When it's time to shop for your first wheelchair, it may be difficult to figure out exactly what you want.
Unlike a century ago when "one size fit all", today there are many different styles of chairs designed for different types of disabilities.
From lightweight transport wheelchairs to get a person from here to there or a heavy-duty all-terrain electric chair, there are numerous features that need to be considered at the time the purchase is made, and the salesperson you deal with will have a lot of questions to ask you.
A wheelchair purchase is very specialized shopping, personalized for the person who will be using the chair.
Manual wheelchairs are those that need to be operated by the user or a caregiver.
They are lightweight and much easier to transport than heavy power chairs are.
Transport wheelchairs which are intended to move the person from the house to a doctor's appointment, the mall, or other places have four small wheels and extra light frames.
They are also narrower than standard chairs so that they will fit better into tight places.
Standard chairs, on the other hand, start at 35 pounds and up and are designed for use of four or less hours per day.
Basic models have stationary foot and arm rests although there are also models in which these things are movable.
Sport wheelchairs are another option when it comes to purchasing mobility products for someone who is disabled yet active.
More and more special athletes are participating in sports like basketball, track, baseball, and tennis, and they need a way to move around quickly and smoothly.
These chairs range from hand cycles to court chairs and racers depending on the needs of the individual.
Unfortunately, since these chairs are not considered medically necessary, Medicare will not pay for them.
There may be, however, some private funding available in your area.
Power chairs also come in many different styles.
Some are considered portable because they are designed to either fold or be dissembled easily.
However, these chairs generally start at around 100 pounds, so it's not just anyone who will be able to fold and lift them.
You can opt for smaller, indoor chairs that have tighter turning radii, chairs designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and heavy duty chairs for larger patients or use on rough, outdoor terrain.
Your wheelchair purchase will definitely be based on the person involved as well as the activities the chair will be used for.
Unlike a century ago when "one size fit all", today there are many different styles of chairs designed for different types of disabilities.
From lightweight transport wheelchairs to get a person from here to there or a heavy-duty all-terrain electric chair, there are numerous features that need to be considered at the time the purchase is made, and the salesperson you deal with will have a lot of questions to ask you.
A wheelchair purchase is very specialized shopping, personalized for the person who will be using the chair.
Manual wheelchairs are those that need to be operated by the user or a caregiver.
They are lightweight and much easier to transport than heavy power chairs are.
Transport wheelchairs which are intended to move the person from the house to a doctor's appointment, the mall, or other places have four small wheels and extra light frames.
They are also narrower than standard chairs so that they will fit better into tight places.
Standard chairs, on the other hand, start at 35 pounds and up and are designed for use of four or less hours per day.
Basic models have stationary foot and arm rests although there are also models in which these things are movable.
Sport wheelchairs are another option when it comes to purchasing mobility products for someone who is disabled yet active.
More and more special athletes are participating in sports like basketball, track, baseball, and tennis, and they need a way to move around quickly and smoothly.
These chairs range from hand cycles to court chairs and racers depending on the needs of the individual.
Unfortunately, since these chairs are not considered medically necessary, Medicare will not pay for them.
There may be, however, some private funding available in your area.
Power chairs also come in many different styles.
Some are considered portable because they are designed to either fold or be dissembled easily.
However, these chairs generally start at around 100 pounds, so it's not just anyone who will be able to fold and lift them.
You can opt for smaller, indoor chairs that have tighter turning radii, chairs designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and heavy duty chairs for larger patients or use on rough, outdoor terrain.
Your wheelchair purchase will definitely be based on the person involved as well as the activities the chair will be used for.
Source...