Shopping for
a Wheelchair
by Jenni Mundl
Selecting a new wheelchair
can be a little bit like buying a new car these days, with so many
chairs and options. Each should identify their unique needs:
• Physical
needs
• Daily activities
• Transportation issues
Wheelchair Seats
Wheelchairs usually come with vinyl or nylon seats and backs. Neither
is particularly comfortable for people who use their wheelchairs
for hours at a time. Vinyl will stretch resulting in poor posture
and, over time, even in permanent deformity. For this reason, it
is recommended using commercial or custom inserts. These can help
with both seating and positioning. The result is often better posture,
increased comfort, and greater ease in performing daily tasks. When
you are choosing a wheelchair, consider meeting with experienced
professionals. These may include therapists, physicians, and wheelchair
vendors. They can assist you in finding a wheelchair meeting your
needs.
Standard, Upright Manual Wheelchairs
Typical users:
• May be
able to propel the chair, or may need assistance
• Have mild to moderate motor involvement
• Have fair to good head and trunk control
• Sit quite well with little external support
• Walk, but need a wheelchair for long distances
• Use power wheelchairs as their primary mobility base
Features
• Available in
lightweight, heavy-duty, and high performance (sport) models
• May offer commercial positioning inserts
• Readily accept custom seating systems, lap trays, and communication
mounts
Reclining Wheelchairs
Typical users:
• Poor
head and trunk control
• Limitations in range of motion, especially hips
• Fluctuating muscle tone
• Pain or pressure while sitting
• Developing curvature of the spine (scoliosis or kyphosis)
• Limited ability to sit upright
• Weakness, lack of endurance
• Seizure or sleep disorders
• A need for custom contoured seating inserts, so the seat continues to
fit well when the chair is tilted to relieve pressure
Features
• Seat and back
angle remain constant at up to 45 degrees tilt
• May be “growable,” with adjustable seats and backs
• May have vehicle restraint systems built into the frame, and
have been crash tested
• May transport oxygen and ventilators
• Often readily accept custom seating systems, lap trays, and
communication mounts
• Offer options for armrests, leg rests, foot plates, adjustable
handle height, rear wheels, front casters, tires, anti-tip tubes
Power Wheelchairs
Typical users of wheelchairs
with power bases are children and adults who want independent mobility.
Advances in technology mean that a suitable controller or switches
can be used even when a person has severe physical limitations. However,
these chairs are powerful vehicles. It is important that their users
have good judgment and maturity, to ensure the safety of themselves
and others. Power chairs are now available in:
• Rear wheel
drive. The power is behind the person, so that it feels as
if the chair is being pushed from behind.
• Front wheel drive. The power is in front of the person so that if feels
as if the chair is being pulled.
• Mid wheel drive. The power is under the person. This offers the smallest
turn radius.
Power Wheelchairs
Power wheelchair technology
is changing very rapidly. It is important to test drive a wheelchair
and try out its controllers before buying the chair. If the chair
will be used by a child, or by a person with a progressive condition,
it is important to ask if it is “growable.” That
is, can it be adapted to meet the person’s changing needs.
Due to the size and weight of most scooters and power wheelchairs,
transporting them usually requires a van with a ramp or lift. Not
all insurance companies will pay for scooters; check with your insurance
carrier.
Strollers
Typical users:
• Have
mild to moderate motor involvement
• Need minimal positioning
• Are able to walk, but need assistance when traveling long distances
• Have a wheelchair, but want a second mobility base for quick trips around
town
• Features
• Lightweight
• Relatively easy to fold and transport
• Appearance more acceptable to some than a wheelchair
• May be less costly than a wheelchair
• May have positioning systems
• May have vehicle restraint system, and be crash tested
Final Comments
Selecting a wheelchair
is a daunting task; but finding the right fit will make your life
easier. Soon you’ll be able to partake
in many different activities plus perhaps find new abilities you
were unaware you had. Check thoroughly and discuss all options with
other knowledgeable persons or your care attendant. The more heads
together, the better you will be prepared to get the answers you
need in making a decision. It is also noted it is recommended to
purchase the new wheelchair approximately every five years.
See the When Choosing a Wheelchair article for
a complete list of things to think about when you choose a wheelchair.
