The SCOOTER Store Marks Half-Millionth Life Changed

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The SCOOTER Store today announced a major milestone, saying it has provided mobility assistance to its 500,000th customer with the delivery of a power wheelchair to Earvin Thompson of Houston, Texas. Ms. Thompson, like others who have received mobility assistance from the nation's leading provider of power mobility equipment, will enjoy more freedom and independence with her power wheelchair.

Doug Harrison, Founder, President and CEO of The SCOOTER Store, said he is honored that over the last 19 years the company has improved the quality of life for half a million people around the country in need of mobility assistance.

"I can't think of a better way to start our 20th year than with recognizing our 500,000th beneficiary," Mr. Harrison said. "This is the year that our nation's baby boomers start turning 65 years old, and Ms. Thompson is an example of the growing number of senior citizens who need power mobility to live safely and confidently in their own homes."

Ms. Thompson, 65, who received the power wheelchair last month, said it has already improved her ability to function safely in her home. "My power chair has helped whole lot," she said. "I can do things for myself in the kitchen and get to the bedroom now, even when I'm not feeling well. It really helps me get around much better and makes a big difference."

U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) said, "I am always pleased to see seniors regain their mobility so that their quality of life is improved."

Mr. Harrison noted that utilizing power mobility helps seniors and those living with disabilities to age gracefully at home, while saving taxpayer money by reducing the number of trips to hospital emergency rooms and fall-related injuries suffered by Medicare beneficiaries.  

In fact, during its 19-year history, The SCOOTER Store has saved the Medicare Trust Fund and other healthcare insurances more than $7 billion by providing beneficiaries with power mobility assistance. According to a study, Medicare beneficiaries with power mobility equipment averaged $14,000 in fewer medical expenses over a three-year period when compared to beneficiaries with identical conditions who did not receive power mobility. The savings resulted primarily from reduced medical expenses as well as delaying placements in expensive nursing homes or other facilities.

Company representatives Executive Vice President Mike Pfister, Senior Director of Government Affairs Mark Leita, Houston Distribution Center Manager Brent Davis, Mobility & Service Specialist Adan Flores and Healthcare Relations Consultant Gregory Smith visited Ms. Thompson today to present her with a certificate to commemorate her recognition as the 500,000th life changed by company.

Earlier this year, the company was recognized as one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2010. Mr. Harrison and his wife, Susanna, founded The SCOOTER Store in 1991 after experiencing a close relative's struggles in coping with loss of mobility.

About The SCOOTER Store

Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more people with limited mobility than any other company in the nation. The company primarily offers power mobility equipment, including power wheelchairs, scooters, lifts, ramps, and accessories, in 48 states. Using this equipment provides today's seniors an alternative to living in nursing homes or other care facilities. The company's goal is to create an opportunity for every American senior to live their entire life safely and confidently at home. The SCOOTER Store was recently recognized by FORTUNE magazine in its prestigious 100 Best Places to Work For in America for the second time. The company is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

SOURCE The SCOOTER Store