Helpful Tips For Selecting A Wheelchair

When it comes to mobility, wheelchairs help the handicapped, elderly, and injured get around. Since there are many different reasons why an individual may need a wheelchair (whether it is to satisfy temporary or permanent needs), an assortment of styles is available on the market. To select the proper wheelchair, the look, feel, fit, characteristics, features, and personal response all become key factors in making the best decision. Below you will find some of the wheelchair options and styles available on the market today:

If you expect the temporary use of a wheelchair, chances are you will receive a standard model, which can be self-propelled by the use of your hands or pushed around with the help of another. This type of chair typically weighs more than 30 pounds and greatly accommodates those who need a wheelchair for less than four hours per day.

Lightweight wheelchairs can sometimes weigh as low as 16 pounds and are often available in folding easily portable models. This option is best for those looking for the lightest and most compact chair on the market, which aids limited storage capacities. It also accommodates those who travel often by air, train, etc.

Sometimes a wheelchair is needed to help transport someone from one place to another, or around one specific area. For trips to the store, mall, or adventures around the house, this type of narrow chair offers four small wheels and a lightweight frame. The chair also works well in houses with tight hallways and narrow doorways.

Bariatric wheelchair users may choose an extra wide or heavy-duty chair, which provides seat widths from 20? to 30?. Weight capacities can be found providing a 300-pound to 800-pound limit.

For those who need the use of their wheelchair to complete personal hygiene tasks, a shower wheelchair can aid those with spinal cord injuries or the disabled. Often, this type of chair is constructed from rustproof material, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

There are wheelchairs that recline and those suited for children, young adults or adults with shorter statures. Power wheelchairs offer electric powered motors controlled through the manipulation of a built-in joystick. Some wheelchairs are equipped with the power to assist a user in standing up, which can be controlled by the press of a button. Whether you possess temporary or permanent needs, there is a wheelchair on the market to satisfy your day-to-day activities and goals.

When selecting a wheelchair, many other variables come into play. For some, foot supports, such as a footrest, foot boards, or elevating leg rests are important, while others prefer arm support. The size of the seat, as well as the wheels makes a difference in the feel and comfort level associated with the chair. When selecting the wheelchair best for you or a loved one, comfort is the number one goal to achieve.
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