When ordering a new wheelchair, ensuring that the wheelchair fits the physical requirements of its user is very important for health and safety reasons, but it can also affect mental health.
Ordering a wheelchair is not a decision that should be taken lightly, and the wheelchair user must have plenty of input during the process.
Once a wheelchair has been ordered, it should constantly be reevaluated to ensure that it is safely meeting the needs of its user.
This should be done by both the wheelchair user, as well as a doctor.
Once a person’s new wheelchair arrives, the prescribing doctor should evaluate the wheelchair to ensure that it is a proper fit for its user.
Many adjustments can be made to the frame to fine-tune the wheelchair so that the user can gain the maximum mechanical benefit from the wheelchair.
For manual wheelchairs, since they require a good deal of upper body strength to use, the comfort of the arms concerning the manual wheelchairs drive wheels is very important.
This means that when in the starting position, the user’s arms should be at rest.
This will help to prevent cramps and reduce the effort required to use the wheelchair.
The cushion and seat of the wheelchair should also be treated as a single unit.
Otherwise, you risk the user being too high or low when the cushion is added. Proper seat height is important because if the wheelchair is too high, it will be uncomfortable, but it will also reduce the efficiency of the wheelchair, which makes it much harder to use.
If the seat is too low, it can cause uneven weight distribution.
The height of the backrest is also very important.
If it is too high, it can restrict the movements of the shoulder and upper body.
However, a too-low backrest will not provide enough support and can result in poor posture.
The overall width of the wheelchair is another important consideration because a wheelchair that is too wide can result in the user developing poor posture.
This is because the individual will have to lean side to side to reach the wheels.
Of course, a wheelchair that is too narrow can cause discomfort and sores, so finding the correct median is essential.
A too deep seat can also cause problems, as it can reduce circulation and contribute to poor posture.
It can also be dangerous because the user’s weight is not as evenly distributed, resulting in less weight on the thighs.
