What Features Do I Need When Purchasing A Manual Wheelchair?
Introduction:
Manual wheelchairs are in great demand but we have noticed, sometimes people miss checking the required features while shopping for a manual wheelchair.
We have compiled, from separate sources, “What Features Do I Need When Purchasing A Manual Wheelchair?”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.
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What To Think About When Choosing A Wheelchair
After your assessment, you’ll have a recommendation for the type of chair to use. Before you go shopping, there are a few things to think about to narrow down the style and options you want. These include:
- Will you be pushing your chair yourself, or will someone be pushing you?
- If you’re pushing the chair yourself, will you need a power option?
- How often will you use it?
- Do you need cushions to prevent pressure ulcers?
- Do you need to tilt or recline?
- Will you be going outdoors?
- Are you an athlete? Do you need a sports wheelchair?
- How often will you be transporting your chair?
- What does your insurance cover?
With these questions answered, you can start to figure out what type of chair will likely be best for you.
Types Of Wheelchairs
There are two main types of wheelchairs: manual and electric. Each type has lots of different options, styles, accessories, and pros and cons.
Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are chairs that you push yourself, but they usually have handles on the back so someone else can push you if it’s needed. These are often used if you:
Can walk with a walking stick or walker but need a chair for longer distances or when you’re running errands
- Have the upper body strength and mobility to propel your chair
- Need a wheelchair most or all of the time
- Have strong sitting balance and stability
There are many types of manual wheelchairs. You can find basic wheelchairs, transport chairs, folding chairs, lightweight and ultra-lightweight chairs, and sports chairs.
Manual wheelchairs. These chairs usually have larger back wheels to help you control and move the chair forward. This can make the chair bulky and awkward to store in your trunk. Many manual chairs now come with quick-release wheels, which makes it easier to store. This can be helpful if you want an ultra-lightweight chair.
Lightweight and ultra-lightweight wheelchairs. These chairs have rigid frames, which allows more force in the forward motion. This means that the chair doesn’t fold, so quick release wheels are helpful.
Transport wheelchairs. Transport chairs are great if you don’t use a chair often and someone else is pushing you. They have smaller back wheels, which makes it tougher to get around obstacles by yourself.
Electric Wheelchairs
Electric or power wheelchairs use a battery-operated motor. You control the chair with a joystick. These chairs are useful if:
- You don’t have the strength or endurance to push a chair.
- You need to get around but don’t want to rely on someone to push you.
- You have significant mobility loss or disability.
- You need to add adaptive accessories like a respirator or a speech device.
- You need to recline or position your body.
- You want to use it on sidewalks or roads to go long distances.
There are many options. They range from portable indoor wheelchairs that are good on smooth floors to outdoor chairs with specialized tracks or wheels for uneven terrain.
Portable indoor chairs are foldable and can usually be stored in the trunk of your car. Power chairs tend to be heavy and harder to transport. You might find it hard to get power chairs through doorways, and you might need to use an adapted van for transport.
Power chairs are also expensive to repair. They tend to break down more often than manual wheelchairs.
Aftermarket Wheelchair Accessories
Wheelchairs have improved a lot over the years, but it may still be hard to find the perfect wheelchair that does everything you need it to do. An occupational therapist can help you sort through all the options. They can help you customize your chair to fit your body.
You might find you need other accessories, including:
- Saddle bags for storing your belongings
- Seat cushions — foam, gel, or air-filled
- Headrest
- Power pack to add to your manual chair
- Spare power chair battery
- Frog legs for suspension
Finding the right wheelchair can make all the difference, but it takes time. Working with a therapist can help take the stress out of wheelchair shopping.
Qualities you need to look at are:
Arm and Foot Rests
Arm and leg rests should offer adequate support when you are on the seat. They should also be sturdy enough to support your movement in and out of the seat. You should also check their size and flexibility.
Wheelchair Size
You cannot overlook the dimensions of the wheelchair. You need a chair of the perfect size to make sitting and moving from it an easy task. A small chair will be super uncomfortable, and one that is too big will pose movement issues.
Look at the dimensions of the chair and compare them against your height and weight. Many people make the mistake of not checking the weight capacity before placing their orders. This is an unnecessary complication that, at best, will force you to return the item and incur extra shipping costs. At worst, you will find yourself in the ER treating wheelchair injuries.
Back Support
A wheelchair should offer adequate back support to make you comfortable and meet your unique medical needs. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a particular type of back support. Therefore, it’s imperative to consult a physician beforehand if you have a severe medical issue.
Some wheelchairs also allow you to tilt the back support. This great feature allows you to switch between different positions.
Wheels
Do you expect to move outdoors in your wheelchair? If so, make sure the wheels are durable enough to withstand the rough outdoor terrain.
The grip of the wheels is also vital, especially if you live in a wet area.
A good wheelchair should meet your medical needs, give you more freedom, and keep you comfortable. There are many incredible chairs out there coming at different price points, so you don’t need to make any compromises.
Conclusion:
All the features of manual wheelchairs are mentioned that must be checked while shopping. Also, never limit yourself to these points only. Keep looking for innovative ideas. Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other similar articles.
Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other similar articles.
To know more about Wheelchairs, Visit our website: Manual Wheelchairs – Factory Direct Medical/
Article compiled by www.factorydirectmedical.com
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