Have been using loaners from local charity but they have time limits. Has become apparent we will need to own these items for the duration if she is to stay at home.

Don't know if medicare has provision for payment or partial payment for such items. We have medicare part A,B, and D. We have money, but things are certainly tighter than they used to be.

Have good local sources for purchase but they seem to know next to nothing about how medicare does or doesn't fit in.

Would welcome advice about how to proceed.

We got a free, Medicare-issue walker, but it's only the bare bones aluminum zimmer. The models with larger wheels, baskets/seats were not available. And for those looking at buying walkers, the bare bones models with two small wheels are not safe outdoors and anywhere the surfaces are uneven; they tend to be less stable in those circumstances.

So, you might get a free wheelchair from Medicare, but don't expect anything but the barest models.

"Medicare will cover manual wheelchairs. However, you must be able to show that it is deemed medically necessary by your physician and the primary use of the manual wheelchair must be for moving around your home. In other words, it just can't be something that would be convenient to have or primarily for use outside the home. However, you must follow the steps below to ensure that Medicare pays for the equipment:

You cannot walk, even with the support of other mobility equipment (canes, walkers, etc.).
You would spend most of your time in bed or in a chair without the use of a wheelchair.
You can transfer safely in and out of the wheelchair.
You are able to sit and ride safely in the wheelchair and can operate the controls.
The primary reason for needing the item is to help you move about independently, not to prevent an injury from occurring where no injury or illness exists (even though it will help prevent injury, as well).
The primary use will be inside the home. Although you can also use the wheelchair while outside the home, it may not be for use only when outside the home setting.

Only your doctor can prescribe the equipment for you, so do not order anything until you have visited your doctor, no matter what the sales person tells you.
The doctor must document the need in your medical records and give you a signed and dated order (prescription) for the equipment.

How Do I Qualify For a Wheelchair?
You must have Medicare Part B coverage and you must have been assessed by your doctor. The doctor must have documented your need in your medical records, and must have written an order (prescription) for the equipment. The supplier must have the order on file before billing Medicare for the chair. In addition, the need for the wheelchair must meet the criteria in italics above.

Wheelchairs require a Certificate of Medical Necessity. Your doctor and Medicare supplier will know when that documentation is required.

How much does it cost for Manual Wheelchairs?
After you have paid your annual deductible, you will pay 20% of Medicare-approved amounts for the wheelchair rental. Those costs may be higher if the supplier doesn't accept assignment. Any cost for repairs or replacement parts for the equipment are the supplier?s responsibility.

Where Do I Rent Wheelchairs?
You will save money if you order your items from a Medicare- approved provider. Suppliers must meet strict standards to qualify as a Medicare supplier and will have a Medicare supplier number.

You can find a supplier that is enrolled in the Medicare program by visiting www.Medicare.gov and selecting "Find Suppliers of Medical Equipment in Your Area." You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours, 7 days a week, including some federal holidays. If the supplier from which you order your chair is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicare will not pay for the equipment.
Things you should think about before you choose a supplier:

There are two types of Medicare suppliers: participating suppliers, and those who are enrolled but have chosen not to participate.
Participating suppliers must accept assignment, which means they agree not to charge more than the Medicare allowed amount.
A Medicare-approved provider who does not want to participate can charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. However, they cannot charge more than 15% above the Medicare-approved amount.
If you receive your Medicare coverage through a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), it is likely that the plan will have its own steps for getting the equipment. In addition, the plan may have restrictions on the supplier from which you can buy. It is important to know that your health plan must supply at least what Medicare covers -- they cannot supply less. Depending on your plan, you may actually receive more coverage than you would get with Medicare alone. It is wise to call your Medicare Advantage Plan's customer service and ask if your chair is covered and how much you would have to pay before you order it."

Sad and troublesome time here.

Good luck to you, I know it's a tough time and tough environment to be facing these things.

As for home modification, like ramps, I'm pretty sure that Medicare won't cover that. If you are low income, you can contact a group like Christmas in April, which is also called Rebuilding Together.