A good wheelchair can increase one's standard of living exponentially. Whether it's you or a loved one, deciding on the best chair can make freedom, comfort, and movement feel seamless.
Types Of Wheelchairs
There are many kinds of wheelchairs. Because this wheelchair guide explains, each type has its own unique benefits. Therefore, understanding your needs, lifestyle, and budget can make it more convenient for you to find out the perfect chair for you.
- Manual Wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs are self-propelled, so the user must have strong arms to operate them. They also have push handles that allow someone else slowly move the user around.
- Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs provide more freedom since they can be used without any assistance. These aren't just great for people with weak arms, but they can help stronger users enjoy longer commutes without struggling.
Consider the next factors if you are eying an electric wheelchair:
- Ease of usage – Make sure the controls are easily accessible and responsive. The sensitivity should be within a reasonable range.
- Safety – Wheelchair safety is crucial, particularly with electric chairs. Check whether it has the right safety measures in place.
- Battery capacity – Is the capacity enough to satisfy your everyday needs? May be the battery efficient?
- Portable Chairs
Portable or folding chairs are ideal for individuals who want something they are able to store and transport with ease. These chairs are often lightweight, that is a positive thing for portability, but it is yet another drawback being that they are not robust.
Portable wheelchairs are normally manual, so they are not a good fit for somebody with weak arms.
Qualities you need to take a look at are:
Arm and Foot Rests
Arm and leg rests should offer adequate support when you are around the seat. They should be also sturdy enough to support your movement in and out of the seat. You should also check their size and adaptability.
Wheelchair Size
You cannot disregard the size of the wheelchair. You'll need a chair from the perfect size to create sitting and moving from it always easy. A little chair is going to be super uncomfortable, and something that's too large will pose movement issues.
Look in the size of the chair and compare them against your weight and height. Many people result in the mistake of not checking the load capacity before placing their orders. It is really an unnecessary complication that, at best, will make you return the product 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 specific medical needs. Based on your condition, your doctor may recommend a specific type of back support. Therefore, it's imperative to consult a health care provider beforehand if you have a severe medical issue.
Some wheelchairs also allow you to tilt the back support. This excellent feature allows you to switch between different positions.
Wheels
Do you anticipate to maneuver outdoors inside your wheelchair? If so, ensure 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, provide you with more freedom, and keep you comfortable. There are many incredible chairs out there coming at different price points, so you don't have to make any compromises.
