Searching for the right wheelchair can take a lot of time and research.
Some of the tops things to consider when making such an important decision in the comfort of the chair, its cost and the cost of accompanying mobility products, and your daily needs.
To help you in your decision-making process, here are five things to look for in a wheelchair for disabled individuals:
1, Consider the Seat Width in a Wheelchair for Handicapped Needs
When you’re choosing a wheelchair, the first thing to look for is an appropriate seat width.
This is very important because a person’s ability to sit in a chair for long periods will depend upon their comfort.
If the seat width is too narrow or far too wide, it won’t be a good fit.
The most common seat widths are 16″, 18″, or 20″.
Pediatric wheelchairs have seat widths of around 14″ while bariatric wheelchairs go up to 30″ wide for special requirements.
2, The Depth of the Seat
After considering the width of the seat, the depth of the seat is the next step.
Seat depth is the measurement from the front of the seat toward the back. When looking for the right depth for your chair, measure from the back of your pelvis while sitting straight to your shins.
If you have an old chair that worked well for you, measure its depth and then look for a chair with the same measurements.
3, Measure From Seat to Floor Height
A wheelchair for a disabled person should be the correct height when measured from the seat to the floor.
It’s important to determine if their feet will be dangling from the chair or dragging on the floor.
For some people who are accustomed to pushing themselves forward with the help of their feet, getting a chair where the seat to floor height is a little lower will be of use.
4, The Right Back Height
The backrest on a wheelchair should be measured from the top of the backrest to the bottom.
You don’t want to get a chair with a backrest that is too high and hits the neck awkwardly, nor do you want one that won’t offer full support of the back and shoulders.
5, Useful Arm and Leg Rests
Armrests and leg rest matter a lot when choosing a wheelchair.
You must consider your needs or the needs of your loved one before settling on a chair.
Armrests come in either full length or desk length.
Desk length allows easier access to desks and tables, while the full-length armrests provide extra arm support.
The leg can be either swing-away rests, which rotate to the side to allow for easy entering or exiting or elevating leg rests, which elevate the legs to prevent swelling.
In either case, leg rests are removable and include the ability to adjust them to the desired length.
Find the Right Products With Our Help
These are five of the most common things to look for in a wheelchair.
But in addition to finding the right chair, you’ll need mobility products to complement your chair and allow you greater freedom.
We’re here to help you find the perfect mobility products for you or your loved one’s needs.
