaces, such as bed to chair, chair to standing, or wheelchair to toilet.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/transferring/)
-   [**Mobility assistance**Mobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mobility-assistance/)
-   [**Hospital bed**A hospital bed is an adjustable bed used at home for a person who needs help with positioning, rest or transfers.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/hospital-bed/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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