How To Pick The Best Wheelchair For Your Loved One?
Wheelchairs are not just a mobility aid but also act as an extension of the body for the disabled. It helps people get their freedom and independence back. Modern-day wheelchairs have a design that helps compensate for both permanent and temporary health conditions. There are different designs of wheelchairs that are available in several options and a range of styles. This helps cater to the needs of disabled people. Now, if you need a wheelchair for a few days or if it's permanent in your life, mobility is important. Being mobile has a huge difference in your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
If you have restrictive mobility, then a wheelchair will help improve the quality of your life. At the same time, it will allow you to do the things you enjoy. Furthermore, it allows you to stay active and enjoy life to the fullest. This is why it is important to pick out a wheelchair that enables you to engage and socialize. If you feel that a wheelchair will work out the best for your needs, then it is best to get an assessment done. Request your GP or physiotherapist to refer you to a local wheelchair service. They will get your assessment is done that will give them an idea of your requirements. At the same time, they will assess if you actually need a wheelchair or not. Several factors determine the right pick for your wheelchair. Some of them are skin condition, body type, strength, and posture. Besides, if you have a condition that will progress with time, you need to consider future requirements as well.
Our comprehensive guide will help you through every aspect of purchasing a wheelchair. We will include some of the most common doubts. In addition, we will also list the important aspects before buying a wheelchair.
How Long Does Your Loved One Have to Be in The Wheelchair?
Not all individuals use a wheelchair for a majority of their waking hours. Not every disabled person is as dependent on a wheelchair as others. For some, they are a means of transport. And, in such scenarios, the requirements of the individual will be different. On the other hand, people who use wheelchairs 24/7 will need features that go beyond a traditional one.
Do you need a wheelchair only for transportation purposes? Or do you need one full-time? Similarly, is the wheelchair a permanent part of your life? Or is it a temporary solution? Ask yourself these two questions that will help uncover your real requirements.
Short-Term Applications
For short-term applications, it is best to consider a simple manual wheelchair. On the other hand, w permanent solution needs customizable features and options. Being a permanent addition, you will have to consider comfort, transportation, and support options. If you need a wheelchair only for a short period and have a caregiver too, then get a standard manual wheelchair. You can also look for transport wheelchairs that are effective yet cost-friendly.
Transport wheelchairs have smaller wheels. This is why they are easier to maneuver over tight spaces. Also, they are easier to handle by caregivers and attendants. The under cannot ride these wheelchairs as the wheels are small. But this is why they are ideal for short-term use. So, if you are recovering from surgery or have injuries, then you can opt for transport wheelchairs.
Long Term Use
Users who have good upper body strength should opt for regular manual wheelchairs. They are a good mobility option for both short- and long-term use. However, there are also power and electric wheelchairs available in the market. These are suitable for users with disabilities and injuries where they can't propel the device themselves.
Power wheelchairs often have more support options. Thus, they are ideal for long-term use. These wheelchairs are ideal for the elderly or individuals with degenerative conditions. This is because they require very little strength from the user. Likewise, they are heavier and larger as compared to traditional wheelchairs. On the bright side, power wheelchairs are foldable into separate components. This allows for easier transport by vehicle.
Customized and ergonomic wheelchairs comprise several design elements. This is to ensure that the user is comfortable and has enough support. These wheelchairs often have reclining and tilt-in functions that reduce fatigue. In addition, they include adjustable height and width seats, footrests, and armrests. All of these features boost the confidence of the user. Last but not the least, the removable armrests and footrests allow for easy transfers.
If you opt for an electric wheelchair, then you will have to look for one with high battery power. Simultaneously, you will need to stock a backup battery as well. This way, you won't have to stress over the battery running out. You will always have the necessary amount of battery that you need.
Other wheelchair designs suitable for children have design features like modifications and adjustments. In addition, they have several accessories that allow the user to stay comfortable. Besides, these features ensure to meet the individual needs of the user.
What to Consider Before Making a Purchase?
While you hunt for the perfect wheelchair, you must consider important factors. These include care setting, desired functionality, and more. If you are feeling overwhelmed with this purchase, then here are three questions that will help you.
What Are Your Loved Ones, General Needs?
A wheelchair is useful only when it meets the individual needs of the user. For instance, the right wheelchair will address the fall concerns. Additionally, it will boost the user's tolerance for sitting. Find a wheelchair that offers high comfort and improved support. This allows for better body positioning which reduces the need for constant transfers. Thus, the risk of falls is reduced. It is necessary to ensure that wheelchair users have stable seating. A low-quality seating will eventually affect their comfort and mobility.
Do They Have Any Explicit Medical Condition?
Here, you need to understand what specific medical condition your loved one has. Accordingly, you should look for devices with suitable features. For instance, patients who have Huntington’s disease can cause high levels of agitation. These users need stable yet durable seating with sufficient padding. This will reduce the risk of injuries. Furthermore, if the user requires manual transfers, the chair needs to have removable arms. This will allow for easy and safe transfers. Also, many healthcare conditions can decrease mobility. In such a case, the wheelchair you purchase should evolve accordingly.
What Is Your Budget?
Similar to other factors, the price also plays an important role while buying this device. Though you should address immediate concerns, look for long-term needs too. A highly-priced wheelchair will need heavy initial investment. But it will help you with fewer maintenance and repairs. Not to forget, the features that they offer to the user. Also, the amount of care that the device extends to your loved one. With durable features and comfortable equipment, the wheelchair allows the user to enjoy life with fewer risks. Last but not the least, the wheelchair offers many physical and psychological benefits to the user.
Pick the Right Type Of Wheelchair According To Your Loved One's Needs
There are scores of wheelchair options that you can find in the market. Each one of them has distinct features that users. However, these benefits may not exactly match the needs of the user. And this is why it is essential to pick the right wheelchair as per your needs. If you are purchasing this device for a loved one, then here we list some types of wheelchairs. This will allow you to gain a better understanding of wheelchairs.
Aisle Wheelchair
An aisle wheelchair helps people with mobility limitations board airplanes easily. It is an assistive wheelchair that is commonly used for the disabled. They are also called aisle transfer chairs. With multiple straps and a narrower design, this device allows easy transfers. Also, it is a common means of public transportation as well.
All-Terrain Wheelchair
All-Terrain wheelchairs are available in both power and manual models. This wheelchair is tough enough to travel over rough terrains like rock, snow, dirt, gravel, and grass. Interestingly, they can even work in water with supervision. These wheelchairs are often known as outdoor wheelchairs. They feature oversized balloon-type wheels. With such tough wheels, the device can easily maneuver through any surface. Made with non-corrosive materials, they can withstand any type of weather.
Bariatric Wheelchair
These kinds of wheelchairs are for individuals weighing more than 350 pounds. It is a heavy-duty wheelchair made with reinforced steel and aluminum. This device features sturdier and wider seats that users to sit comfortably. Also, it allows you to optimize medical positioning as well.
Beach Wheelchair
This wheelchair is a subcategory of all-terrain wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are specially constructed to withstand constant contact with water. At the same time, you can customize the designs that are easier rolling over sand and rocks. However, with a beach wheelchair, you need a caregiver to propel.
Ergonomic Wheelchair
Ergonomic wheelchairs are easy to maneuver and lightweight. These are specifically configured to support the human body. While constructing this wheelchair, several factors are considered like weight, height, and temperature preferences. With these devices, proper positioning allows redistribution of user weight. This helps to enhance stabilization.
High-Back Reclining Wheelchair
These wheelchairs have a back that is higher than a standard wheelchair. The device facilities reclining to a 180-degree position from a 90-degree sitting angle. This allows for an increase in circulation and comfort. The high back reclining wheelchair is ideal for users that need extra support due to various health conditions. For instance, the users that suffer from respiratory issues, poor trunk, and core stability, quadriplegia, and others will need this type of wheelchair.
Lightweight Wheelchair
These wheelchairs weigh less than 50 pounds. Since they are so lightweight, they are often manual in design. Usually, they are made from aluminum but can also comprise steel and other metals. The best benefit of this wheelchair is that they are easier to maneuver. In addition, they are simpler for caregivers to push as well. Besides, this device offers simple portability features that you can easily fold down.
Manual Wheelchair
This is the most common type of wheel chest that users can benefit from. These wheelchairs allow the user to self themselves. At the same time, these wheelchairs can be pushed with the help of a caregiver. These feature a large rear wheel that is easier to grasp and push. Often, they also feature an attendant bar or handles for the caregiver to easily push through.
Pediatric Wheelchair
As the name suggests, pediatric wheelchairs are specially for younger children. These offer mobility assistance for children of all ages. Similar to adult wheelchairs, these devices too are available in a variety of sizes and styles. They also feature multiple positioning supports with interesting designs to cater to the individual needs of the child.
Pool Wheelchair
These devices are made using non-corrosive materials since they will constantly be around water. The pool wheelchairs are often used to enable access to people around a public pool or spa. Interestingly, these wheelchairs dry quickly and have innovative wheels.
Power Wheelchair
Ideal for users who cannot propel the wheelchair, the power wheelchair uses electric motors to mobilize. Users can use not only outdoors but indoors as well. Last but not the least, the wheelchair has simple controls.
Sports Wheelchair
Sports wheelchairs are made using tough materials that can withstand extreme conditions. They feature specific safety aspects with heavy-duty construction. Even though they are heavy-duty devices, they are extremely lightweight.
Stand-Up Wheelchair
These wheelchairs allow users to safely stand with the help of technology. These are suitable for people with mild to severe disabilities. With this wheelchair, you can enjoy easy transitions even without the help of a caregiver.
Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair
This wheelchair provides exceptional pressure relief and helps to redistribute the weight of the user. It also offers unique positioning for maximum comfort and stability. While sitting, the bodyweight is maximum on the back, buttocks, and back of the thighs. However, after long periods of sitting, it can cause some discomfort. With a tilt-in-space design, you can reposition the device at various angles.
Transport Wheelchair
Transport wheelchairs need a caregiver to push or transport them around. These offer mobility features and have smaller wheels. In such a scenario, the user will not be able to propel the device themselves. These devices are usually very light in weight as they help with the transportation process.
Ultra-Lightweight Wheelchair
Finally, we have ultra-lightweight wheelchairs that are easier to self-propel. At the same time, you can even travel with them. They usually weigh less than 25 pounds and are ideal for active riders. Not to forget, they are easier to navigate as well.
Bottom Line
Investing in a wheelchair isn't a small decision. Some find it equivalent to purchasing a car. Thus, you need to ensure that the wheelchair has certain features suitable to the user's needs. Earlier, there weren't many options with wheelchairs. However, today, there are a plethora of options to choose from. From various sizes, styles, types, and features, you can even get a customized wheelchair as well.
This is a long-term commitment that you are making. So, you must consider crucial factors before taking the plunge. Do your research and be aware of what you are getting into. It is always better to take a wise decision rather than simply getting one in haste. Know your options and the features that you would want in the wheelchair.
