By Ana Maria Trujillo

Mar. 23, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) --
Mobility problems can hamper a person's daily life, but if an organization called Senior Wheels USA has anything to do with it, those problems will be solved.

Senior Wheels, a program for those 65 and older and the permanently disabled, seeks to provide power wheelchairs to people who have trouble walking and using a standard, self-propelling wheelchair.

"This program benefits everybody, not just seniors," said Leon Johnson, director of the program. "People can stay in their own home and be independent and mobile. They can perform the daily activities of daily living. It keeps people out of nursing homes."

Johnson said the national program served approximately six New Mexicans last year, but he hopes to expand that number. He didn't know if any of the free wheelchairs were given to people in Santa Fe.

"Having mobility is a new lease on life," Johnson said in a recent phone interview. "I tell you, it's something real simple and it can raise somebody's spirits ... they're able to move around, to get outside if they want to, in their very stable electric wheelchairs."

These are not scooters; Johnson said electric wheelchairs are safer than scooters.

"I feel that with scooters, a person is at risk of injury," he said. "Scooters have flipped over on people ... I want to help people, not get anybody hurt."

Johnson said it's worth a shot to apply because it doesn't take a lot of effort to the potential client. The wheelchairs are offered at no cost.

If you think you might qualify, call the Senior Wheels toll-free number and leave your name and number. A case manager will call you back and determine if you qualify. If you do, an application form will then be sent for your doctor to fill out.

A technician will deliver the wheelchair and show the patient how to use it. The length of wait depends on how long it takes to get the physician to complete the forms.

"The most frustrating part of the process is getting the doctor to fill out the paperwork," Johnson said.

Qualified applicants must have a problem walking, must have a problem with self-propelling a manual wheelchair, must be living at home and should have at least Medicare Part B coverage. For more information, call 1-800-246-6010 and leave your name, number and a message, or call Johnson directly at 1-800-519-4480.

"Everybody needs a degree of independence and mobility -- they need to go to the bathroom, bedroom and the kitchen to make whatever meals they require," Johnson said. "These are daily activities that people require. It's a need that the electric wheelchairs help people meet."

Contact Ana Maria Trujillo at 986-3084 or atrujillo@sfnewmexican.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0182-23964268