Tips For Ensuring A Good Wheelchair Fit
by Julia Gregory
If a loved one has recently been injured and requires a wheelchair, then it is likely that a physician will provide you with a prescription to purchase the chair. However, it is not as easy as simply picking one up and using it. There are a wide variety of different options to choose from, and you will need to investigate the different ones to figure out what fits your loved one best. Keep reading to learn about some tips to help you.
Consider Measurements Carefully
There are a few different measurements to consider when looking at a wheelchair. These include the seat to floor height, the seat to arm height, and the width between the arms. Also, the seat dimensions can vary and so can the back of the chair. Footrests are variable as well, and you may want to look at how big the wheelchair is once it is folded up.
The variable measurements relate to your loved one's overall height. Also, specific measurements need to be made of the lower leg, upper leg, torso, and shoulder to palm.
Make sure to take these measurements and to give them to the wheelchair professional. This will help with the wheelchair fitting. If you cannot take measurements for some reason, then ask your loved one to sit in a general use or standard wheelchair. Look to see if your family member can reach the wheels comfortably with their hands. Investigate back height, seat width, and armrest location. Give a general description of how these elements fit or do not fit your loved one's size, so the wheelchair retailer can find the right product.
Additionally, you should understand that the average-sized wheelchair has a seat that is 18 inches wide. Specialty wheelchairs have an additional three to eight inches, so pay attention to whether or not your loved one has enough seat space.
Investigate Cushions
Standard wheelchairs have either a vinyl or fabric seat. These seats offer little comfort, especially if your loved one needs to sit in the chair for multiple hours each day. To help alleviate discomfort issues, make sure to invest in a wheelchair seat with a cushion. There are several types of these but most are made from foam, gel, or air.
Ask your loved one to try the cushions to make see which one feels best. Not only do the cushions provide comfort, but they can position your family member correctly in the seat. This is especially true of contoured cushions, and this can ensure that your loved one is fitted to the chair properly and is able to use without difficulty.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.