How to Choose a Wheelchair
Not all people have the same ability to move around. The sick, elderly, and disabled need wheelchairs to have mobility. Most hospitals and clinics supply patients with their own wheelchairs, but there are times that you have to buy a wheelchair for a friend or a relative. Here are some things you should look for when you choose a wheelchair:
Build
Wheelchairs should be built to withstand the stress of daily use. A cheap wheelchair may be able to last for a couple months or so, but it will eventually buckle and become unstable and unsafe. Here are some things that you should look for when buying a wheelchair:
Weight. A wheelchair is supposed to assist mobility; you shouldn’t think of it as extra weight or bulk. Wheelchairs should be easy to push around, or lightweight enough for the user to roll with very minimal assistance.
Wheels. Wheels should be sturdy and strong enough to carry the weight of the person using it. Buy wheelchairs with solid, strong spokes. You should also check the tires to see if they provide enough grip and support even on rough surfaces.
Frame. New advances in frame construction technology now make wheelchairs lighter and sturdier than ever before. If the rider wants a lighter wheelchair frame, you should consider buying one made with carbon fiber or composite material; both or which are as strong, or even stronger, than steel or aluminum.
Comfort and Support
A person using a wheelchair will ride on it for hours and days on end; some people may even require the lifetime use of a wheelchair. Check the seat and backrest of the wheelchair; they should give the adequate comfort and support needed to bear the weight of the patient, and should resist sags, rips, and tears. The wheelchair should also be comfortable enough for the user to sit on it without developing backache or skin irritation.
Price
Wheelchairs can get expensive, but there are many wheelchairs that offer the same functionality of an expensive wheelchair without the steep price. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if the injury is temporary, you can get by with an affordable wheelchair. If the patient will have to spend the rest of his or her life confined to a wheelchair, you may need to buy the best one you can afford.
For the sick, the elderly, and the disabled, a wheelchair is all that stands between living life fully and complete immobility. With these tips, you can give a friend or a relative the gift of seeing and experiencing the world through a strong, sturdy wheelchair.