Buying the right wheelchair is really important and you need to take all the specifications into account so that the user (whether that's yourself, a friend, a family member or someone you care for) feels as comfortable as possible. Nowadays, there are so many different types of wheelchair available, thanks to recent advances in design and technology, that choosing can be hard. Here are 7 tips that should help you to find the perfect wheelchair.
Push or Self-Propel?
Do you require a push-wheelchair or a self-propel wheelchair? Push-wheelchairs need someone to push the user, whereas self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to assist themselves. Generally, unless the disability is severe, a self-propelled wheelchair is the best choice as it promotes independence. However, it's always best to check with your medical advisor before making the decision, as even if the user is able to self-propel it is not always advisable to do so!
Wheelchair Weight
The overall weight of the wheelchair is another thing to bear in mind. It is very likely that you will need to transport the wheelchair so a lightweight design will be much easier to pick up and put in a car. Light weight wheelchairs are also easier to maneuver and can make life a lot easier for users that need no assistance. However, if the user is likely to use their wheelchair on rougher terrain, the lightest wheelchair may not always offer the greatest stability.
Seating Weight Capacity
The weight of the person that will use the wheelchair needs to be taken into account too. Most wheelchairs can take a weight load of roughly 135kg (18 stone), which suits the majority of the population. If the user weighs more than that, a more heavy-duty chair may be required.
Seat Width
Just like the seating capacity, the seat width is also important. The standard wheelchair cushion has a width of 18inches so you need to make sure that whoever is going to be sitting in it does fit comfortably. There are other seat sizes available if you feel that this would be too much of a squeeze.
Wheelchair Arm Rests
Armrests provide a lot of comfort for the user. Wheelchairs are now available with a selection of different arm rests and so you need to check whether the user wants fixed arms, adjustable arms or even ones that are fully removable. You can even have custom armrests fitted so you can ensure the user is as comfortable as possible.
Wheelchair Foot Rests
Just like arm rests, foot rests increase comfort. Without these, sitting in a wheelchair can cause achy legs and restlessness. Leg rests are also available in adjustable and detachable styles so you need to determine what is best for the user.
Try It Out
When you have made a shortlist, try the wheelchairs out for size. The user should know whether they feel comfortable or not in the first few minutes. You should make the most of in store expertise too. Just don't forget that you may get more of a bargain if you shop for the model of your choice online.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 