If you happen to be suddenly disabled because of a tragic accident, illness, disease or for any other reason you might have to end up using a wheelchair for mobility. But, choosing the right wheelchair for their situation can be a bit overwhelming at first. To help you transition into your new life in a wheelchair, there are a few things you will need to consider before buying your wheelchair.
There are two basic kinds of wheelchairs, the regular ones that can be maneuvered by you or by someone else pushing and the powered wheelchairs, which have a motor to provide mobility. We will now take a closer look at these two types of wheelchairs and hope that this article makes your decision making process much easier.
Standard wheelchairs are sometimes called manual wheelchairs. You see them in hospitals, physical therapy clinics and are probably the most popular wheelchairs on the market. The standard wheelchair has two mobility options, it can be self-propelled or someone pushing from behind can move it.
The one benefit of these wheelchairs is that they are very affordable but for some disabled people it is not the most convenient option because it has to be controlled manually and there is a lot of exertion required to move and stop it.
They are not suitable for people who have disabilities that affect their arms like those with chronic arthritis. For those who might have a temporary injury to the arm and leg, this wheelchair would not be a good option.
Power wheelchairs are much easier to use compared to regular wheelchairs. A power wheelchair has a battery-powered motor, which provides the mobility and is controlled by a joystick in the arm rest of the wheelchair. The seat padding is usually better in these chairs, which makes for a much more comfortable ride for the user. Most come with foot and head rests.
Power chairs can be used outdoors or indoors. They are more expensive than the regular wheelchairs but the extra comfort it provides is worth it.
You will want to check to see how much of the cost your insurance will cover. This can significantly reduce the final price you pay for either chair.
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