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Manual Wheelchairs
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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Source: http://www.access4all.me.uk/
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