When the time arrives that a wheelchair is required for ourselves or for a family member, where do we start? And what we should be looking for?

There are so many types and brands available on the market.

Let start with some terminology to help understand the differences:

Self-Propelled wheelchairs

A wheelchair with large rear wheels for the user to push themselves.

Attendant-Propelled wheelchairs

A wheelchair with small rear wheels where a carer is required to push the user.

Off the shelf wheelchair

A wheelchair available pre-built with standard features, available for purchase at a store at an affordable price.

Scripted wheelchair

A specialised wheelchair that is individually prescribed and customised to suit a user’s need. This wheelchair would be scripted for a user who spends most of their time in a wheelchair. A scripted wheelchair is more expensive than an off the shelf wheelchair.

If you are looking for a wheelchair to take a user out shopping, dining or a medical appointment, the light weight folding wheelchair is a good options for the ease of lifting in and out of a car.

If you are looking for a wheelchair for day to day activities, a suitable starting point is to consider if an off the shelf wheelchair will suit. However, if the person requires a specific wheelchair, a scripted wheelchair would be an option.

A wheelchair is more than just a mobile chair. The correct seating posture is the most important thing for wheelchair selection.

What is the right size?

If a wheelchair is too narrow, the side of the wheelchair may rub against the person’s skin and may lead to pressure sore.

If a wheelchair is too wide, it will be more difficult to manoeuvrer and the person may lean on one side on the armrest. This poor posture may result in shoulder/back pain.

Do we need a good cushion?

Yes. No one likes to sit on a hard flat surface for more than half an hour without weight shifting. For a person in a wheelchair, a good cushion will help with comfort and pressure sore prevention. The cost of a basic wheelchair cushion starts from $65 but the cost of pressure sore is uncountable.

Does a wheelchair need to be serviced?

Yes. A wheelchair is just like any vehicle that needs to be looked after. When you purchase, be sure to check if local servicing is offered on your product. Your  local health care equipment shop can provide an ongoing service will keep your wheelchair in it’s best possible condition.

If you or your family wish to purchase a wheelchair, please feel free to come to see us at WILLAID HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT to discuss your requirements with our trained staff members.