Can't imagine why she could not "try on" a chair that is being used in the facility. Maybe you could check with someone other than the PT person. For purchase, check out wwwspinife.com We have purchased 3 scooters and know of many other folks that have used this company. Have had two batteries replaced(under warranty) by a local person and know of another friend who had a repair while traveling somewhere. Seems like a good company. They will send a catalog too.

The two sites below might help. Also, consider renting one for a week to give your sister an opportunity to try it. If that particular model isn't useable to her, then try another; it's better than making an expensive purchase and then finding out it's not a good fit.

I'm sorry your sister is in this situation.

http://medicarerights.org/pdf/resources/DME-Checklist

http://www.usatechguide.org/

I am very surprised about this. Years ago, I worked with severely disable adults. Each person was personally fitted and adapted. One size does not fit all.

Is there a social worker who you can talk to who might know how to negotiate the system?

I agree rent one to try for her. Insurance or Medicare should pay with a doctors prescription. I have a scooter not a motorized wheelchair both of my wheelchairs are regular ones. Craigslist will have listed companies that refurbished ones and sell used ones and do repairs. If she is on disability she should be able to get what she needs. I got my wheelchair from drive medical and roll mobility online.

I agree with renting for a longer test but most places selling them will let you use them and see. I certainly can see why they'd object to tossing someone out of their chair, which they paid for, so someone could try it out for a while! If I heard of someone trying to do that to a friend or relative, to say nothing if they tried pulling it with me, there'd be a lot of noise!

I think she meant just sit in it to try for size not take it away from them for a trial.

I second the idea of talking to her social worker; if she doesn't have one, ask for one. They can work wonders!

Talk with her doctor. The doctor can write a script for one and have her evaluated by a med supply for wheelchairs to determine all her wheelchair needs. The chair will than be built for her special needs. I go thru this with my 20 year old.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will talk to her social worker and her doctor. I just find communication at the home difficult sometimes. Even though there are some very nice people, I still think of it as a " not my job" kind of place. They do only what they have to.