Wheelchair Guide

Factors to Consider on Manual Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs have different uses and also different types. Both the elderly and the disabled people seek the help of this equipment. Aside from the assistance they can ask from their caretakers, they still need a wheelchair for independence and mobility purposes.

Manual wheelchair is best for people who have reasonable upper body strength. In other words, this is recommended for people that still have the capability to move some parts of their body, especially their arms. Older people who have very limited ability to move are not advisable to use a manual wheelchair. It is better if they use the powered and electric wheelchairs.

This is a typical type of wheelchair that has been used during the earliest years because this is one of the pioneering types of wheelchairs that are available in the market before.

There are things which you need to consider before you purchase a manual wheelchair. It is not a simple decision that you will make. If you do not want to waste your money, it is better if you can follow these pointers.

1. Choose the right type of frame.

It is a common feature of the manual chair to have an X brace on the center part of the wheelchair. It enables the frame to be folded sideways. The manner of folding is easy but a manual wheelchair is usually heavier than the new versions that are available today. There are manual wheelchairs that have welded frame joints for more convenience. If you are traveling, it is important to look for better and lighter frames to make it more convenient for you.

2. Always prioritize the comfort of the patient.

Make sure that when you buy a manual wheelchair, it should fit the size of the person to use it. An angled footrest is an essential consideration. Usually, if it does not fit the user, there is a tendency that he or she will feel some discomfort. Thus, it can result to muscle disorders.

3. Do not miss the hand rim.

The hand rim is a vital part of the wheelchair. Do not overlook it because its diameter will greatly determine the propulsion. Too small a diameter can give a lot of speed to the wheelchair particularly on the flat surface, if not taken into consideration it can cause an accident.

4. Maintenance of the wheels.

Like the wheels of your cars, you need to look after the wheels of this equipment as well. Ensure that the wheels will provide for its steadiness. If the wheelchair will be used regularly, you need to do habitual monitoring of its wheels for security purposes.

5. Always check the balance on the front and back part of the wheelchair.

It will be harder to pull or push a manual wheelchair if it is not properly balanced. This can bring difficulty either to the user or to the caretaker.

Likewise, upon using the manual wheelchair you need to follow some safety measures. Do not let your life be at risk with the use of the manual wheelchair. Bear in mind that its purpose is always to make things easy for you and to give you comfort and not to put you in danger.

When you are now using a manual wheelchair, just make sure that its speed will not exceed that of brisk walking. You also need to inform the person seated on the wheelchair before you make an attempt to push the wheelchair.

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