A
wheelchair is not meant to reduce mobility but enhance it !
WHEELCHAIR
MEASUREMENT
The
wheelchair should fit the person using the chair. This is to gain good seating
position and to prevent pressure sores.
Seat
width: 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the widest point across the patientís
hips or thighs. (check whether patient is wearing any braces - they must
be included). If the seat width is to narrow the patient might develop pressure
sores at the sides, or they might sit in a lateral tilt which lead to a
asymmetric sitting position and can cause back and neck pain.
Seat
depth: 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) shorter than the distance from the rear
of the buttocks to the inside of the bend knee. This is to distribute weight
evenly along the thighs, relieving pressure at the area behind the knee.
Seat
height and correct foot rest: the leg length measurement is taken from the
heel of the foot/shoe to under the thigh just behind the bend knee. The
seat height is determined by adding 2 inches (5 cm) to this measurement
(footrest to seat). To adjust the height change the length of the footrests.
But be aware that the footrests should be 2 inches (5 cm) away from the
floor for safety reasons. If a cushion is used the height of the cushion
must be added.
TYPES
OF WHEELCHAIRS
Usually
all wheelchairs are foldable to get them into a trunk of the car or to store
them away.
Standard Wheelchair
A
standard wheelchair comes with fixed armrests and fixed foot plates. The
foot plates can be adjusted up and down to get the right seat height. It
comes in different qualities like stainless steel, chrome, aluminum and
therefore has different prices. Also the country of origin has an influence
on the price. The standard w/c is suitable for still mobile patients who
are unable to walk a longer distance and therefore need a w/c, or for patients
who need minimum to moderate assistance in transfers via standing.
Detachable Wheelchair
A
detachable wheelchair as the name says comes with detachable foot plates
and/or detachable armrests (some models offer swing away-detachable arm
and footrests). The armrest is available in full length or desk arm length.
The detachable models also comes in different qualities (see above). This
kind of chair would be suitable for a person who needs moderate to maximum
assistance in transferring, or patients who are unable to weight bear onto
their legs. It is also advisable to look whether the patient is more likely
to deteriorate in the near future. If this is the case is wiser to buy a
more expensive detachable model which can be use over a long period of time
rather than a cheaper fixed model which is very hard to use if the patient
has deteriorated.
Orthopedic Wheelchair
The
orthopedic wheelchair is usually a detachable model with additional elevation
footrests. They also come in different qualities (see above). This kind
of chair is meant for patients with hip and or knee problems like fractures
(and other orthopedic conditions) where they have to rest their leg(s) in
a raised position.
Reclining Wheelchair
A
reclining wheelchair as the name says has a reclining backrest. This model
usually comes with detachable features and qualities (see above). This chair
is meant for patients who are very weak and need to lie down/tilt backwards
quite frequently, or who have poor muscle control for their head and trunk
and therefore cannot sit upright.
Light Weight Wheelchair
There
are also light weight wheelchairs on the market, which are more expensive
due to the special types of wheels used. They often come in many colors.
These kind of chairs are often used for patients who still selfpropel but
have very little strength and of course for younger wheelchair riders.
The 3 in 1
The
3 in 1 is actually not a real wheelchair. It is a showerchair-commode-wheelchair
combination. Unlike a normal wheelchair which has its large wheels at the
back and the small casters in the front, the 3 in 1 is only equipped with
four small wheels. It is therefore not suitable for outside rides. This
chair is very suitable for small homes where the patient needs moderate
to maximum assistance and hardly goes outside the house. It comes in a detachable
model and is available in stainless steel and chrome.
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