By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    improving patient experience
    6 Ways to Improve Patient Satisfaction Within Hospitals
    December 1, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    What Are The Health Benefits Of Having A Degree?
    March 9, 2022
    custom software development is changing healthcare
    Digital Customer Journey Mapping and its Importance for Healthcare
    July 21, 2022
    Latest News
    Health Benefits of Taking a Vacation to Reduce Your Stress
    September 27, 2023
    First Aid Training Enhancing Workplace Health and Safety
    September 25, 2023
    Beyond the Clinic: Medical Surveys Are a Roadmap to Passive Income for Doctors
    September 23, 2023
    5 Self-Care Habits to Help You Live an A+ Life
    September 21, 2023
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Parkinson’s Disease: 14 Early Warning Signs of Onset
    June 4, 2013
    future of healthcare survey heathcare reform
    The Future of Healthcare Survey: Does it include Doctors?
    March 2, 2012
    primary care doctor
    Person-Centered HealthCare: Choosing the Right Primary Care Doctor
    August 23, 2013
    Latest News
    Job Seekers with Disabilities Should at Health Insurance Benefits
    September 12, 2023
    Reasons That Drug Prices Are Rising to Unsustainable Levels
    September 12, 2023
    How Revenue Lifecycle Management Helps Healthcare Providers to Optimize Business Operations
    September 6, 2023
    The Hidden Benefits of Practice Exams for Medical Professionals
    September 6, 2023
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Aspects to Consider When Selecting Power Wheelchairs
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Aa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Health > Medicare > Aspects to Consider When Selecting Power Wheelchairs
HealthMedicareNews

Aspects to Consider When Selecting Power Wheelchairs

Aaron Casselman
Last updated: 2022/09/14 at 9:23 PM
Aaron Casselman
Share
8 Min Read
tips on finding the right power wheelchair
Photo 161101845 © Rtdeleon04 | Dreamstime.com
SHARE

Around 2.7 million people in the United States use wheelchairs. They need to take the right steps to stay healthy.

Contents
Why Do You Require an Electric Wheelchair?Entering and ExitingHow and Where the Chair Will Be EmployedAdded FunctionsGetting Acquainted with Your Power WheelchairStorageBottom Line

We previously mentioned that there are a number of things that people in wheelchairs must do to live healthier lifestyles. One of the most important things is buying the right wheelchair.

Having the freedom and movement afforded by power or an electric wheelchair is a great boon to the users of these devices. All you have to do is use the joystick to steer a power wheelchair, also called a powerchair, because a battery or electric motor powers it. You can relax for longer thanks to the supportive footrest and armrests, as well as the padded seat and backrest.

Not everyone can use the same power wheelchair, so there are a few things to think about while shopping for one. Powered wheelchairs can be modified to suit individual needs, so before purchasing one, it’s best to consider how and where it will be used, how you’ll get in and out of the chair, and how you’ll learn to use it.

More Read

warehouse worker health and safety

Keep Employees Safe & Healthy By Reducing Warehouse Injuries

What is Pneumonia? Causes, Treatment, and Care
Navigating Through the Essentials: Medical Billing Training for Beginners
How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain Without Medication
Why Healthcare Professionals Like Sherief Abu-Moustafa Support Strengthening Distress Tolerance Through DBT

Why Do You Require an Electric Wheelchair?

It is recommended that those in need of a wheelchair get expert advice from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who can assess their needs and recommend the most appropriate wheelchair and seating. It would be best if you got evaluated for a wheelchair before purchasing one because there are many different kinds to pick from, and you want to make sure you get the right one for your needs. You will also want to be able to exercise in your wheelchair to stay healthy.

You may be unable to walk, sit, or stand, which necessitates a power wheelchair. Your ability to perform these tasks will play a role in determining the type of chair that will best suit your needs. Concerns about your balance or ability to stand on your feet for long periods are also possible. A power wheelchair can make it possible to resume regular daily activities that have to be put on hold because of these obstacles.

Power chairs are preferable to manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters when it comes to posture; therefore, you may need one. The high back, specialized cushions, and adjustability of this chair make it possible to maintain proper posture at the hips, knees, and neck.

Entering and Exiting

Access to the chair and the functions you require may vary depending on your level of mobility. In most cases, you won’t require help getting in and out of the chair if you can walk short distances, stand for extended periods, then sit down and back up without much trouble.

However, if you have trouble getting up from a chair occasionally, it’s best to choose a lightweight chair with features that make it easier. Seats can swivel, have armrests that pop up or out of the way, or be removed entirely to facilitate mobility. Certain chairs have height-adjustable seats that bring you closer to standing, reducing muscle tension and making it easier to transfer to and from other seats, like in a car or bed.

When not in use, the footrests on all chairs may be easily slid out of the way or flipped off the ground. By repositioning the footrests, you eliminate the potential for a slip and tumble, and you prevent the chair from toppling over if you put your weight on it.

How and Where the Chair Will Be Employed

The environment in which the power chair will be operated is a crucial consideration. It would help if you thought about how far you plan to travel in the chair, how often you plan to use it, and whether or not you plan to use it only indoors. Some chairs are designed solely for indoor usage, while others are equally at home in the great inside or outdoors. Check the chair’s range if you frequently travel moderate distances and examine the battery life if you plan to use the chair frequently throughout the day.

Consider the terrain near you when shopping for an outdoor motorized wheelchair; large sidewalks and flat streets are ideal. Consider the curbs and how the chair will handle traveling up modest inclines or hills; if you live in a mountainous location, a more powerful electric wheelchair is desirable.

Added Functions

While most power wheelchairs come with cushioned seats as standard, prolonged use may necessitate the addition of lower back support or additional padding to alleviate strain on muscles and joints. To ensure your comfort and support when using a power wheelchair, you may discover various cushions, seats, backrests, and supports. You can avoid unnatural slouching by sitting upright on a molded or padded seat cushion.

A belt or harness is another addition to a chair that helps with balance and keeping an elevated stance and increases the user’s sense of security. Your upper body will be supported by a harness that fastens over your shoulders and torso, and you can also secure your legs with straps.

Getting Acquainted with Your Power Wheelchair

Powered mobility devices have several advantages, but novice users risk injury because they aren’t yet proficient with how to operate them safely. Training in fundamental skills and awareness while operating a scooter or electric wheelchair has been proved to be immensely helpful in lowering the likelihood of accidents occurring. Learn the ins and outs of operating and controlling, maneuverability, awareness and safety, and the rules and regulations that apply to riding an electric wheelchair.

In addition, users need 6/24 vision or better in order to operate a powered vehicle such as a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair.

Storage

It would be best if you also thought about how and where you’ll keep your power wheelchair. A power wheelchair, like a mobility scooter, needs to be charged regularly; therefore, it’s best to keep it in a dry, secure location next to an electrical outlet. There can’t be any trip hazards or blocked exits near the spot, either.

We recommend protecting the chair from the elements (rain, wind, and heat) by storing it within a shed or covering it with a waterproof cover if it must be left outside. To facilitate loading and unloading, the storage area should be on a flat surface or have ramps installed.

Bottom Line

It is critical to have a conversation with both your therapist and the ATP before selecting an electric wheelchair. Why? This will guarantee that the power chair you purchase is tailored to your specific requirements.

TAGGED: wheelchair

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Aaron Casselman September 12, 2022
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Share
By Aaron Casselman
Aaron Casselman is a medical writer based in central Minnesota, specializing in bioinformatics. With my Master's Degree in bioinformatics, he brings unique insights into topics related to medicine and health.
Previous Article Meditation Before Bed: How it Works
Next Article get a first report on injury after an incident What’s a First Report of Injury or Illness Form?

Stay Connected

1.5k Followers Like
4.5k Followers Follow
2.8k Followers Pin
136k Subscribers Subscribe

Latest News

Andropause hormonal decline
The Benefits of TRT for Andropause and Hormonal Decline
Wellness September 28, 2023
Cancer Prevention
The Importance of Lipoma Examination in Cancer Prevention
Cancer September 28, 2023
dental implant
Cost Analysis of Dental Implants in Australia
Dental health September 28, 2023
View,Of,Niagara,Falls,In,Autumn
Health Benefits of Taking a Vacation to Reduce Your Stress
Health September 27, 2023

You Might also Like

View,Of,Niagara,Falls,In,Autumn
Health

Health Benefits of Taking a Vacation to Reduce Your Stress

September 27, 2023
workplace first aid training
Health

First Aid Training Enhancing Workplace Health and Safety

September 25, 2023
Medical Surveys
Health

Beyond the Clinic: Medical Surveys Are a Roadmap to Passive Income for Doctors

September 23, 2023
tips for neurodivergent people being pulled over
News

Tips for People with Neurodivergent Disorders Being Pulled Over

September 21, 2023
Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Follow US
© 2008-2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?