Wheelchairs and transport chairs enable those who are permanently or temporarily disabled to be more mobile, so that they can easily move around their homes and when out in public. With wheelchairs, disabled individuals can gain greater independence in the home and go more places with minimal assistance. If you or someone you love is in need of a transport chair or wheelchair, Walgreens can help you to get the ideal model for your or their needs at a competitive price. There are two main types of rolling chairs that are used as mobility aids: transport chairs and wheelchairs. Both types feature supports for the feet, arm rests and four wheels, but they are designed to be operated differently. Transport chairs are for pushing an injured or disabled person. This type is ideal for individuals who are unable to move the wheelchair on their own and must rely on a caregiver for assistance. Wheelchairs can be operated by pushing the large back wheels on either side of the chair or by using a hand control in the case of a power or motorized chair.
Many wheelchair models also have handles on the back, so that they can be pushed by a caregiver as well. Many different types of wheelchairs are available on the market to meet the needs of those who require a mobility aid. Some wheelchairs fold or collapse for easy transport when on the go, and this type may be called a folding or travel wheelchair. You can purchase wheelchairs that have reclining seats and leg supports and bars for providing extra support for the body. Bariatric wheelchairs are designed for individuals who require an extra strong mobility device to accommodate their body weight. When you're comparing wheelchairs to purchase for yourself or for a loved one, there are many things that you'll need to consider beyond what type is right for your needs. The size and turning radius will affect how easy it is to maneuver the wheelchair to do activities like playing sports and to navigate certain settings like crowded stores. Smaller chairs are generally easier to steer, but they can be less stable.
You'll also need to consider if the type of seat that the wheelchair has is adequate for supporting the body and is likely to protect the skin. The type of tires will determine which types of terrains the wheelchair will be able to safely travel. Your doctor can help you determine which wheelchair features are essential for ensuring your safety or the safety of your loved one. Depending on your needs or the needs of your loved one, you may wish to purchase wheelchair and transport chair accessories. Special seat pads and cushions can help to alleviate discomfort, improve posture and reduce the risk of pressure sores. Cup holders and storage solutions can be added to a wheelchair, and there are also trays and desks that can be used for writing, reading, eating and completing other tasks.At the end of this guide you should be able to determine the right type of wheelchair,also the size,weight capacity and the difference between various accessories such as a footrest or a legrest and elevating legrest,removable desk arm and full arm, foldable and non foldable wheelchairs etc
When shopping for a wheelchair the most important point in making your decision shouldn't be the price. Before we go into details of what needed to be done lets do a bit of introduction into wheelchair basics, this guide assume that most readers already know that a wheelchair is a mobility equipment specifically a chair with wheels that help users get from one point to another. Wheelchairs can be categorized into two different types, the manual and the powered wheelchairs the major difference between this two is in how they are propelled. These are the wheelchairs that require human effort to move it, it can be self propelled by the user or by a caregiver. In this category is also what is called a transport or travel chair which can only be used in the presence of a caregiver as it requires someone to push it by the handle. Wheelchair Transport / Travel Chair These are typically all wheelchairs that are propelled with the help of an electric motor, it has a joystick / remote control that is used to control the directions and speed of the chair and does not need anyone to push it.
There are also other form of powered mobility devices like the scooter.Wheelchairs or scooters come with four or three wheels and sometimes up to 6 wheels. What to look for in a wheelchair Most wheelchair features include but not the limited to: Large Step Tube End Cap Wheelchair specifications: These are very important information to consider when purchasing a wheelchair,the specifications of a wheelchair that you will buy depends on the structure and conditions of the intended user. The height, posture, weight and the structure of the intended user is very important in making the best decision as per the information provided by the dealer or manufacturer of the chair. Some of such information are discussed below. Seat Width: This can range anywhere from 14" to 30 inches , in some cases it has to be custom designed. This should not be confused with space between the arms. You should measure the patient bottom in the back when sitting on a flat surface. Space Between Arms: This is a very important piece of information as it determines whether the user can actually fit into the wheelchair, you can measure any chair that the intended user uses currently, measure it from arm to arm and this should be what you should look for in any wheelchair you are purchasing online.
Remember you won't be trying it before buying so becareful to make sure you get everything right. Seat Depth: The height of the user is very important when considering the depth of the chair, this is measured from the front of the seat to the back. You can use any chair at home that the user is already comfortable in to determine any of the specifications including seat depth.Or you measure the users back of buttocks to inside of knee when in seating position on a flat surface. Seat To Floor Height: This is measured from the floor to the seat, if it is too short the the users leg might be dragging on the floor while in use likewise if it is too long, the leg will be dangling so as you can see it has to be approximately perfect fit.If the user will be propelling the chair with their feet it is important to let the measurement refect this, in this case the patient feet must be able to touch the floor while sitting comfortably on the chair. Back Height: Measured from to of back upholstery to bottom, normally measured from inside wheelchair, this is also very important information you will need.
Measure user from the top of his/her shoulder to the bottom of the back side. Arm Style: There is full arm and desk arm, there is also fixed and removable the desk arm is those half arm that you see, this is good especially if you will be moving closer to doors, tables and others things. The full arm is the traditional arm you see in wheelchairs. Full Arm Desk Arm Front Riggings: Sometimes called footrest or legrest, there is a difference between the two, a footrest is just what it says, a device that is removable or fixed to rest your foot on, so it comes with a footplate. A legrest allow you to rest the whole leg including your foot so it has a place to rest your calf and your foot.It can be elevating or non elevating. It is important to buy the right one as this might cause more harm if it you needed a legrest to hang your leg up as a result of injury or illness. Your personal physician will decide best on this feature.
Footrest or legrests don't normally come with wheelchair unless otherwise stated. Product Weight: The actual weight of the wheelchair with or without the legrest, most lightweight wheelchairs are about 36 LB. Folding: Folding on non folding wheelchair determines whether you will be able to transport this around in a car or fold it for easy storage. Product Weight Capacity: This is the weight of the intended user that the wheelchair can conveniently handle. We generally advice that you buy a wheelchair that can handle at least more than 50Lb of your body weight. Overall Width: This is a very important information to know as it determines whether a wheelchair will fit through the smallest door in your home or at least through the most frequently used door. As a generally rule you can ask the dealer to measure the left outside wheels to the right outside wheels, measure the outermost parts of the wheels. If this is impossible then use the formula below. Transport Chair: add 3"-3 1/2" to seats widthWheelchair: Add minimum 8" to seat width
By now we believe we have answered most of the questions you might have regarding understanding the purchase of a wheelchair, you shouldn't have problem with determining the right type of wheelchair, size,weight capacity and the difference between various accessories, now you know that there is a difference between a footrest and a wheelchair.etc. Last but not the list you know that the cost of your wheelchair is not necessarily what it is advertised to be, your cost include the shipping , handling and insurance cost, in other word whatever come out of your pocket to have the wheelchair deliver to your home is your cost. That is why we offer free shipping on most of our item and low shipping charges on others, search our store now for your wheelchair and accessories, click on Wheelchair This information is provided for educational purposes only, we will not be responsible for any use or misuse of the advice so provided, it is better to consult your physician to determine the best wheelchair and also visit a local dealer to actually try one before buying online.