Wheelchair Guide

Choosing the Right Pediatric Power Wheelchair

When people see a child who is confine on a wheelchair, the first word they usually think of is pity. But, this is not right! The child may perhaps be helpless but that is not what he or she needs. What that child need is a support and consideration, not sympathy.

Therefore, it is important that parents should consider their children’s mobility and independence. They may not be open about their feelings at all times, but for sure they want to be treated as normal. Parents, on the other hand should sensitive about this. They must provide their disabled children the independence they long for – by choosing the right wheelchair for them.

But what is the right wheelchair for children? The one that is suitable for children is a pediatric power wheelchair. This kind of wheelchair is propelled by electricity. It is used with the help of belt and gears.

Pediatric power wheelchairs are often expensive. They are also available in 3 essential models. They are:

1. Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs

This is the most popular in the pediatric power wheelchairs. They move faster but are difficult for turning.

2. Front-wheel drive wheelchairs

This has tighter turning capabilities. Most of this model has a slightly lower top pace compared to the rear-wheel because they have the tendency to turn very fast.

3. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs

This has the tightest turning capabilities of all the three pediatric power wheelchairs models. However, this tend to be unsteady when the user is about to stop or start. Mid-wheel has caster wheels at the back and an additional set of anti-tip wheels which may not be good in an uneven terrain.

Choosing a wheelchair for your children involve a huge consideration and concern. One of the most common concerns is the transportation. Many children will have a great benefit from using a power wheelchair if only the transportation concern is solved. It will not be good to lift your child and the chair for a couple of times everyday because both of you might develop back problems. The only solution to this is to choose for a lighter wheelchair with detachable hardware.

Other concerns in choosing a wheelchair for a child include lifestyle, terrain and the surroundings. So, if possible before choosing ask yourself any of these questions:

• Can your child be able to use the wheelchair at school? • What did the doctor tell you about his or her needs? • Will your child be comfortable with the wheelchair you like? • What does your child want?

Find answers to these questions and it will be easier for you to choose the kind of wheelchair for your child.

Talking about practicality, the best one should be the wheelchair which can grow with your child. This is an adjustable wheelchair. Most wheelchairs today can be adjusted by changing the brace supports found at the bottom. It can also be expanded by changing the frame sections at the front with a leg support. It can even last for ten to twelve years or even longer.

Lastly, maintenance of the wheelchair should be observed regularly. It should be washed, cleaned, and sprayed thoroughly with a cleaner. A careful check up of the entire wheelchair at least once a week will be great. Also, you have to check the hardware, tires, seat and the braking system if it is properly working. This is to make sure that your child is safe and protected at all times.

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