Wheelchairs come in every shape and size with sufficient options that you can find
wheels you like to take you where you want to go with assistance you need. To enhance comfort and convenience of your journey, choose accessories tailored to provide best support for your activities and your health concerns. A manual powered wheelchair is a good choice if you have reasonable upper body strength, but electric wheelchairs are preferred by people with upper body impairments. A manual chair could be suitable for years, but increasing age, pain, or fatigue might make it clear that it is time to switch to a motorized chair and save wear and tear on your body. If you are an active sportsperson, you’ll want a lightweight manual; if you live in an area with rough terrain, you’ll need wheels and tires that are up to job. For people whose problem is simply limited ability to walk or stand for long periods of time, motorized scooters are probably preferred choice. Once you have considered your needs and made your chair selection, check out wonderful choice of wheelchair accessories that can change your ride from good to great.
The Perfect Cushion is a Necessity not a Luxury
A good seat cushion for your chair is too important to be considered a luxury item and you should find one that fits your requirements exactly. A good cushion can save you not only from pressure sores but also from incorrect posture that can generate a variety of back and neck problems. If you have a neuromuscular disease, respiration, circulation and swallowing are also concerns that need to be addressed by correct posture, which means being supported by a good cushion.
1. Foam cushions are least expensive, are lightweight, and are available in a variety of densities. You can also cut and trim them if pressure problems develop. They will, however, lose their shape eventually, which, in itself, can create pressure problems. 2. Air floatation cushions will give you even pressure distribution and some models can be inflated to exact height needed. You can purchase them as single-chamber cushions or dual-chamber cushions that allow sides to be at different heights. They are lightweight and waterproof, but can, however, develop leaks or punctures. The pressure should be checked regularly. 3. Gel cushions are particularly comfortable and distribute pressure very evenly. They are heavier than foam or air, however, and it is important to check these products to make sure design you are considering will not allow gel to push out to sides and cause cushion to lose its shape.
A Wheelchair Ramp Gets You to Where You Want to Be
We’ve come a long way, baby, from days when it was difficult or impossible for wheelchair riders to gain entrance to most public buildings. There are now ramps, enlarged doorways, at least one large stall in most public restrooms, and areas in parking lot designated for handicap parking. There are older buildings, however, that have not yet made accommodation for mobile chairs, and, of course, most private homes are difficult to access with a wheelchair. You will need to travel by car or van on occasion, which means you need some kind of ramp, lift, or hoist to use with vehicle, and a lift in home may be necessary for a wheelchair user to access an upper floor. Fortunately, there is a wide range of new and used lifts, ramps and hoists, and you should be able to find a suitable product among many wheelchair accessories available for any situation you encounter.
